38 Week Preggie Update

According to my apps, Baby B is about 19-22 inches and about 6.5-7 pounds.  Sometimes I feel like he/she is on the bigger end because I feel so heavy and every movement he/she makes feels like he/she is planning it's escape route through my belly!  Baby B is also loosing it's vernix and lanugo and developing soft, baby skin and still accumulating fat.  The lungs are also fully developed this week. 

This 38th week has been a doozy for sure!  I don't think I've been in as much pain throughout this whole pregnancy.  I know they say the last 2 weeks are the worst...and I can't say that I disagree with that!! I can't seem to get comfortable at all and I toss and turn the whole night, even in the chair.  

UPDATE 10-10: I've had a A LOT of pressure today...more than I have before!  I will be 39 weeks tomorrow.

I went to the OB this week and Baby B is doing well.  She also checked me again and I am still sitting at 3cm dilated with a thinned out cervix.  Next week when I go, she will be doing a membrane sweep.  This is when the doctor separates the cervix from the amniotic sac so that the hormones for labor start to be released.  She made the comment that she has a feeling that when she does this, I may end up going into labor soon after since I'm already dilated.  I'm hoping that's the case.  Some women continue to see no progress after it's done, so, we'll see!  I packed my bag about 2 weeks ago (I'll have a post about that as well) so I'm ready!!

At this point, it's just a waiting game.  Thursday is my last day at work and I still have so much to do workwise.  The nursery is finally done and we're just waiting to put a baby in there.   To think, I could be a Mommy as early as next week sometime!!  I know these last couple of weeks have seemed like I'm complaining, but even through it all, I am still very grateful to be able to embark on this journey.  Pregnancy has been an amazing thing to experience...especially with my amazing husband!

Bump Pics

                          

      

What Fruit/Veggie are you?  Spaghetti Squash (Ovia), Mini Watermelon (Baby Center), & Swiss Chard (What to Expect) & Pumpkin (Photofy)

Due date:  October 18, 2016 (but could be before)

How far along:  38 weeks, 6 days

Next appointment:  October 12

Gender:  Team Green and still wondering with this little baby is

Total weight gain/loss:  Gained 2 pounds last week, so we'll see when I go to the doc

Exercise: Walking at work and walking the dog

Stretch marks:  Nope, which is so surprising since I feel like I'm stretched to capacity

Swelling: No swelling

Maternity clothes:   Yep!  Still rotating those same pairs of jeans!

Belly button:   My belly button is still at that stage where it pokes out but doesn't stay out all day

Wedding Rings On/Off: On...a little more snug but I can get them off

Happy or Moody: Pretty happy...but me being uncomfortable can turn into moody

Sleep: What the hell is that??

Food cravings: Sushi...and good sushi too

Symptoms:  Back and hip pain has intensified, stomach pains below my breast and below my stomach.  My stomach has been really tender and achy this week.  Lightning crotch has made an appearance again, also more discharge.

Movement: Tons and I have no more space for Baby B to move so he/she is continuously pressing on my right side in the same place which causes it to be so tender

Labor signs:  Small contractions...no biggie

What I miss: Wearing regular clothes during my fave season, sushi, and cider (alcoholic of course)

Food/Smell Aversions: None

What I'm loving:   Just seeing my pregnancy progress as it should be

What I'm looking forward to: Just seeing the little peanut!  I'm also looking forward to my maternity leave.

Best moment this week: Getting to go on a date with my Hubby.  

  

Milestones: Making it to 38 weeks!

  XoXo, 

Crystal

37 Week Preggie Update

Nothing much to update this week and besides, I'm really tired while writing this.  I've had more energy this week but it's gotten hard to move around comfortably.  I started playing baby crying for  Spartacus.  The first time  he looked like "what is that" for 30 seconds then he went back to sleep.  I think the sounds annoyed me more than him (my own baby won't annoy me).  I think the phone ringing annoys him more!!  I tried again later that day and he was a little more concerned.  He figured out that it was coming from the computer and he jumped up and came and laid by the computer...so sweet! We also went to the doctor and it's still pretty much a waiting game until Baby B's arrival.

