The Waiting Game: Week 40

And here were are, 40 weeks, and we're STILL waiting for our little man to arrive! Come on baby, your due date has come and passed... let's get this show on the road!

I am envious of all the mamas out there that went early or delivered on their due dates, because this waiting game is seriously the pits! What makes it worse is that I had the mindset that we would go early... and of course, here we are, almost a week late and still waiting... and it's torture, I tell you!

All in all, things could be much worse... I could be in a lot of pain and super uncomfortable, and thankfully I'm not. Physically, I feel pretty darn good for being 40+ weeks preggo. It's the mental game that's the worst.

But, we do have an end date in sight. The doctor said if I don't go into labor on my own we'll be induced next Tuesday, 7/14. I don't understand why they're letting me go 11 days past my due date... most people only have to wait a week max... but, alas, that's the plan. I would just REALLY like to go into labor on my own before then. Each day when I wake up I tell baby today is the DAY, but he doesn't seem to like to listen to his mama :) HA.

I had a doctor's appointment on Monday and they had to start doing non-stress tests (NST) since the baby is over due. I got hooked up to this machine where they monitored the baby's heartbeat, the baby's movement and my contractions... and baby was a little wiggle worm... so needless to say, we passed the NST in flying colors and baby is not in distress, which is great.

Unfortunately, I wasn't much more dilated :( They said last week I was "starting" to dilate and this week I was a full 1cm. The doctor was trying to help dilate me more, and let me tell you, OUCH. That was really painful... I guess it was just a small foreshadowing of the pain of labor! And, the doctors continue to say that they think baby will be in the high 7lbs, so we'll see!

Okay, enough of my complaining! Baby boy, I just can't wait to meet you!

And, here's my baby bump at 40 weeks.

40 weeks!

We tried to make the most of our 4th of July weekend. It was hard, just not knowing when (and if) the baby would arrive. But, we spent most of the weekend lounging by the pool... going out to eat... going for long walks...and spending time hanging out with family. Thankfully the weather was beautiful, so it was nice to spend some time outside! 

In baby land, baby's hair and nails continue to grow... he's continuing to pack on the ounces... and his lungs are continuing to develop as well. But, he is fully cooked and ready to arrive! 

How far along: 40 weeks

Baby's size:  Jackfruit (18.9 - 20.9 inches and 6.2 - 9.2lbs) 

Weight gain: 44 lbs

Symptoms: I've felt more pressure in my pelvic region and lower back, but it hasn't been terrible. Otherwise, same symptoms as last week: swollen hands and feet (it's been better this week as it's been cooler outside), achy joints, trouble sleeping, and the need to pee 24/7! I swear I pee every 30 minutes... ha :)

Pregnancy perks: I have to say, everyone has been very nice this week... from complete strangers saying I look great to family members and friends providing encouragement... and of course, my hubby! It's nice to have a support network to help get me through this waiting period.

Things I miss: I started cheating and drinking coffee again this week. Mama deserves something at this point! Baby is fully cooked, so a little caffeine now won't hurt him! But, I still can't wait for wine, sushi and deli meat! SO SOON! And, I can't wait to get back in shape and wear my "normal" clothes... I have like 3 outfits that fit right now and I keep rotating them... 

Food cravings: I am still hungry ALL of the time. I thought at the end of pregnancy you were supposed to "run out of room" in your stomach for food and the weight gain was supposed to slow down... Not so much for me! 

Labor Signs: I've definitely had more pressure in my pelvic region and I've felt more contractions... I hope that I'm dilating more and the baby will be here SOON!  

I can't wait to meet you baby! Let today be the DAY!

Still Pregnant: Week 39

And, here we are! 39 weeks! 3 more days until Baby Yant is due!

Will we make it to the end? I think so! Will we go late? I hope NOT! Ha :)

This waiting game is the WORST, but I am trying to make the best of it. I keep reminding myself to enjoy this time, because once baby arrives, our lives are going to be turned upside down! But, it's just so hard!

I'm just SO excited and anxious and (insert a million different emotions)!

I had another doctor's appointment this morning and we're making progress... I'm 100% effaced (cervix is thinned out), baby's dropped and head is low, and I'm 1 cm dilated. I was REALLY hoping to be like 3 or 4 cm dilated... but, it's something.

