Weeks 37 & 38

I'm just so very tired. I am ready for this guy to arrive!

And by ready, I really do mean ready. His bag is packed, his bassinet is folded next to the bed, ready to hold him. His clothes have been washed in Ivory Snow, which is what I used for Morgan as well, and they are folded and put away. I have one more small load of last minute items to wash - my carseat/nursing cover, a couple little pairs of pants, a blanket, etc. Car seat is coming on Sunday, and will be installed on Sunday! My parents are even bringing the first batch of newborn diapers, so that's all done as well. I'm ready. We're alllll ready.

I am not looking forward to the birth. I want to see him, but am suddenly very aware that I'm going to be sliced open, organs out, in pain, and I've never had surgery before so I have no clue how my body will handle it.

Anyway. He's coming! And I'm trying to gracefully experience and enjoy the last week of being pregnant.

My next post will be our birth story :) Yay!

How far along: 38 weeks

Due Date: March 17, 2020, 39 weeks - Cesarean is BOOKED! We have to be there at 11 am. Still waiting for a call for more information, how to prepare, etc.

Baby is the size of a(n): Mini Watermelon

Total weight gain/loss: Around 25 lbs. I eat a lot of Oreo's. 

The Bump: Dropped, I think I'm as big as I'm getting.

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Pretty rough - he's moving a lot, which hurts. A lot of pelvic pressure. Movement is hard.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Cravings: Carbs

Sleep: Bad. I wake up several times a night to pee and can't get comfortable.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On. I'll just take them off before I go to the hospital, since I know they'll be pumping me up with all the fluids.

Exercise: Just walking. Slowly. But a lot of walking, about 2 hours a day.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes. Not telling.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: Lots, ow.

Maternity Clothes: 100% and they're a little short/snug.

Labor Signs: some, BH contractions. There have been some moments where I've wondered if I'm dilating. 

What I miss: my body. Not that I will have it back entirely, but just being me. 

Best Moment of the Week: Not working is glorious.

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Having a baby!

36 Weeks - 3 weeks to go!

Not much to report, just 3 weeks to go! I keep avoiding packing my bags, probably because I had to reorder my diaper bag since it mysteriously went missing. I seriously hope that it arrives in time because if not, that means that baby's stuff is going to the hospital in a shopping bag!


How far along: 36 weeks

Due Date: March 17, 2020, 39 weeks - Cesarean is BOOKED! We have to be there at 11 am.

Baby is the size of a(n): Bunch of kale... wtf? How about a tickle me elmo!

Total weight gain/loss: Around 20 lbs - I think I'm as heavy as I was around this time with Morgan, but was heavier when I conceived this time, so I gained less overall.

The Bump: Growing and huge. 

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Pretty rough - he's moving a lot, which hurts, and has moved into a transverse position, which is also painful!

Food Cravings/Aversions: Cravings: Carbs. Cookies. Carbs. I really need to reign that in this week.

Sleep: Bad. I wake up several times a night to pee and hip pain is back.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On. The swelling from last week has gone down.

Exercise: Just walking. Slowly.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes. Not telling.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: Lots, ow.

Maternity Clothes: 100% and they're a little short/snug.

Labor Signs: some, BH contractions. There have been some moments where I've wondered if I'm dilating. 

What I miss: my body. Not that I will have it back entirely, but just being me. 

Best Moment of the Week: Not working is glorious.

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Having a baby!

35 Weeks!

What an eventful week, comparatively. One, I finished work, which was an amazing and weird feeling. Two, I had my baby shower, which was bittersweet. I loved seeing everyone but I am really trying to tone down the clothes and such, and there were so many! It's okay though, the little guy is going to be the best dressed!

Also, due to the sheer volume of clothing and not much of the items I needed, I got to exercise my own shopping muscles and ended up dropping about $300 on necessities, which hurt the bank just a bit, considering I'll be on half my salary really soon! But I think I have just about everything I need now, at least for the early months. He'll still need a jolly jumper or something, and I'll need to pick up some 6+ months clothing.

As soon as my diaper bag comes in the mail (today?) I will pack everything up for the hospital - 4 weeks left!

How far along: 35 weeks

Due Date: March 17, 2020, 39 weeks - Cesarean is BOOKED! We have to be there at 11 am.

Baby is the size of a(n): Spaghetti Squash

Total weight gain/loss: Around 20 lbs - I think I'm as heavy as I was around this time with Morgan, but was heavier when I conceived this time, so I gained less overall.

The Bump: Growing and huge. 

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Pretty rough - he's moving a lot, which hurts, and has moved into a transverse position, which is also painful!

Food Cravings/Aversions: Cravings: Carbs. Cookies. Carbs. I really need to reign that in this week.

Sleep: Bad. I wake up several times a night to pee and hip pain is back.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On. The swelling from last week has gone down.

