36 Week Pregnancy Blog

36 Week Pregnancy Blog -- 9th Month!

Written on August 13, 2016

How far along? 36 weeks 6 days -- so close!

Baby: The baby is still packing on the pounds at the rate of about an ounce a day! She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long (about the size of a head of romaine lettuce or a large cantaloupe). I went to the doctor this week and baby girl weighed 5 lbs! She is still very small, but she gained a little over a pound in 2 weeks, so that's a huge praise! Oreo is shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body, as well as, the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during the nine-month amniotic bath. The baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, that will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

Total Weight Gain: I've gained 19 lbs (125). I'm happy with this and the baby has grown a lot, so it makes the weight gain worth it! I'm trying to gain a little more before she's born, so that hopefully she will hit the 6 lb. mark. Either way, I'm not going crazy but I know this is the end and I'm trying to give her as much nutrition as possible while she's still in the womb.

Thyroid: I got my thyroid levels tested last week and was happy with the results. The baby is getting the perfect amount of thyroid hormone and my levels were great as well. It's taken my entire pregnancy to finally get my dosage right, and of course it will change after I have the baby very soon! But I'm thankful to go into these final weeks knowing my thyroid is right where it needs to be.

Activity: Thankfully, I have still been able to remain fairly active. Im definitely not overdoing it, but we've been going on family walks more and I'm enjoying moving around. Im also trying to rest as much as possible, but that seems like an impossible task. Between having a toddler and major nesting, I struggle with slowing down. I am having more Braxton Hicks when I am up and moving around. My uterus tightens often when I'm up and about.

Stretch Marks: Still applying lotion consistently and I think I may have a stretch mark or two. I honestly can't fully tell because my skill is so stretched out! But I'm proud of myself for keeping up the stretch mark cream routine this second time around. It's a pain, but so worth it. My belly button is officially an outie (and has been since the beginning of the 3rd trimester!).

Sleep: I've been sleeping okay. For a while I had been sleeping really hard. I wasn't sleeping for super long periods of time, but I was getting quality sleep. This week I've had so much on my mind that I can't seem to relax. I still wake up multiple times each night (get a snack) and just browse my phone. I'm on edge about everything going on and I struggle to turn my brain off. I am definitely tired.

Miss Anything? Overall, I will really miss being pregnant. I've truly loved it despite all the complications I've had. Currently, the only thing I will not miss is always having to be monitored. I am going to 3 different doctors and having 3 appointments each week. It's just a lot. The anxiety of each appointment weighs on me and wears me down. I'm very ready for this sweet girl to arrive! 

Best Moment of the Week: Josh took maternity pictures of me, baby girl, and Grayson this week. I love them so much and will always cherish them! Also, I had a positive doctor's visit and wasn't induced. If the baby didn't grow enough, I would have been induced at 36 weeks. Thankfully the baby did grow (although she's still only in the 13th percentile), so I was allowed to keep going with the pregnancy. The big news this week is that I will most likely be induced between 38.5-39 weeks. The baby is still very small and my doctor doesn't want me to go past 39 weeks. It feels good to have a plan in place although I hope o make it to my induction without going into labor my own. We will see what happens! Personally I like a planned induction because it's just that -- planned. But this pregnancy has never gone as planned so I wouldn't be shocked if I am driving to the hospital at 3am in active labor sometime soon. 

Movement: This child is ridiculously active! I feel movement all day long and multiple times each hour. Lots of hiccups, kicks, and booty shaking. She's everywhere all the time. She moves much more than Grayson ever did. In all of her ultrasounds, the baby always has her foot in her mouth or is playing with her foot. That has continued and I can definitely feel it! I can feel her much more distinctly than I could feel Grayson. I can feel body parts and tell her positioning very easily. The baby has definitely grown and is getting higher and higher up my belly. I'm soaking in and loving each and every movement. I'll miss that the most. It's so special having this time with just me and her. I'm enjoying not having to share her yet ;)

Food Cravings: Sweets. I've started giving in more too and am eating more sweets. Ice cream has been my guilty pleasure. I can't have it in the house or else I just eat it all! I've still been focusing a lot on eating protein, but I've also just been trying to eat good, quality meals and eat often. I started drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea and taking Primrose Oil this week. These two things are not supposed to bring on labor, but they are supposed to help tone your uterus and get your body ready for birth. There is research supporting both sides (that it helps and that it does nothing), but the tea tastes yummy and it's all good for you, so I figure why not give it a shot? It can't hurt! I did them both with Grayson last time around and had a fairly smooth labor and delivery. 