The doctor said we could go into labor any time... or he could hang on for a while longer... I'm really hoping it's the former :) Let's go baby boy!

Oh, and, the doctor asked if I've been having contractions. And I swear, I felt like 2 contractions 2 weeks ago, and that was it...otherwise it's been nada. And, I said no, I haven't really felt anything at all? Is that strange? And she goes, well, you're having contractions right now. WTF!? How do I not feel my own contractions? Haha. I think the doctor thinks I'm special...

I feel movement and sometimes it just seems like the baby is shifting positions... I mean I guess I feel a bit of tightening... and since she said that I was having contractions this morning, I've been feeling more "contractions" all day. SO, regardless, that's a good sign. YAY! Come on contractions.

39 weeks!

Baby is able to flex his limbs now, his brain is still rapidly developing and he's getting smarter by the week (and will continue to do so once he's born!) and his finger nails are probably longer than his fingers (ouch)!

How far along: 39 weeks

Baby's size:  WATERMELON (18.9 - 20.9 inches and 6.2 - 9.2lbs) 

Weight gain: 42 lbs

Symptoms: I honestly have to say that I've felt better these past 2 weeks (physically) than I did previous weeks... because baby has dropped and is putting less pressure on my sciatic nerve. Now, I can actually go for walks again (YAY!). But,  I'm still achy... and my fingers and feet are so FAT a.k.a. swollen! When it's humid out and I look down at my feet, it's scary! All I can think is elephant feet! elephant feet! They don't look like they belong to my body. Haha.

Pregnancy perks: Being able to go for walks again was a big perk this week... but knowing our little peanut is going to be here any day now is the GREATEST perk of all. 

Things I miss: Vino vino vino! SO close to wine and sushi... and deli meat... and coffee every day... yay! I miss not feeling huge. I miss wearing my wedding rings!

Food cravings: Basically the same as last week. I swear I've eaten a watermelon a week for the past few weeks! And, baked goods... I could eat a dozen muffins a day if you let me :) 

Labor Signs: Well, per my comments above, I guess I've been having contractions... let's hope they turn into the REAL thing, real soon! 

It's GO TIME baby boy! I can't wait to meet you!

Full Term: Week 37

And we made it to 37 weeks! Baby is now full term and would thrive if he were born today. YAY!

It's wild to think that he can come any day now!?! When are you going to get here little man? I would like some type of warning... maybe a sign that it's going to happen that day. Ha. I'm getting more and more nervous about going into labor when I'm at work.

If I go into labor when I'm downtown, my plan is to get an Uber and to take it to Hinsdale (where our hospital is located), but after my experience last night, it makes me a wee bit nervous...

I had a disastrous commute home last night. I couldn't get a cab because it was pouring, so I had to walk the 2 miles to the train station, and while I was walking and rain was blowing in my face, my umbrella broke (of course!). At that point I was already wet, so I said screw it, and just walked the rest of the way sans umbrella in the torrential downpour. It was not fun, to say the least, and I was completely soaked by the time I made it to Union Station. I just kept thinking, don't go into labor right now, don't go into labor... as that would have been REALLY bad. It was a nightmare downtown because of the Blackhawks game and NeoCon and the flash flooding... and of course, all the trains were delayed. SO, I'm thankful to say that I did NOT go into labor, and I made it home, and felt much better after a warm shower :)

BUT, just dealing with that being 9 months pregnant, really made me start to question how much longer I should be commuting downtown in my current state. I'm thinking this will be my last week working in the office, and next week I'll start working from home full-time until the baby arrives.

It's GO time baby, I'm ready for you! I can't wait to meet you!!! Now let's hurry up and get this show on the road!

I had a doctor's appointment on Thursday and they didn't check me for labor signs or dilation, which I thought was odd? They said everything looks good, baby is growing right on schedule, and they estimate he'll be in the high 7lbs if we go to 40 weeks. 

I don't have my next appointment until this Thursday, and I'm DYING to know if we're making any progress down there. I hope so!

37 weeks!

Baby has reached full term and he's developed his most crucial functions. He's practicing inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking. I know he'll get stronger and healthier the longer he stays in there, but I'm so excited, I just can't wait for him to get here!

