Eight Months Down, One To Go...

 

How Far Along:

Thirty Five Weeks, Four Days (Eight Months... July 8, 2013)

Symptoms:

I'm definitely starting to get uncomfortable and I'm an emotional mess {just ask my husband}!  Justin has been great though with my craziness.  I'm starting to get some not so pleasant symptoms {you don't wanna know}, but I know those are just temporary.  My boobs have started to leak some and my nipples are a little sensitive again.

Baby Facts:
Baby is just about done growing in length, now we're just putting on the fat!  He should be gaining about a half a pound a week until he's born.  It's crazy to think that although he still needs a little bit more time baking, if he were to come now, he'd be just fine!

Movements:

Baby has definitely started shifting downward... it feels like he's jumping on my bladder and sometimes it actually hurts to move.  I'm constantly peeing!  On the plus side, since he's shifted downward, the kicks to the ribs have definitely decreased... most of the "high" kicks are below the ribs now.

Gender Predictions:

Still a boy... they double checked during the 3D ultrasound.  He had no problem showing that, but he did not want to show his face... here's the best pic we got from that...

Food Cravings or Aversions:

Nothing really... still loving the soft pretzels from the sundry at my office.  My appetite has actually kind of been missing lately... nothing sounds good.  Of course I still constantly eat... lol!

Mommy is Feeling:

Ready, but freaking out!  I know that its only a matter of time now, but I still feel like there is so much to do! I know that even though I feel like that, if he were to show up today, I'd be ready.  I am just such a planner that it's hard for me to not be able to plan such a big event in my life.

Daddy is Feeling:

He is definitely ready and he is constantly reminding me that we are going to be just fine.  I'm sure he's just ready for this hormonal, crazy lady who took over his wife to be gone!

Highlights this Month:

I had my baby shower about a month ago now.  It was absolutely perfect!  My sisters are amazing.  I got so many amazing gifts and I love every one of them (and I've even sent all my thank you cards already).  Since then, Justin and I have done plenty of shopping getting the last minute things we still needed and have set up the nursery and the rest of the house for baby's arrival.

We had our maternity photos done last weekend... they turned out amazing!  I can't wait to get the full CD of all the pics.  Our photographer was so nice and I can't wait to see him again once baby is here for newborn photos!

Excited For:
Him to get here!  I can't wait :)

Other:

One last pic from our maternity session...

Twenty-Eight Week Bump-date

How Far Along:

Twenty Eight Weeks (May 16, 2013)

Symptoms:

I think I've started having some Braxton Hicks contractions... I'm still not 100% sure.  I've had some heartburn this week, but nothing too bad.  Still have that tender spot on my back that hurts if I turn a certain way {I know... don't turn that way...}

Baby Facts:
Little man is almost 15" and over 2 pounds!  He can blink his eyes and see light that's coming in through the uterus... we may have to get a flashlight out and play a little bit.  Hopefully he is starting to turn himself around for the big event.

Movements:

I've been starting to feel jabs up high, like under my ribs.  Totally a weird feeling!  He isn't as active as before, but still plenty active.  I'm sure it's starting to get tight in there :)

Gender Predictions:

Baby Boy Atwell... yep, I've got two men in my life now.

Food Cravings or Aversions:

Soft pretzels and brownies from the sundry downstairs at work.  Justin had a tuna salad sandwich the other night and the smell definitely made me turn my nose... not that I ate tuna in the past, but the smell was really getting to me!

Mommy is Feeling:

Tired... I've been having trouble falling asleep lately... and any major movement from dad's side of the bed and I'm awake.  And I'm sure this isn't going to be getting any better as he gets bigger and the area for my bladder gets smaller.

Daddy is Feeling:

I asked Justin how he's feeling about baby and he said "nobody puts baby in a corner"... yeah, that's my husband.  He then said that he's ready!  Ha, if only he knew what he's in for...

Highlights this Week:

I bought our first box of diapers and wipes... lol.  Who would think that would be a highlight?  Okay, its not really, but its fun to start getting ready for baby.

I got my invite for our baby shower!  It's a little less than a month away and I am so excited to see all my family and friends get together to celebrate the soon-to-be arrival of our little boy.

Excited For:
Our last piece of furniture should be coming in soon, so it should all be delivered... hopefully by the end of the month!  Can't wait to set up the nursery :)

Next week, we're heading to Ohio to visit my sister and her family.  I'm really looking forward to seeing them all and hanging out with my little niece (28 months) and nephew (8 months).  I saw a picture of them recently and they're getting so big!  Plus, she has some baby stuff for me.

We're getting a 3D/4D ultrasound in just two weeks!  Can't wait to see what little man is going to look like.

Other:

I have my glucose test today... so hopefully I pass!  I also have to have blood work done and I have to get my rhoGAM shot since I'm Rh-negative... so lots of needles.  Not looking forward to it.

