Week 37

Baby is the Size of Romaine Hearts

We are now a week into being full term and he seems to still be cozy in there.  I was hoping that he would just want to pop out early since he's good to go, but no such luck.  At my doctor's appointment this week I wasn't dilated yet, but his head is really low, so at least he's in position.  I'm eating as much pineapple as humanly possible, going on walks, and googling how to naturally start labor six times a day just in case any new suggestions pop up. 

37 weeks, 5 days

Baby H is practicing his skills for the real world-
inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping, and blinking

How far along? 37 weeks 

Maternity clothes?  My pants are too tight, my shirts are too short.  When I get dressed for work, I just cross my fingers that the elastic band on my pants isn't hanging out.   

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: I've adjusted to life with little sleep, so I go to sleep when I want and just pray that I can sleep for at least an hour at a time without having to get up and pee.  The worst part is changing positions at night because as soon as I roll this giant belly over, which takes longer than you'd think, and get comfortable I have to pee again.  I've seriously considered blowing up the air mattress and sleeping in the bathroom.  

Best moment(s) this week: 

-Seeing our maternity photos!  They turned out better than I imagined and I'm so glad we decided to capture this moment in our lives.  Our photographers are amazing and I can't wait for our newborn session because I know I'll love those even more!  With over 200 photos to choose from it's nearly impossible to pick favorites, but I posted some below for you to see.  I'm sure I'll post them all on Facebook by the end of the day.  

-Getting a pedicure with Mom!  She stopped by for a visit this weekend to see me one last time before the baby and treated me to a much needed pedicure.  I can't see, let alone reach, my toes so I've never been more in need of or desperate for a pedicure.  

Miss Anything? Being able to get off the couch or bed without looking like a blowfish flopping around on land.  

Movement: He's still moving in there and using his extra long legs to kick me in the same place repeatedly.  I have noticed that he's not as active as he used to be during the day, but he makes up for it in the evening. 

Food cravings: 

-Fruit- Pears and pineapple are my go to.

-Ice Cream-  I cried over a milkshake the other day.  It started with me reading some mommy post while I was in the car and when Mike looked over I was crying, like really crying.  When he asked if I was ok my response was, "You have to read this post… and this milkshake is just so good!"  Honestly, the milkshake wasn't even that good.     
Egg Salad- Lunch, dinner, snacks…bring it on. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Eating too much.  I've been eating small meals and snacking more throughout the day because I get full so quickly and feel terrible if I eat too much at once.  

Gender: Boy  

Labor Signs: My Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming even more frequent and occasionally painful, but nothing is turning into a pattern.  Sometimes my back hurts, sometimes it doesn't.  I've never wanted to experience pain so badly until now.  Hurry up Harrison! 

Symptoms:

-Sore Breasts- They have become really sensitive and painful to touch this week.

-Headaches- My headaches occur nightly, but are gone by morning.

-Leg Cramps- My legs have really been cramping up this week, especially in my left calf.

-Pelvic Pain- On top of the pressure, it feels like someone is taking a dull knife and stabbing me in my cervix.  I read online that this means the cervix is thinning and starting to dilate… obviously since I read it on the Internet it's true.  I guess we'll find out at my next appointment. 

-Cramps- I've starting feeling some cramping sensations with some of my Braxton Hicks contractions so I'm hoping that's a good sign.

-Shivering- The last two days or so, I've been shivering even though I'm not cold.  It only lasts for a couple minutes, but it seems like something worth mentioning.

Belly Button in or out? Almost flat. 

Wedding rings on or off? I can't wait to put my real diamond back on. 

Happy or Moody most of the time: I mean, I cried over a milkshake…

Looking forward to: Having this baby! I have been very relaxed and patient through this whole process, but I have reached capacity and my patience is gone.  C'mon little man! 

Week 36

Baby is the Size of a Honeydew

36 weeks, 4 days

All of his organ systems are developed, with the exception of his digestive system.
This will take place after birth. 

How far along? 36 weeks 

Maternity clothes?  I'm starting to run out of options here, so if you see me wear the same pants all week it's not due to putting off laundry duty (this time).  

Stretch marks? No

Sleep: Lots of post-work naps.  On Friday night, I was up for a solid four hours straight- it's so hard to sleep with all this anxiety and excitement! 

Best moment(s) this week: 

-Hearing from the doctor that at the end of this week (TODAY!) Harrison is full-term and could come any day now if he wanted to! 

-Spending time with my husband as a family of two.  With baby brain for the last 9+ months, it's hard to stop and remind myself that everything will change drastically from what we know in just a few short weeks, so I'm trying to do a better job of soaking up the time we have left as just us.  More snuggles on the couch, less worrying about cleaning, and lots of laughing.  

Miss Anything? I'm so ready for a large glass of wine.  I may have started stockpiling… 

Movement: Yes, and these are more uncomfortable each week as there is less amniotic fluid and room for him to move.   

Food cravings: 

-Orange Juice- I have at least a glass a day, and I'm usually not a big juice drinker.  