How far along: 37 weeks

Baby's size:  WINTER MELON (18.9 - 20.9 inches and 6.2 - 9.2lbs) 

Weight gain: 38 lbs

Symptoms: Fat fingers and toes, the swelling continues. Especially with this crazy heat and humidity, it's like a wet blanket outside! My lower back hurts, but I had an awesome massage this weekend and that really helped. And, my belly button has been really itchy. Weird? I'm hanging in there, though.

Pregnancy perks: I have to say, this is the week that people have been the nicest to me. I had my first experience with a complete stranger coming up to me at Mariano's and touching my belly. It was a sweet, little old lady, so it was okay. And everywhere we went this weekend, someone would make a comment that I was glowing (i.e. sweating!) or looked adorable. SO, that made me feel good, since I feel like a whale. 

Things I miss: The countdown to WINE and SUSHI is ON! I can't wait to wear my normal clothes again (I know, it will probably be awhile) and I can't wait to sleep on my back... and sleep without being in pain, even if it is only in small stretches... I'm ready!

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: Watermelon! I've been really into fruit this week, especially since it's been so hot... watermelon, grapes, apples... ice cream (of course) and pizza!

Labor Signs: Nothing really. I've felt a bit crampy the past few nights, so we'll see? And, I've felt more pressure on my pelvic region. He's getting heavy!

Waddle Waddle: Week 36

21 days until our sweet little man arrives! I can't believe we only have 3 weeks to go (if that!) as baby could arrive any day now. YAY!

I've been hanging in there and doing my best to keep a positive attitude even though I'm not feeling the best... walking, or should I say waddling, has become my biggest challenge. The back pain continues, but I've found soaking in a bath and a heating pad do help give me some relief. The doctor said I could try physical therapy or get a massage to see if that helps... SO, I scheduled a massage for this weekend. YES, please!

We'll see if that helps, if nothing else, it will be nice to get a little pampering before the baby arrives!

We had our last baby class on Monday to learn about breastfeeding basics, so hypothetically, we should be all set :) Now, we'll see if we remember everything that we've learned. Ha. I feel good that we've at least gone through the classes and heard the information... and the rest is up to us to learn as we go!

And, we had our car seat inspection today, and we're A-okay! First of all, we had a heck of a time finding a location near us that does car seat safety inspection checks. I thought all fire stations did this? Nope! We went to the Pleasantview Fire Department (it's not far from us, and is actually right down the street from my doctor's office) and they were super helpful.

We're ready for you baby! When are you going to get here!?!

36 weeks!

Basically all of baby's systems, from circulatory to musculoskeletal are ready to go, except for digestion, which won't mature until after birth. His skin is getting smooth and soft and his gums are rigid. He's getting ready to make his big DEBUT (and so is his momma)!

How far along: 36 weeks

Baby's size:  HONEYDEW MELON (17.2 - 18.7 inches and 4.2 - 5.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 37 lbs

Symptoms: Swollen hands and feet. I can no longer wear my wedding rings... well, I can force them on, but then I'm afraid they won't come off, and I don't want them to have to cut them off, so I'm playing it safe and going sans rings. I still have bad lower back pain when I walk. It's fine when I'm sitting, so that's good, at least. My belly has been itchy... and, I feel HUGE. But, otherwise, I'm hanging in there!

Pregnancy perks: I just have my eye on the prize... baby boy will be here SO soon and all of this will be worth it!

Things I miss: I'm not going to lie, I'm getting pretty excited to drink some VINO soon! And eat sushi, and deli meat and drink coffee... wooohooo! 

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: Hmmmmm.... nothing in particular lately. Donuts (always good), ice cream, peanut butter, fruit, cheese, carbs... the usual...

Labor Signs: Well, I think I may have had some contractions last night!? I woke up in the middle of the night (per usual) and either the baby was going wild kicking or my uterus was contracting... I haven't felt contractions before, so I don't exactly know what to expect? I laid awake for a while waiting to see what happened... and they went away... so I'm not sure? We'll see what this next week brings!

The Need to Pee: Week 35

And we have less than 1 month until baby's due date! The final countdown is ON.

We are 35 weeks and I am getting uncomfortable. I now have to pee 50 times a day, my hands and feet are swollen, I have severe lower back pain every time I walk and I'm gaining weight like it's my job. FUN STUFF, I tell you!