Anything making you queasy or sick?Nope.

Gender: Girl!

Symptoms: More pressure/pain/back pain with the baby getting bigger, trouble getting comfortable when sleeping, Braxron Hicks increasing in frequency especially when I'm active, always thirsty, upset stomach, loss of mucus plug, moving more slowly, and having to pee more often.

Happy or moody: Excitwd and anxious about all of the unknown details!

Looking forward to: Our church is throwing us a baby shower tomorrow! It's the first one for baby girl and I'm really excited! 

35 Week Pregnancy Blog

35 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on August 6, 2016

How far along? 35 weeks 6 days -- 1 week until I am considered full-term! 

Baby: The baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (the size of a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in my womb, the baby isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. The kidneys are fully developed now, and the liver can process some waste products. Most of the basic physical development is now complete — Oreo will spend the next few weeks putting on weight. (Hopefully!) 

Total Weight Gain: This week I fluctuated between 123-124 lbs. (17-18 lb. weight gain). Weight gain has been a struggle this week. I am finally putting on some weight and while I'm super happy about that for the baby's sake, it's still hard seeing the scale continue to go up. I've been trying my best to eat lots of protein and just more calories in general. I'm not as hungry a lot of the time, but I'm forcing myself to eat anyways. Super hard but worth it for the baby! I think the baby is sitting on my stomach because I'm just not as hungry and I get full so quickly. My tummy has also been off all week which doesn't help the situation. I'm praying all this extra eating pays off at my specialist appointment on Tuesday when they weigh the baby. I'm looking forward to the weight gain part of all this being over. Gaining weight is no fun, but not gaining any is hazardous to my tiny baby at this point! I'm getting my thyroid levels tested this week, so I am very anxious to see how they are doing. 

Maternity Clothes: I feel like my belly has definitely grown and the maternity clothes are fitting better and better. My belly is looking big to me these days! I'm excited to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again. I'm over maternity clothes, but they are still working for me as of now. Just bored of the selection. 

Stretch Marks: Still being consistent with applying lotion once in the morning and once at night and so far. I don't think I have many stretch marks, but it's kind of hard to tell with my skin being so stretched out!

Sleep: I slept better this week! I still woke up some during the night, but I have been sleeping like a rock. I'm completely exhausted! Third trimester has hit me hard this time around, as far as, being tired goes. Between getting over a sinus infection, running after Grayson, the stress of a high-risk pregnancy, and constantly being on-the-go, I'm beat at the end of each day! I didn't nap any this week either :( We were way too busy!

Miss Anything? I've been so stressed and overwhelmed by this high-risk pregnancy. I'm looking forward to her being here and not having to worry about this part any more. 

Best Moment of the Week: This week was great! I got my hospital bag packed, freezer meals done, the playground in our backyard finished, got my new breast pump, and had 2 good doctor's appointments. The specialist didn't end up weighing the baby this week, so all they checked was blood flow and fluid levels at my Tuesday appointment. My second non-stress test also went well on Friday. Tuesday is the big day as far as growth and weight gain is concerned. Praying she's doing okay! 

Movement: Baby girl is still super active! The non-stress tests have actually been a struggle because she moves so often that they struggle to get her heart rate. I love that she moves so much and I'm so thankful for it! Her movements are strong and powerful! She constantly kicks and loves to eat her feet (low kicks). She also moves her booty and belly a lot. Can't wait to meet this active princess! I have a feeling she is going to be just as wild outside the womb as she is inside. Firecracker!

Food Cravings: My new protein source this week was cottage cheese! We had a lot of church get togethers this week, so I had a bunch of different foods. I've been eating heavier meals this week in hopes to gain weight. No particular cravings. 

Anything making you queasy or sick?No.

Gender: GIRL!

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks especially when I'm active, very tired, always thirsty, extremely moody, nesting, constipation and upset stomach, and dark freckle forming on my lip. 

Happy or moody: So moody!