Reality Check

Oh my gosh... for some reason it is really starting to sink in that I'm having a baby in just thirteen weeks... thirteen weeks!  I can't believe how little time is left - and how much stuff I still need to do.  There's just so much!  Here's just some of the things I know I need to get done:

1. Get whooping cough vaccine - Justin
2. Finish baby blanket
3. Clear out the old guest room
4. Set up the nursery
5. Start stocking up on diapers, wipes, etc.
6. Wash baby clothes, bedding, and other linens
7. Clean out both cars (professional car washes)
8. Purchase and install car seat
9. Talk to insurance company about breast pump coverage
10. Set-up maternity leave
11. Deep clean the house
12. Create a birth plan
13. Attend childbirth classes, breastfeeding classes, and child care classes
14. Read up on breastfeeding
15. Start cooking freezer meals for after birth
16. Find a pediatrician (and update pre-registration with information)
17. Pack a bag for the hospital for mommy and baby
18. Create a contact list to announce the birth
19. Figure out how to use our camera
20. Purchase nursing bras and pajamas
21. Buy rest of baby gear (after baby shower)
22. Send thank you notes for baby shower
23. Put together gifts for nurses
24. Pick out a name
25. Pick out birth announcements (so all I have to do is add picture)
26. Get paperwork from Justin's work to add baby to insurance

It feels good to at least get it all written out.  I'm sure I will come back to this list and update it as I come up with other things I need to do, but this helps me focus on what I need to get done so I can start to schedule my time just a little bit better.  I've got a schedule of weekends from now until our due date, and we don't have a lot of free weekends left, so I need to use them wisely!

If you know of anything else that I need to be getting done, please let me know!

Twenty Five Week Bump-date

How Far Along:

Twenty Five Weeks (April 25, 2013)

Symptoms:

I still have a spot in my lower right back that is sore, but other than that, not too bad.  I could definitely tell I was pregnant this week while being on vacation.  It took so much more energy to do everything and I got tired much more quickly.

Weight Gain:

I just got back from vacation and haven't weighed myself in over a week... probably not going to weigh for a few days... lol.

Baby Facts:

Baby boy is over a foot long and over a pound and a half!  He's getting so big!

Movements:

Tons and tons of movement... he loves to move around.  This week, while laying at the hotel, I could see my belly just dancing away.  It is so cool and I still love feeling every single movement.

Gender Predictions:

Baby is definitely a boy!

Food Cravings:

Nothing in particular.

Food Aversions:

Nothing in particular.

Mommy is Feeling:

Very happy... I had a great week with daddy on our one year anniversary vacation / babymoon.  I'm definitely not looking forward to going back to work :(

Daddy is Feeling:

Baby move... he loves to just reach over and feel the little guy moving around (and I love watching his eyes light up each time he feels it).

Highlights this Week:

Definitely our vacation.  We spent the week in San Diego and it was a blast.  We were on the run the whole week and I got in lots of exercise.  I will try and recap our trip next week.

Excited For:
In four weeks, Justin and I are heading to Ohio to visit my sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew.  That will be my last trip before baby gets here and we're looking forward to seeing all of them!

Justin and I decided to get an elective 3D ultrasound, so we're really looking forward to that... of course its not for five more weeks.

Other:

At my next appointment, I have to take my glucose test... hopefully I pass with flying colors.  I also have to have blood work done and get a rhogam shot... this momma is not looking forward to it because I have a major fear of needles!

And It's A...

Yes... this picture is probably going to embarrass our little guy one day...

It's official!  We're going to have a boy!  But let's rewind just a little bit... and go through the day...

Last Thursday seemed like it would never get there... and when I finally woke up Thursday morning, I never thought the appointment would get there.  Finally, two o'clock rolled around and I packed up my stuff and left work for home.  I got home and waited for Justin to get home and head to the appointment.  Traffic was bad, so he was running late and I was getting worried we'd be late.  Luckily, he picked me up and we got to the doctor's right at 3:00pm.

Shortly after getting there, the receptionist called me up to the desk.  Dr. Caren had been called out on an emergency and wouldn't be able to see me... but we could still get our ultrasound!  Thank goodness!  We waited a few more minutes and finally Miss Janet called us back!  I definitely had butterflies in my stomach.

We got back to the room and I hoped up on the table.  Janet squirted the jelly stuff on my belly... I was surprised it was so warm!  And we were off...

The first thing up on the screen was a tiny little hand... my heart melted immediately!  Janet then started checking for all the standard items... gender reveal would be last.  Stomach with fluid (means its working)... check!  Bladder also with fluid... check.  Kidneys, diaphragm .. check, check.  She then checked the heart... all four chambers are present and working and both outflows looked good.  The brain also looked good without any tumors or cysts.  She checked the baby's lips to make sure there was no cleft.  She also check the placenta (posterior) and the umbilical cord which both looked good.  She found both hands (fingers and thumbs present), arms, legs, and tiny little feet.  She measured the femur and the head and both are measuring right on track.