The back pain is the worst, because I really like to walk, and I want to stay active... but now every time I take a step, I feel the severe pain. Boo :( I keep hoping that it will just go away? My doctor said it's my sciatic nerve and that it will probably go away after I have the baby.... joy, joy.

BUT, the end is in sight and we only have a few more weeks to go until we can meet our sweet baby boy! YAY!

We had our weekly check-up on Tuesday and everything looks good! Baby is head down, heart beat is a strong 130 bpm, and my cervix is still CLOSED. Good news all around :)

Everyone has been telling me that we're going to go early... but I'm starting to think that may not be the case... I'm just really hoping that we don't go LATE. Ha. When are you going to make your arrival little man!?! We shall see...

35 weeks!

This week baby is busy packing on the fat! He has probably reached his maximum length (apps say he's around 20 inches) but he'll continue to pack on 1-2 lbs (or more!) before birth.  His brain is also continuing to develop, but otherwise all systems are a go! I can't believe he'll be here SO soon!

How far along: 35 weeks

Baby's size:  COCONUT (17.2 - 18.7 inches and 4.2 - 5.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 36 lbs (baby must have had a massive growth spurt this week... or I'm majorly retaining water... but the scale has been rising quickly. NOT cool!)

Symptoms: Lower back pain. Swollen hands and feet. Frequent need to pee. I honestly feel fine when I'm sitting down... but when I have to walk around, it hurts :( Let's hope this feeling doesn't last long!

Pregnancy perks: Getting the nursery setup this week was a pretty awesome feeling and knowing that the end is in sight. We're SO close!

Things I miss: Walking without being in PAIN! Not having my feet look like they belong to a 200lb lady... being able to comfortable wear my wedding rings...

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: Still really into peanut butter... peanut butter & jelly, peanut butter and apples, chocolate and peanut butter... and all the usual suspects (cheese, pizza, yum yum!)

Labor Signs: Nada! Not a single contraction... we'll see what next week brings!

Sausage Toes: Week 34

36 days until our little man arrives! Woohoo! We are 34 weeks (going on 35) and hope the next few weeks cruise by!

I have reached a point in the pregnancy where I'm starting to get uncomfortable. The weather (it's been muggy and humid in Chicago) and my bulging belly have made things a bit more challenging... my 2.5 mile walk to work each morning is starting to get a bit unpleasant, to say the least :) BUT, I'm hanging in there...

We had our doctor's appointment last week and the doctor said everything looks good, but my belly was measuring small. She wanted us to get an ultrasound, just to make sure everything was okay with the little guy. Of course, that's never news that you want to hear, but I wasn't TOO worried. I could feel the baby moving like crazy, he had a strong heartbeat, and I was gaining weight (and plenty of it!) so I knew deep down that he was A-OK. But, I couldn't wait until we had the ultrasound for the doctor to confirm that.

We had our ultrasound last Thursday, and the doctor said that the baby was PERFECT! He was right on schedule in terms of his growth, and they estimated that he weighs 5 lbs! That's pretty big! Here are a few pics from the ultrasound.

It was SO wonderful to see his sweet little face again...

Looks at those chubby cheeks!

I knew he was doing some crazy moves in there!

My little chubbster!

He's smiling! Melts my heart :)

It was so reassuring to see him again! I'm SO in love already. I could just stare at his sweet little face all day :) And, it made me feel really good to know that he was growing right on schedule. If he keeps on this trajectory (gaining .5lbs per week) and we go until 40 weeks, he's going to be around 8lbs! Ha.

And, here's my 34 week bump:

34 weeks!

This week baby is listening to our conversations (and songs) and may be able to detect them when he's born! He testicles are making their descent from the abdomen (ha!), his intestines are maturing and baby's finger nails have reached the tips of his fingers.

He's getting ready to make his big debut. Only a few more weeks to go! Ah!

How far along: 34 weeks

Baby's size:  BUTTERNUT SQUASH (17.2 - 18.7 inches and 4.2 - 5.8lbs) but we know he's around 5lbs

Weight gain: 33 lbs 

Symptoms: My hands and feet have definitely been swollen this week. I think it's the combination of the heat and sitting at my desk at work... by the end of the day I look at my feet and they look like fat little sausages! SO weird. And, Lukas said I've started snoring... just lovely :) Otherwise, it's just getting harder to get around, put on my shoes, walk longer distances... All in all, I can't complain too much. I'm feeling pretty good!