Looking forward to: My doctor's appointment this week where they will weigh the baby, getting my necklace with my children's names engraved on it, and last minute baby prep! 

34 Week Pregnancy Blog

34 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on July 30, 2016

Hello there, August! I cannot believe we are so close to meeting our little girl and that this could easily be her birth month! While excitement fills the air, this was also a very difficult week for me. Stress and anxiety creep in as I'm now having to see the high-risk specialist twice a week until the end of this pregnancy due to baby girl's growth {or lack thereof} issues. Early induction is a definite possibility and I can't express how scared I am. So many fears come with the unknown and any mother knows how hard it is to control your worry when it comes to your children. Leaning on the Lord and trusting Him {once again} to get our little girl here safe and sound. It's been a LONG pregnancy and one heck of a ride, but God has been so faithful in her life already and I know He will continue to be. Please pray for our little fighter...she may be small, but she is fierce! 👊🏻💜🎀 

How far along? 34 weeks 6 days -- 2 weeks until I hit the 37 week mark which is my doctor's goal for this baby!

                       34 Week Bump!

Baby: The baby is now supposed to weigh about 4 3/4 pounds (about the size of a cantaloupe) and be almost 18 inches long. Unfortunately, baby girl is measuring small coming in at 3 lbs. 14 oz. She only gained 3 oz. over the past 2 weeks which is why I'm being seen much more often by the specialist from here forward. The fat layers — which will help regulate body temperature once the baby is born — are filling out, making the baby rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. The central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well.

Total Weight Gain: This week I gained gained 16-17 lbs. After learning that she hasn't grown much at my appointment on Wednesday, I have started eating much more. I've already greatly increased my protein, but also starting to really increase my calories as well. If it's really a placenta issue, none of this will really help the baby's growth (hence the early induction), but at this point I'm trying everything I can!

Maternity Clothes: Still sporting a lot of the same stuff!

Stretch Marks: Still being consistent with applying the thicker cream once in the morning and once at night! No new stretch marks from what I can tell. 

Sleep: I'm still waking up multiple times a night, but I've been sleeping really hard. I've felt absolutely exhausted this week! I've been fighting a sinus infection for a few weeks now and that's really worn me out. Between being sick, taking care of Grayson, and all the stress of a high-risk pregnancy, I've just been worn out this week. I've been napping a lot more. I have moments where I can't keep me eyes open or I start to feel sick or just terrible and need to sleep ASAP. I can't seem to get enough rest!

Miss Anything? This has been a very emotional and stressful week for me. The complications were so bad in the beginning of this pregnancy and it was so hard. The past few months have been so much better, but now that additional complications are back, I'm so ready for all this to be over. I hate to say that because I still LOVE being pregnant and have felt great for the most part, but the complications are so hard to deal with sometimes. I can't wait to meet our girl -- but I want her to stay in there until it's safest and healthiest for her to come out! ;)

Best Moment of the Week: We had another busy week filled with getting things done, doctor's appointments, and spending some time with friends! We now have baby's car seat installed (it's so weird having 2 of them in the back seat!) and we have a secondary crib for her as well. She will be getting Grayson's eventually, but we have a backup crib for now. The best moment of the week was probably purchasing a new car! Josh's car has been on the brink of death for a long time and we are so excited to have a safe family car for baby sister's arrival!

Movement: The baby is still super active! At her non-stress test on Friday, she moved around so much that the test took double the time. They kept losing her heart beat and having to adjust the monitors. The doctor even commented on how crazy the baby was! Haha! I'm so thankful she's still active and happy in there though. During her ultrasound this week, she had her foot literally on her face and her hand was grabbing at her foot. I keep feeling kicks super low which was confusing because each time they check she's head down, but now I know that she's constantly playing with her foot which is why I'm feeling the low kicks! The tech commented on how strong her kicks and movements are. She's wild already and I love it! 

Food Cravings: Still loving sweets! Enjoyed homemade peach cobbler and ice cream (made by me!), homemade chocolate chip cookies, cake, homemade peach and strawberry ice cream and Dairy Queen ice cream this week. All were delicious! Also, I've been continuing to eat a lot of protein and trying to eat more meat! Chick-Fil-A chicken has (and always does) hit the spot this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick?No, but I did have a dizzy spell this weekend that was a little scary. It was very hot outside and I hadn't had enough to drink. All of the sudden, I felt like o was going to pass out. I had to immediately sit down and I was very light headed with blurry vision. Once I got some ice water, a cold rag, and into the air conditioning, I felt much better! I actually passed out when I was pregnant with Grayson, so I was fearful of that happening again. Thankfully I caught it quickly and prevented it.