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Asian food is a turn-off at the moment.  

Gender: Boy  

Labor Signs: I am feeling and seeing more contractions each week.  My stomach gets super hard and looks likes a ball for about a minute various times throughout the day.  Sometimes they are uncomfortable, but usually I don't feel anything.  

Symptoms:

-So much anxiety-- I'm really starting to stress about labor.  I'm not afraid of giving birth, but I am so worried about where I'll be when it starts, what I'll do, and if I'll know.  

-Pelvic pressure- some days are worse than others.

-Peeing ALL. THE. TIME.  I go to the bathroom and by the time I get back to the couch I have to go again.  

- Pregnancy Brain- besides forgetting things, I feel like I can't focus on anything but this baby. 

-Feeling stiff and sore- either from sitting or standing too long.

-Swelling

-Thick hair- This one took a while, but I finally have that thick, strong hair everyone talks about during pregnancy.  Better late than never.  

Belly Button in or out? Almost gone, but still in!  

Wedding rings on or off? Off - I tried to put them back on this week, but that didn't work out.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: That depends on what organ my baby is sitting on…

Looking forward to: Showing you guys the nursery!  This is my favorite room in the house and walking into it puts a huge smile on my face.  There are a few changes I've made since the original photos were taken because I found amazing $3 wire baskets at Target, so those are the newest addition!  I hope you love it as much as I do.  Here it is!

 Feel free to ask for sources and let me know what you think! Only a few more weeks to go!

Week 35

Baby is the Size of a Bunch of Carrots 

Happy Harrison Year! 

It's official.  I'm miserable.  I no longer want to be pregnant. I'm ready for this kid to be evicted from my uterus.  I've been uncomfortable for the last few weeks, but being actually downright miserable started about halfway through this week.  I heard this was coming, but I've been having such a wonderful pregnancy that I couldn't imagine feeling this way, but the time has come.  On the night of January 1st, I started having some serious pain.  It was low in my pelvis and did not go away even when I changed positions or walked around.  I timed the contractions, but nothing became regular, and the pain subsided the following afternoon after a long, hot shower.  Since then, it feels like I'm carrying around a bowling ball between my legs.  There is an extreme amount of pressure, I have to pee more (how that's possible I'm not sure), and it looks like he's dropped.  I know my body was made for this, but I'm ready for my job to be done as a host and be promoted to mom.

In other news, we are now going to the doctor weekly for check-ups, including a cervical exam, so that's fun.  Mike and I also attended our 9-5 childbirth class this weekend.  I do feel more prepared after taking it, but it also reinforced my decision to get an epidural as soon as possible…and a brazilian.  I'm glad we know what to expect when we get to the hospital and all the procedures that will take place, but I'm still anxious about knowing when and where I'll actually start labor- I'm a planner, and the not knowing is really starting to get to me.  I'm finding it really hard to focus on anything except labor and the baby, so hopefully these next three to four weeks go by quickly at work so I can reduce some of my stress.

35 weeks, 1 day

Baby is descending into the pelvis for birth- OW!
He's between 18-19 inches and 5-6 lbs.  

How far along? 35 weeks 

Maternity clothes?  My maternity pants are getting tight.  This bump is out of control.  

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: I slept pretty well this week… If only I could stay on permanent vacation. 

Best moment(s) this week: 

-Finishing the nursery!  I'll post a nursery tour next week.  It's my favorite room in the house and I can't wait to bring Harrison home to it.  

-Celebrating NYE with my husband and friends.  NYE is one of my favorite holidays and typically Mike and I throw a dinner party, but this year we kept it low key and co-hosted a dessert and champagne (sparkling cider for me) gathering at our friend's house.  Last year, Mike's resolution was to start a family, and watching this resolution come to life through 2014 has made me fall even more in love with my husband.  He's going to be such a wonderful father and I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for our family, starting with Harrison (hopefully) making his debut this month.

He's dropped, right?! 

3, 2, 1…Happy New Year!   

Miss Anything? Feeling human.

Movement: Yes, usually him head butting or poking me right where it hurts.  

Food cravings: 

-Orange Juice 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Meat is still touch and go depending my mood. 

Gender: Hopefully still a boy or we have some changes to make in the nursery.    

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks, which are getting stronger and more frequent.  And my false alarm that I mentioned earlier.  

Symptoms:

-Sweating, especially at night.  I'm not one to sweat, but I've been waking up drenched in the middle of the night.  Thanks a lot, hormones.  
-Shortness of breath- this is getting better now that he is lower.

-Exhaustion

-Nesting

-ANXIETY- I'm really starting to freak out that I won't know when I go into labor

-Pelvic pain/pressure

-Swelling in my hands and feet 

Belly Button in or out? Slowly disappearing   

Wedding rings on or off? Off  

Happy or Moody most of the time: I'm not much of a happy camper these days. 

Looking forward to: Getting this child out of me.  I am very grateful to be having a healthy pregnancy, but I am so ready for this part to be over.