Pregnancy perks: Seeing our sweet baby boy's face again! AHHH! Love him! It reminds me that the end is near... only a few more weeks to go!

Things I miss: Being able to do things without heaving my body around.... WINE (so soon!!!) and the forbidden foods. I can't wait to eat sushi!

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: Hmmmm... nothing unusual... pizza, anything cheesy carby, baked good, peanut butter chocolate ice cream :) Yummmm.

Labor Signs: Still nothing! But, when I had my ultrasound, the technician said "oh, good contraction!" and I didn't feel a thing... so I guess I've been having some Braxton Hicks contractions? Who knows?

Madison Baby Shower: Week 32

Only 50 days to go until my sweet baby boy arrives! YAY!!!

We are 32 weeks and counting... and time is FLYING! I blink and another week goes by.

My mom and my sisters threw us our first baby shower at Doolittle's Woodfire Grill (where my brother-in-law Michael works) in Madison, and it was just lovely! We got a ton of cute clothes and books and trinkets... baby boy is going to be one styling dude :)

Here are a few pictures from the day:

My sisters and my baby bump!

Me and my baby daddy!

My mom and her girls :)

My sisters-in-law and sweet baby nephew, Emmett!

My best girlfriends, Natalie and Lindsay!

It was such a special day all around. I felt all the love in the room for our baby boy and I couldn't contain my joy. I can't wait to meet my little man and be his momma!

We were also able to celebrate Mother's Day with my mom and Grandma while we were back, and that was really nice. When we were leaving, my mom made a comment... that this may be the last time I'll see everyone before we have the baby. OMG! For some reason, that made everything seem VERY real...

I have so many mixed emotions, as I can't wait to meet our baby, but at the same time, our life is going to change forever, and it's such a hard thing to process... I am so so excited for this next chapter to begin, but at the same time, I'm also sad to say good-bye to our current life. It's just a bit unnerving to not know what the future holds.

WHELP! Here's to our next big adventure!

32 weeks!

This week baby is busy at work practicing breathing, swallowing, kicking (lots of it!) and sucking. His lungs are going through further development and producing surfactin. He's putting on more fat (and so is his momma!), shedding lanugo and getting ready for his big debut.


How far along: 32 weeks

Baby's size:  SQUASH (15.2 - 16.7 inches and 2.5 - 3.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 30 lbs 

Symptoms: Sometimes I think the baby is going to burst out of my belly... he does these crazy maneuvers in there and it feels so ODD! Ha. Besides crazy baby movement, my hips and lower back have been achy, but otherwise I feel good. I actually might be sleeping a bit better this week, do I dare say!? 

Pregnancy perks: Our baby shower takes the cake this week! It made me (and baby) feel very special and loved :)

Things I miss: I'm hanging in there this week... of course I continue to miss my vino (and mimosas)... but it's been bearable knowing I only have a few weeks to go!

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood. Same old, same old.

Food cravings: I'm still really into the oatmeal and PB&J this week... also avocados, baked goods and anything carby... and for some reason today I HAD to have some Nutella... I don't know why it popped into my head... but luckily we have some, and it was indeed delicious :) 

Labor Signs: Nada! What are these Braxton Hicks contractions you speak of? Still haven't had any...

Tight Quarters: Week 31

We're 31 weeks! 8 weeks and 1 day to go... 57 days...

Oh, baby boy! You're going to be here before we know it.

Work has been REALLY busy (of course, it has to get crazy right before my maternity leave!) and the days are flying by. I feel like I blink and it's Friday, which is amazing, and scary... because we still have SO much to do! Ha.

We have our first baby shower in Madison this weekend and I'm beyond thrilled :) I can't wait to celebrate baby boy with some of my friends and family. It will be a such a sweet treat. And, it will be nice to be home to celebrate Mother's Day (for my mom). You don't celebrate Mother's Day if you're pregnant, right?