Gender: Girl! :)

Symptoms: Dizziness, nesting, always thirsty, consistent Braxton Hicks (they are getting more painful), round ligament pain, exhausted, constipation, and pregnancy insomnia.

Happy or moody: Moody and stressed!

Looking forward to: Getting Grayson's "Big Brother" shirt in that I ordered, finishing up some nursery preparation, and seeing how my doctor's appointments go this week! 

33 Week Pregnancy Blog

33 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on July 23, 2016 

How far along? 33 weeks 6 days

Baby: This week Oreo weighs about 4.5 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark (the size of a pineapple!). The baby is rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and the skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

Total Weight Gain: Still holding down the 15-16 lb. weight gain! The baby feel like she's grown, so I'm excited to see what she weighs at her appointment this week!

Maternity Clothes: I feel like I'm really just going for comfy these days. Lots of baggy t-shirts that fit my belly, staple maternity tops, and comfy shorts. I'm rarely dressing up or even putting together any kind of "nice" outfit. It's hot and I'm far enough along that I just want to be comfy in my t-shirt, Soffe shorts, and flip flops!

Stretch Marks: Still being consistent with the lotions and so far, very few stretch marks to report! I have this little patch where a few started showing up weeks back, but they don't seem to be worsening or spreading. The area is very low and it's hard for me to even see it at this point without a mirror! 

Sleep: Unfortunately, I've been fighting off a cold for a few weeks now. This week it went from a cold to what feels like a sinus infection. I've been sleeping really hard and been taking naps almost every day. I'm absolutely exhausted from taking care of Grayson, being in major "get it done/nesting" mode, and feeling awful. I'm thankful for the rest, but I wish it weren't because I was sick.

Miss Anything? Besides not feeling well, I've had a good week! I guess I miss having a stronger immunity system that seems to be lowered during pregnancy. I got sick when I was pregnant with Grayson too and it just takes me a really long time to finally kick it!

Best Moment of the Week: We had another super productive week! I am loving constantly checking things off the to-do list. The baby's nursery is almost completely out together, so that was probably the highlight for me. I had a moment where I was standing in there looking at how beautiful it was and was almost in tears. We are just so excited for her arrival and can't believe she's almost here! I'm thrilled with how the room turned out too...so perfect! I also ordered a beautiful picture for her room that I'm super excited about.

Movement: The baby has very active moments and not so active moments. There were a few days this week where she was moving all day and almost looked like a alien flopping around in my stomach! Then there were a few days where she wasn't moving as much and I really had to work to see any movement. I know she's running out of room, so she won't be flipping around much, but she still kicks all the time. I am still feeling her body parts very distinctly and I love it! I feel her feet and heels kicking me most often. I feel like I'm almost holding her foot through my skin...it's crazy amazing!

Food Cravings: Still loving sweets! I really like my peanut butter and chocolate protein bars and my rich chocolate protein shake. I've been trying really hard to keep up with my protein intake. I've been eating Greek yogurt almost every day and trying to make sure my snacks are protein filled. My guilty pleasure this week was Oreos and peanut butter...SO good! I've had a few days where I've indulged a little more, but I'm still staying on track for the most part!

Anything making you queasy or sick?No.

Gender: Girl! My best friend gave her a bunch of bows and got me even more excited about having a little girl. Her room colors are purple and gray and I love being in there. It's so pretty to me! I also ordered her baby monitor this week and it should be here tomorrow!

Symptoms: Having Braxton Hicks much more frequently, back pain, very thirsty all the time, tummy issues, and tired. Nesting is been crazy...My head has been spinning with lists and trying to have everything perfect for when the baby gets here! Between moving and preparing for her, there's all sorts of things that always need to be done. 

Happy or moody: Moody/Stressed about getting everything done before the baby arrives!

Looking forward to: My doctors appointments this week (specialist and OBGYN) and continuing to work on our to-do list! We also have friends coming to visit on Saturday, so that should be fun!