My baby shower was also this week.  I had a hard time finding something that fit but luckily, one of the dresses I ordered fit enough that I could wear it!!!  Everyone came out to show love for Baby B and we were truly grateful.  It was a great time being with everyone!

Baby Shower Pics (will update with more)

Headed to the shower!

My beautiful mother (Grandma) and I

Me, Baby B's Great Gramma and Hubby

Hubby, Mother in Law (Grandma) and Me

Cupcake table...wish I would have gotten a better pic of the banner

Cookie favors

Photo Collage

Bump Photos

           

What Fruit/Veggie are you?  Honeydew Melon (Ovia), Swiss Chard (Baby Center), & Winter Melon (What to Expect & Photofy)

Due date:  October 18, 2016 (but could be before)

How far along:  37 weeks, 5 days

Next appointment:  October 5

Gender:  Team Green and still wondering with this little baby is

Total weight gain/loss:  Gained 2 pounds this week, so that makes 22

Exercise: Walking at work and walking the dog

Stretch marks:  Nope, which is so surprising since I feel like I'm stretched to capacity

Swelling: My feet swell a little but it's usually gone by the next day

Maternity clothes:   That's really all that I can fit

Belly button:   Still hasn't popped but it sticks out...if that makes any sense.  I still have in my stretchable belly ring.

Wedding Rings On/Off: On

Happy or Moody: Neither, just been a little stressed with work!  The amounts of work I have to do before my maternity leave is ridiculous! 

Sleep: Think I'm suffering from pregnancy insomnia!

Food cravings: Slurpees and Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream bars!!

Symptoms:  A lot of symptoms this week!! My sciatic pain was so much better this week.  I've found that if I roll on my back like a flipped over turtle, I can massage some of the pain away.  It comes back towards the end of my work day but it's so much more bearable.  I also had some leg cramps in my left leg (I think I mentioned it last week)...more like a charlie horse in the middle of the night that awakens me.   So painful.  I've had some back pain and stomach pain.  I actually took off work one day this week because I woke up to some contractions and pelvic pain and thought I may have been in labor.  I haven't slept much so I think I'm also suffering from pregnancy insomnia.  I go to bed then wake up at odd times and can't go back to sleep until right when it's time for me to get up for work! Go figure!  My acid reflux has also returned with a vengeance and it's sticking around all day long.  Last but not least, flatulence...aka gas...aka..fart...aka...poot.  For the last 2 weeks it's been atrocious! I can't sneeze, laugh, pee, etc. without a peep.  TMI?? I'm just being real!

Movement: Tons and I have no more space for Baby B to move so he/she is continuously pressing on my right side in the same place which causes it to be so tender

Labor signs:  More contractions this week.  Not sure if they are just BH contractions or pre-labor contractions! Everyone seems to think Baby B is coming early...but I don't think so!

What I miss:  Wearing regular sized shirts.  This week has been a challenge in finding things that fit my bump, especially with the changing weather.

Food/Smell Aversions: None

What I'm loving:   Just seeing my pregnancy progress as it should be

What I'm looking forward to: Seeing our baby.  With it getting this close to the end, I'm starting to get a little antsy with knowing what our baby will look like...not necessarily what it is (even though I can't believe I went this long NOT knowing), but does it have mine or A.J.'s nose or what hair color, etc.

Best moment this week: Our baby shower.  It was so much fun and it looked like everyone had a great time!  I'm sad we didn't get some pictures of the decor though as it was really nice :(

  

Milestones: Making it to 37 weeks!