In other news, our crib and nursery furniture were supposed to arrive this week, but unfortunately they are delayed and won't arrive until May 22nd. Grrrrr... I'm dying not being able to work on our nursery! I just want to make sure I have enough time to get  it all ready before baby makes his appearance! Eeeek...

In other news, we had another check-up this week, and baby boy is healthy and growing right on schedule! I'm always curious what my "measurement" is when they measure my belly... and the doctor just tells me that everything is "normal" and right on track, which is wonderful to hear, of course. But how big is my belly!?! The only thing we need to keep in mind is that the baby hasn't turned yet, so he's still in breech position (his head is up and his feet are down). The doctor said not to worry about it, that babies are smart and he'll turn in the next few weeks.... but if he doesn't turn by week 36, then we have a problem. Come on baby, turn, turn, turn!

It's weird because I feel like he's constantly shifting and turning in there... it feel like he likes to lie horizontally... so maybe he's making his approach to turn. Ha.

I can tell that his quarters are getting tight and it's making us both a bit uncomfortable! He's learned to smush my lungs and kick me in the bladder, both of which are just lovely. I feel him move all of the time... and it's not that it hurts... but sometimes he can get in wacky position and it just feels so ODD.

The good news is, we're both GROWING. A lot.

31 weeks!

This week baby is going through major brain and nerve development. All five of his senses are now functioning... he can see, smell, hear, taste and touch. How cool is that!?! He keeps getting smarter and smarter. He's going to be our little genius :)

How far along: 31 weeks

Baby's size: PINEAPPLE (15.2 - 16.7 inches and 2.5 - 3.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 28 lbs 

Symptoms: My belly is getting heavier and baby is starting to smush my lungs at times... sometimes I wonder how he's going to keep growing in there? I've noticed that I have to walk slower and I can't be a speed racer anymore, otherwise I can't breathe. Ha. Sleeping continues to be difficult, but I have some good nights and some bad nights. But, overall, I continue to feel good for the most part!

Pregnancy perks: Now that I'm visibly pregnant and I'm not hiding my bump under a jacket anymore, I've noticed that people have been nicer to me... actually letting me board the train before them or allowing me the open seat.

Things I miss: Feeling skinny, not heaving my body out of bed... out of chairs.... WINE, coffee! SOON!

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood. Omg, one of my co-workers brought in fish yesterday, and the whole office reeked of seafood... I thought I was going to puke. Ugh!

Food cravings: I've all about my oatmeal and fruit this week. Blueberries, raspberries, bananas... Oh, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.... anything (and everything) chocolate peanut butter! I am hungry almost all of the time, so food in general is just SO. good!

Labor Signs: Still nothing... keep on cooking in there, little bun!

Clumsy Cathy: Week 30

I know that "pregnancy brain" is a symptom... but is becoming a major klutz also a side effect of pregnancy? In my case, it definitely is...

I have never been a very clumsy person, and boy, oh boy, I don't know what happened? I drop things ALL of the time... if Lukas tries to throw me something, forget about it... I don't know what it is, but I think my hand eye coordination is WAY off these days. HA. Hopefully that's a symptom that won't stick around after baby boy arrives :)

We are 30 weeks and counting! It feels really good to say we're in the 30's. The big 3-0. It's funny how time seems to drag on and on in the beginning of pregnancy, and now, time is FLYING... up until around week 24, it seemed to take forever to get to the next week. And now, I blink and another week has gone by.

This is WONDERFUL and terrifying at the same time! I am so so so excited to meet our little man, I can barely contain it... but at the same time, I am somewhat terrified. I have been feeling much better about things in general. I've been spending time with our baby nephew Emmett, and it feels good to get a little practice holding a newborn baby. But, there are so many unknowns that exist.

I'm just going to block them out and enjoy NOW. We only have 9 weeks left as a family of 2, so we better enjoy it while we can :)

We have been busy getting our house in order. Everything except for the nursery, that is. Unfortunately our crib and nursery furniture don't arrive until next week (it took 12 weeks for delivery). To all the other expecting mamas out there, take a friendly word of advice and order your crib early. Anyway, we installed some new lights, ceiling fans and rearranged some furniture this weekend, and the house is coming along nicely :) Lukas says that I'm in my "uber nesting" phase right now, and I won't argue with that!

In baby news, baby boy is growing, growing, growing...

30 weeks!