Exercise: Just walking. Slowly.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes. Not telling.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: Lots, ow.

Maternity Clothes: 100% and they're a little short/snug.

Labor Signs: some, BH contractions. There have been some moments where I've wondered if I'm dilating. 

What I miss: my body. Not that I will have it back entirely, but just being me. 

Best Moment of the Week: My last day of work! Also had my baby shower - tons of clothes, which is really sweet but I ended up having to drop about $300 on all the things I really did need on my registry!

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Having a baby!

34 Weeks - Almost Done Work!

I feel like I've been waiting for this week for forever, and now that it's here...yea I'm still stoked. No more work! Just two more days and then I'm done!

I am a little worried about money but that just means that I need to kick it into high gear to make some while I'm off, or at least by the time I'm done maternity leave.

Not much to say, I am booked for my C and happy about that. Beyond that, I'm just phonin' it in at work and trying to get as much done before I leave. After that I have to shift gears and start thinking like a stay at home mom and writer. Looking forward to it!

How far along: 34 weeks

Due Date: March 17, 2020, 39 weeks - Cesarean is BOOKED! We have to be there at 11 am.

Baby is the size of a(n): Pineapple 

Total weight gain/loss: Around 20 lbs - I think I'm as heavy as I was around this time with Morgan.

The Bump: Growing and huge. 

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Not too terrible this week, just getting out of breath easily and everything makes me tired. 

Food Cravings/Aversions: Cravings: Carbs. Cookies. Carbs.

Sleep: Bad. I wake up several times a night to pee. My knee pillow is helping though.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On. The swelling from last week has gone down.

Exercise: Just walking. Slowly.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes. Not telling.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: Lots, yes. His head is down apparently, but I think he shifts his bum back and forth. It hurts. 

Maternity Clothes: 100% and they're a little short/snug.

Labor Signs: some, BH contractions. There have been some moments where I've wondered if I'm dilating. 

What I miss: my body. Not that I will have it back entirely, but just being me. 

Best Moment of the Week: Getting my first baby gift :)

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: shopping and the baby shower. I'm also looking forward to being off work. 2 days left!!!

33 Weeks - Time Goes By SOOOO SLOWLLLYYY

Nothing eventful this week, although I do have my OB appointment on Thursday. I just have some questions like, how come they don't make me pee in a cup, like last time? Stuff like that.

I only have tomorrow and then Monday to Wednesday next week of work left and I am SO. PUMPED. I have just now realized that I need to start packing up my things!

I have started packing my hospital bag, just in case, and I think after the baby shower I will finish up my little list of necessities. I will be needing a few more items down the road, which I already knew from last time, but I'm going to wait to purchase those things until I have him and we're able to see what we really need. The name of the game this time is minimalism, since we ended up with way too much stuff last time!

How far along: 33 weeks

Due Date: March 17, 2020, 39 weeks - Cesarean is BOOKED!

Baby is the size of a(n): Butternut squash!

Total weight gain/loss: Weighed myself this morning and I believe I've gained about 20lbs. 

The Bump: Growing and huge. 

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Mostly just hip pain. I'm also really tired. I have been having dizzy spells and BH contractions. My hips hurt a ton after walking.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Cravings: Carbs. Cookies.

Sleep: Bad. Awful.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On. The swelling from last week has gone down.

Exercise: None, I'm just too uncomfortable. I've been walking a lot for a couple days a week with Morgan. I get pretty intense hip pain but I power through that. And my pelvis is experiencing a lot of pressure!

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes. Not telling.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: Lots, yes. It's in stretches of movement/no movement now, as he's sleeping longer.

Maternity Clothes: 100%

Labor Signs: some, BH contractions. There have been some moments where I've wondered if I'm dilating. 

What I miss: my body. Not that I will have it back entirely, but just being me. 

Best Moment of the Week: Getting a decent sleep last night!

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: shopping and the baby shower. I'm also looking forward to being off work. 2 weeks to go!

32 weeks!

Wrapping up a few loose ends at work and my word, I cannot WAIT to be done. I realize there may be a time in my life where I look back and miss my office days, but today is not that day!

This little guy (who is apparently starting to look pink and cute, according to my app) is kicking up a storm. I really hope he stays put until the cesarean - I can't have any surprises at this point! He seems quite healthy and active, and I really can't wait to meet him. There's the tiniest part of me that still feels nervous about something going wrong, but I'm doing my best to ignore that.

I'm getting a little worried about the baby shower - will people show? Will they have a nice time? Will we get all the things on our registry that we need? I know that in the end, all will be well, but worrying is in my nature.

Jared has booked off his time, and he's taking a whopping month off when baby arrives, which is so fantastic and not at all what we had last time. With Morgan he was back at work the next day and I was home with baby, trying to figure out this whole parenting thing. So glad we have each other to lean on now!