  XoXo, 

Crystal

36 Week Preggie Update

Can't believe that there are only 3 weeks and 2 days left!  Where has the time gone?  I'll try to keep this as brief as possible!  This 36th week has been interesting.  I have been probably in the most pain of my pregnancy due to this sciatica.  The pain runs from my back/butt and shoots to my foot and back up.  This, in turn, made it really difficult for me to walk and also made my husband up his awareness (dramatics) at work. He started wheeling me around in a wheelchair to get from class to class and recruiting my other co-workers as well.  Now everyone, even the students, are watching me.  I'm so used to being independent that this transition is really difficult for me.  But, I also have to look at it from the other side and think that these are some great people who are willing to help me :)  Thanks guys!

On Monday, it was A.J. and my 1st wedding anniversary.  This year went by so quickly.  I don't even feel like we've been married for a year.  We kept it really simple and went to J. Alexander's in Oak Brook.  Food was delish as always.  We have to save as many coins as we can for after Baby B's arrival so something big was not in the budget (just being honest)!!  I love my husband tremendously and so grateful to be going through this experience with him.  He has definitely been MY ROCK!  

I also started my weekly visits to the doctor.  This one was a surprise as I had my exam and am already....get ready...3cm dilated, thinned cervix and the head is down!  WTF?!  What does that mean?!  Pretty much, I could continue on my journey of trying to make it to my Oct 18 due date or I could practically go into labor at any time. This meant that I had to kick myself in gear to finish some things around her.  The car seat was installed in my car and the packing of my hospital bag is underway. I'm hoping this baby waits because my doctor is on vacation during my 37th week so I'll have to see her father.  I am definitely excited because our baby could come at any time, but nervous as well because I still have so much to complete at work before my leave (I know, this should be the last thing on my mind).  I can be a worry wart about certain things in my life.  I just need Baby B to stay in there as long as he/she can!

A positive this week is that my teams threw me an amazing baby shower.  Everything turned out so well and we are so appreciative of the lovely things that we received.  Another positive is that I finally chose a going home outfit for a boy and a girl (since we still don't know).  Baby B is going to look so cute!! A downside this week is the fact that I ordered my dress for my family shower and when they pulled it, it was damaged and that was the only one in my size...ONLY ME!

Question:  What did you pack in your hospital bag??  I've been looking through lists and it just seems like so much!  I'm trying to be a minimalist.

Start of 36 weeks :)

Baby Shower Photos

    

Bump Shots

         

What Fruit/Veggie are you?  Ripe Papaya (Ovia), Head of Romaine Lettuce (Baby Center), Spaghetti Squash (Photofy) & Large Cantaloupe (What to Expect)

Due date:  October 18, 2016 (but could be before)

How far along:  36 weeks, 5 days

Next appointment:  September 29

Gender:  Team Green and still wondering with this little baby is

Total weight gain/loss:  Still 20 pounds.  Haven't gained weight in 2 weeks.

Exercise: Walking at work and walking the dog

Stretch marks:  Nope

Swelling: My feet swell a little but it's usually gone by the next day

Maternity clothes:   That's really all that I can fit

Belly button:   Still hasn't popped but it sticks out...if that makes any sense

Wedding Rings On/Off: On

Happy or Moody: I said I was emotional last week but I think this week took the cake

Sleep: What's that??

Food cravings:  None

Symptoms:  Pain..and a lot of it.  I have a lot of sciatic nerve pain and it's made it really difficult for me to walk this week.  I've been rolled around in a wheelchair or rolling chair per my husband and co-workers to keep this baby in as long as possible.  I've also had back pain and pains on the side of my stomach. I guess this is what it's like when you're at the end!

Movement: A lot of movement but some days are more than others

Labor signs:  None

What I miss:  Nothing this week

Food/Smell Aversions: None

What I'm loving:   Just seeing my pregnancy progress as it should be

What I'm looking forward to: Seeing our baby.  With it getting this close to the end, I'm starting to get a little antsy with knowing what our baby will look like...not necessarily what it is, but does it have mine or A.J.'s nose or what hair color, etc.

Best moment this week: Knowing that I'm almost done and we picked up the car seat/stroller from my parents :)

  

Milestones: Making it to 36 weeks!

  XoXo, 

Crystal