Baby is getting so big that when he moves around in my belly, my whole tummy shifts from one side to the other. It's such an awesome (and weird) feeling! It's so entertaining. When I get home, I sit on the couch and stare at my belly as he wiggles around... is that an arm? a leg? his head? I'm still trying to figure out how he's situated, but it seems like he's lying horizontally? When I sleep at night, I've started to feel him creep up toward my ribs, but otherwise he stays low throughout the day. His kicks and punches are quite powerful these days, but it's reassuring to know that he's an active little guy in there!

This week baby's brain is growing and getting wrinklier, and he is busy putting on weight. He'll gain 1/2 lb per week from here on out! How wild is that? I'm just worried to see how much I'll gain each week from here on out, ha :)

How far along: 30 weeks

Baby's size: CUCUMBER (15.2 - 16.7 inches and 2.5 - 3.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 26 lbs 

Symptoms: I have to say, I'm feeling better this week than I did last week. That Tdap vaccine really did a number on me and made me nauseous for a few days... thankfully, I'm feeling much better now! Albeit I'm getting bigger, achy and tired, I feel pretty darn good. I do notice that I get a bit out of breath on my walks (or going up stairs) and I have more indigestion (sensitive tummy), so I just need to be more conscious of what doesn't sit well with me.

Pregnancy perks: Knowing that the end is in sight... 2 months to go! I can do this!

Things I miss: Sleep (I have a feeling this will be constant theme for the next few years) but I've forgotten what it feels like to sleep through the night. In between pee breaks and shifting around to get comfortable, a solid night of sleep is a thing of the past.

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: I've been really into avocados this week (sooo good!) and I've been craving salad, ha! I also can't get enough Reese's peanut butter cups. YUM. And of course, carbs, carbs, carbs.

Labor Signs: Nothing yet!

My Hips Don't Lie: Week 29

29 weeks, here we go!

T-minus 71 days until our due date. Woohoo! Let the countdown begin :)

Let's see, what did we do this week...

I had a maternity massage last weekend at Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge, and it was pretty darn amazing... I don't know if you've ever been to the original Kohler Waters Spa at the American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, but THAT is the place to go. The sister spa in Burr Ridge was very nice, too, but it's got nothing on the original! We went to the original Kohler spa for our mini moon after we got married and it was AMAZING! (but super pricey!). I can't wait to go back there, hopefully someday soon :)

Anywho, my maternity massage was wonderful, except for one tiny fact... my masseuse did NOT stop talking for the entire 80 minute massage!? Now, I don't know about you, but when I get a massage it's a splurge, and I want absolute relaxation (i.e. no talking! just shut up and rub me!). SO, this lady was very nice, but she wanted to tell me all about her birth and how she became a mother... and how challenging and difficult it was... and how I'll never sleep again and my boobs will be really saggy and I'll lose all my friends... Way to help a pregnant lady relax! HA. I tried to tune her out and the massage felt great, but really... COME ON.

But, she did say that the baby is nestled right in my hips and I had a ton of tension there... which makes sense, given all the hip pain I've had, especially when I sleep, so it felt great to get some of that worked out. Now, if only I could afford to have a massage every week... preferably one without talking :)

In other news, since we're in the third trimester, I have a doctor's appointment every 2 weeks. I had my appointment on Tuesday, and the doc said all looks great! I passed my Glucose test (yay!) and baby boy has a strong heartbeat and is growing right on schedule. I had to get my Tdap vaccine (protects against tetanus, diptheria and whooping cough) and I forgot how sore that makes your arm! Ouch! My arm still hurts...

I've been feeling a little off since then (tired, achy, nauseous) which are some side effects (oh joy!) from the vaccine. At least I'm done with that!

AND, we had another child care class this week: Childcare 101! I really enjoy the classes and find it reassuring to be around other couples who are expecting their first baby. It's a helpful refresher to go through the basics and be able to ask questions. One woman raised her hand and said she's never been around a newborn before in her life... so that made me feel good... at least we're not the most clueless people there. Ha!

29 weeks!