How far along: 32 weeks

Due Date: March 17, 2020, 39 weeks - Cesarean is BOOKED!

Baby is the size of a(n): cantaloupe

Total weight gain/loss: No idea. I believe around 10 lbs? The scale at the doctor's office hasn't budged.

The Bump: Growing! Kinda lower than last time too, which is neat. 

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Rib pain, nerve pain, back pain, hip pain. I'm also really tired. I have been having dizzy spells and BH contractions.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Carbs

Sleep: Bad. Awful.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On. but... yeah I'm pretty swollen and my right hand ring feels a little stuck!

Exercise: None, I'm just too uncomfortable. I've been walking a lot for a couple days a week with Morgan, I think it's both helpful and hard!

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes. Not telling.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: Lots, yes. It's in stretches of movement/no movement now, as he's sleeping longer.

Maternity Clothes: 100%

Labor Signs: some, BH contractions.

What I miss: not being pregnant. I'm trying to enjoy it because this is the last 7 weeks of this pregnancy and I'll never be pregnant again.

Best Moment of the Week: Realizing that I only have 3 weeks of work left. 

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: shopping and the baby shower. I'm also looking forward to being off work. 

31 Weeks - 8 to go!

It's been a good week, despite being unbelievably uncomfortable.

First, my cesarean was approved and booked, so that's stellar. The doctor was really supportive and said, yea he's really big! It's so strange to realize that he WILL be born on March 17, and we can like...make plans around that. Making plans makes me feel better. We will know what we're doing with Morgan, we will have everything packed, I can have a shower before I go, do my makeup, look presentable... I mean, wow. Wow!

It was not the reason I wanted a cesarean, but it's a bonus for sure.

Also, we got the shower invites out, and so far 6 people have accepted so that's cool. I've trimmed my registry a bit as I've realized that we won't need as much as I thought we would, at least not at the start. Like, a bottle rack? No. Also silly things like too many swaddles, etc - I've done this before. I know that's too much stuff.

So now I just have to plug along until I'm done, and I'll feel so much more prepared when we have the shower next month. Then I can grab anything else and get the completion discount, which is a bonus.

How far along: 31 weeks

Due Date: March 17, 2020 - Cesarean is BOOKED!

Baby is the size of a(n): coconut

Total weight gain/loss: No idea. I believe around 10 lbs? The scale at the doctor's office hasn't budged.

The Bump: Growing! Kinda lower than last time too, which is neat. 

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Rib pain, nerve pain, back pain, hip pain. I'm also really tired.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Carbs

Sleep: Bad. Awful.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On. but... yeah I'm pretty swollen and my right hand ring feels a little stuck!

Exercise: None, I'm just too uncomfortable.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes. Not telling.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: Lots, yes. It's in stretches of movement/no movement now, as he's sleeping longer.

Maternity Clothes: 100%

Labor Signs: some tightening, likely braxton hicks.

What I miss: not being pregnant. Yea! Still!

Best Moment of the Week: Booking my C! Finally!

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: shopping and the baby shower. I'm also looking forward to being off work. 

30 Weeks! Home Stretch!

Finally, 30 weeks. Just about 9 to go until my cesarean. Last time, I was so worried about the impending birth process that I think I enjoyed this last stretch a bit more, plus there was a lot of cleaning and preparing for the baby room. Now, the crib is (and has been) set up, and the room is mostly done, as he's sharing with his sister for now. Although I'm suddenly envisioning a baby room downstairs, and I can't say I mind the idea at all...

No - we are moving in the next couple of years!

What's left to do? Well, the baby shower is happening in February, invites have gone out. I have some anxiety looking at my list vs. the number of guests, as it's a lot and I know some will bring whatever they want, but it's okay! I have some time still to buy the necessities. So after the shower, I'll have to wash and put away all his clothes, set up his bassinet, swing, and I need to put together his little grow with me chair. And find the bumbo seat. Mostly though, he'll be pretty snug against me or in his bassinet/swing/lounger so I don't have to worry too much. I also have to wash some bottles because this little guy will hopefully be able to handle bottle and breast feeding!

Oh jeez. I have to pack our bags. Okay so maybe I do have lots to do still! I can at LEAST take care of mine right after the baby shower, and get his sorted out pretty soon as well.

How far along: 30 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2020 (aiming for an early cesarean around March 17!)

Baby is the size of a(n): bunch of broccoli (seriously, this is a weird measuring system)

Total weight gain/loss: No idea. I assume at least 15 - 20 lbs. I'll check...sometime.

The Bump: Growing slowly and steadily. He should be weighing around 3 lbs currently, though I suspect he's bigger than that.