Baby boy is growing! He's had a growth spurt and is up to 2.5 - 3.8lbs this week. It's crazy to think that he'll double (maybe even triple) in weight before he's born! This week he is busy putting on more fat and hiccuping... a lot... it's fun to feel my belly vibrate :)

How far along: 29 weeks

Baby's size: Acorn Squash (15.2 - 16.7 inches and 2.5 - 3.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 24 lbs 

Symptoms: Tired. I could probably take a nap everyday... my belly is getting heavier and the baby is putting more pressure on my bladder, which means I pee about 50 times a day. I think I'm carrying him really low, as he hasn't been up near my rib cage (thank goodness!), but my lower back and hips have been a bit achy. Overall, I feel good! Sleep is probably my biggest complaint... hello, sleepless nights!

Pregnancy perks: We were out and about this past weekend and I had a handful of people tell me they couldn't believe I was 29 weeks pregnant... SO, that's always nice to hear, especially when I'm feeling large and in charge! AND, I got a size C bra this weekend. Woohoo! Gotta enjoy these babies while they're here :) 

Things I miss: Sleeping, wine, fitting into my clothes. 

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: Frozen yogurt (could eat this every day!), Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream (from Oberweis! is the best), turkey burgers and CARBS. 

Labor Signs: Nothing yet!

Third Trimester, Let's Go!: Week 28

Hello, third trimester! I am SO happy to see you :)

Only 11 weeks to go until we can meet our little man. YAY!

I have to admit, I have been having some anxiety about his birth and about being a mom lately. Will I know what to do? Will I know how to nurse him and hold him? Will I be a good mom? How much is our life going to change? Will I ever sleep again...

I'm trying not to focus on all of that... as I know every new mom goes through something similar... but I'm such a planner and I want to be prepared for when he arrives and what I need to do. I just hope it all comes naturally :) And, in the meantime, I'm trying my best to relax. It will all work out.

Otherwise, we have been busy busy getting ready for our little boy. And yet, we still have SO much to do! We pulled the trigger and we bought a new car this weekend, so we have one less thing to worry about.

Say hello to Albie, our new Acura RDX (it's short for Albert).

Our new car!

Isn't he sharp?

After 4+ hours of negotiation at the dealership, we finally made a deal! Woohoo. And, we felt like we did a pretty good job. We went through the Costco Auto Program (they already pre-negotiate a low rate with certain dealers) and we negotiated an even LOWER rate... we don't know if the Finance Manager was just blowing smoke, or what, but he told us we got the best deal they've ever given on an RDX. He said if he would have known about it before the Sales Manager gave it to us, he wouldn't have approved it. HA. So, that made us feel pretty darn good :) We love a good deal.

Now that we bought the car, we can turn our focus back to the nursery and getting our house in order! 

I've still been feeling good overall. I've been tired, but we've been really busy. I feel like our weekends have been non-stop, so it's not wonder I'm pooped! And, here's the latest bump pic.

28 weeks!

Baby boy is growing! This week his lungs are more mature, so he's practicing breathing, hiccuping, coughing... he's also now blinking and dreaming in REM sleep. How cool is that? What are you dreaming about, little dude? And, he's putting on FAT. He's already pretty long, so now he just needs to bulk up before his arrival.

How far along: 28 weeks

Baby's size: EGGPLANT (13.6 - 14.8 inches and 1.5 to 2.5lbs) 

Weight gain: 23 lbs 

Symptoms: I've been tired, but otherwise I'm still feeling good overall. I haven't been swollen (knock on wood) or had too many aches and pains (beyond my hips when I'm sleeping). I've still been really active and walk 5 miles 3-4 times a week, so although I'm getting bigger, I'm still getting around pretty good. Let's hope this continues!

Pregnancy perks: Being in the THIRD TRIMESTER is pretty awesome! Knowing that the baby is basically fully developed and just needs some finishing touches, also makes me feel good.

Things I miss: I've been doing pretty good about keeping it in check. Although walking by all the patios on my walk home from work and seeing all the people enjoying their favorite beverages makes me jealous. Less than 3 months to go!

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: I haven't had any major cravings this week... if I see something and it sounds good, I want it. Sweets and chocolate are always at the top of my list. Ice cream. Carbs. You name it, I'll eat it. I definitely have a hearty appetite these days!

Labor Signs: None yet! I haven't felt any Braxton Hicks contractions or anything yet. 

Keep on keeping on, baby boy! We love you.