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Rib pain, nerve pain, back pain, hip pain. I'm also really tired.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Carbs

Sleep: Bad again, but it's normal. I bought a knee pillow...which only sort of helped. I think.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On. I'm thinking I should probably take them off soon, I'm starting to swell a bit.

Exercise: A little, I have wanted to strengthen my arms a bit, maybe build up some muscle. I just don't have the energy.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes. Not telling.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: Lots, yes. 

Maternity Clothes: 100%

Labor Signs: some tightening, likely braxton hicks.

What I miss: not being pregnant. Yea! Still!

Best Moment of the Week: I can't really think of anything... it's been a good week, lots of time with my sweet little family. 

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: shopping and the baby shower. I'm also looking forward to being off work.

29 Weeks, and a million to go

I'm so very over being pregnant.

I know I'm lucky, and these last couple of weeks has reminded me how lucky I am to feel so many strong kicks from inside and to feel my healthy baby boy moving and living and thriving. I know this is my last pregnancy. I know that there are women who have high-risk pregnancies and are concerned every second of every day until the delivery.

I know!

But I'm tired and sore and over it. I can't help it. And it isn't that I'm not excited for this little boy to be a part of our family, because I am excited. I just want him here, in my arms, and I want my body back, what's left of it. I want my family to be complete.

How far along: 29 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2020 (aiming for an early cesarean around March 17!)

Baby is the size of a(n): cabbage?

Total weight gain/loss: No idea. I assume at least 15 - 20 lbs. I'll check...sometime.

The Bump: Growing slowly and steadily.

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Rib pain, nerve pain, etc. Now back pain too, yippie! Also my boobs are really, really sore.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Carbs

Sleep: Bad again, but it's normal.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On. I'm thinking I should probably take them off soon, I'm starting to swell a bit.

Exercise: A little, I have wanted to strengthen my arms a bit, maybe build up some muscle. I just don't have the energy.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes. Not telling.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: Lots, yes. 

Maternity Clothes: 100%

Labor Signs: None. 

What I miss: not being pregnant. Yea! Still!

Best Moment of the Week: Uhhh... I dunno. The weekend? 

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: shopping and the baby shower. I'm also looking forward to being off work.

28 Weeks - Hello Third Trimester!

Finally! The home stretch!

Things are starting to get just a tad uncomfortable. This little guy is stronger than Morgan was, from what I can remember.

I don't even know what to say. I'm tired.

How far along: 28 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2020 (aiming for an early cesarean around March 17!)

Baby is the size of a(n): lettuce

Total weight gain/loss: Roughly 10 - 15 lbs. I'm well under the max and he's a big boy so I don't mind.

The Bump: Growing slowly and steadily.

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Rib pain, nerve pain, etc.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Nothing really.

Sleep: Bad again, but it's normal.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On.

Exercise: A little, I have wanted to strengthen my arms a bit, maybe build up some muscle.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes. Not telling.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: Lots, yes. 

Maternity Clothes: 100%

Labor Signs: None. 

What I miss: not being pregnant. Yea! Still!

Best Moment of the Week: Christmas :)

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: shopping and the baby shower. I'm also looking forward to being off work.

27 Weeks!

I've been pregnant for sooooo looong.

I'm a bit late posting because Christmas, obviously. But yea I feel really frustrated with being so pregnant. I didn't feel this way last time! But it's just the first thing that everyone sees, the first thing they ask about, the first thing they question.

You feel like you're not a person anymore. And I have more than 2 months left. Still.

(Why does it seem like I've been saying I have 3 months to go for multiple months??)

The good news is that the little guy seems to be doing really well in there. Lots of movement, and he's growing well. I still have mild anxiety about what will happen when he's born - I hope he's okay!

Nothing left to do now but wait a bit. My next appointment is in January and I need to get my note, set up my medical leave, etc.


How far along: 27 weeks

Due Date: March 24, 2020 (aiming for an early cesarean around March 17!)

Baby is the size of a(n): cabbage

Total weight gain/loss: Roughly 10 - 15 lbs. I'm well under the max and he's a big boy so I don't mind.

The Bump: Growing slowly and steadily - I'm measuring large, no surprise. It's getting harder to put on shoes and bend down!

Symptoms/How I'm feeling: Rib pain, nerve pain, etc.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Nothing really.

Sleep: Bad again, but it's normal.

Weddings Rings On or Off: On.

Exercise: A little, I have wanted to strengthen my arms a bit, maybe build up some muscle.

Any Names Picked Out Yet: Yes. Not telling.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: Lots, yes. 

Maternity Clothes: 100%

Labor Signs: None. 

What I miss: not being pregnant. Yea! Still!

Best Moment of the Week: Christmas :)

What I’m excited about/looking forward to: shopping and the baby shower. I'm also looking forward to being off work.