And then it was finally time to find out the gender!  Throughout the whole appointment, Justin and I kept referring to baby as "him"and "little guy".  Janet got the ultrasound all lined up and sure enough... he's a boy!  She told us it was a good thing that he's a boy or else he would be having an identity crisis since we kept referring to him as a boy.  Justin was so happy!  He immediately texted his friend to let him know.  I just sat back and smiled.  I think deep down, I had known the whole time it was a boy and it was amazing to finally know that that feeling was right.  Janet finished up taking a couple pictures for us to take home and that was it... ultrasound done... 20 more weeks until we see our little guy again.

During some of the more zoomed out pictures, you could see baby stretching his legs and pushing against the side of my uterus.  Justin kept asking if that was my uterus that the baby was pushing against... of course it is silly!  I had been telling him that I had felt baby for a little while now, but he wasn't sure I really did.  Now he knows I wasn't crazy.  It also definitely confirmed to me that we have quite a little mover and shaker on our hands.  I've definitely been feeling baby more and more and I love it.

After the ultrasound I went out and talked with Dr. Caren's nurse.  I rescheduled my appointment for this coming up Friday with one of the nurse practitioners (since Dr. Caren will be out of town this week) and Justin and I headed out.

After the appointment, we headed to Carter's so I could pick out baby boy's first outfit...

I absolutely love it and can't wait to put it on our little guy!

After shopping, we went to my parents' house to share the news.  Then, my sisters and I made lots of cake balls that were dyed blue for Justin and I to take to work the next day to reveal the gender to our coworkers... we ended up making about 150!  Craziness!

Overall, the gender reveal was so much fun between my family, coworkers, and friends and Justin and I are so excited to meet our sweet little baby boy!


P.S.  My doctor actually called me Saturday morning to tell me that she looked over all the ultrasound images and that baby boy looked healthy and based on what she saw, she was not worried about a thing!  Awesome doc to call on a weekend :)

Dear Baby

Dear sweet little baby,

Tomorrow's the big day... well at least the first big day... we get to find out if you are a little she or a little he! Daddy is 100% convinced that you are his little man.  In fact, he told me that tomorrow is just a fact checking appointment.  I'm still not sure.  I have moments when I too am convinced that you are my darling little boy.  Then other moments, I can totally see you as my sweet little baby girl.  Each vision seems completely different, and yet exactly the same... me and you, my wonderful little baby {and daddy too} together as a family... happy and overflowing with love.

I just wanted to take this moment before we find out to let you know that no matter what you are, or who you are, I will always be your mom and I will always love you with all my heart.  I am looking forward to the day you make your big debut into this world and I can look into your eyes and kiss your sweet little nose and hold you in my arms and never let go.

I love you forever and ever, to the moon and back...

Mommy

Eighteen Week Bump-date

How Far Along:

Eighteen Weeks (March 7, 2013)

Symptoms:

I have the appetite of a football team!  I am constantly eating and I can't stop myself!  My boobs are huge (thank goodness for new bras).  My lower back is starting to hurt, and - according to my coworkers - I am starting to waddle.  Once I'm asleep, it's great, but falling asleep is getting harder.  Really, I honestly feel so lucky because so far I haven't had any horrible symptoms.  So if this is the worst of it, I'll be happy!

Weight Gain:

15.5 pounds... still not happy with this number.  Based on my weight chart I'm keeping, about 5 of those are from the Christmas holiday that I never really got rid of... plus as you saw above, my appetite is crazy!  I'll be lucky if I don't look like a blimp before this is over.

Baby Facts:

Baby is getting so big!  (S)he is about 5.5 inches long from head to butt and weighs almost 7 ounces!  She or he is flexing arms and legs.  And baby is starting to yawn!  How totally cute is that to picture?!  Hopefully we catch a yawn on the ultrasound next week.  Baby's hearing is also developing and baby might actually hear my heartbeat, tummy rumbles, hiccups, and talks with daddy.

Movements:

I'm definitely starting to feel baby move.  I absolutely love feeling little baby kicks, punches, and rolls.  I try and get baby to move more often because it just makes me smile.  I'm sure in a few months, when baby is kicking me in the ribs in the middle of the night, I'm going to be singing a different tune... but for now, I'm going to enjoy every flutter.

Gender Predictions:

I'm still up in the air and go back and forth.  Several people have told me boy.  Justin was convinced it's a boy, but the other day he told me he thought it might be a girl.  Only 6 more days until we know for sure {assuming baby works with the ultrasound tech... please please please cooperate!}

Food Cravings:

Cheetos Puffs!  I've been eating them like they're going out of style.

Food Aversions:

Still no real aversions... like I said, I was super picky before.

Mommy is Feeling:

Great!  I can't believe that I am already almost half way through this pregnancy.

Daddy is Feeling:

Not so great... daddy broke his tooth a week or two ago and had to get a root canal.  He goes back next week to get a crown.

Highlights this Week:

I've been working on a blankie for baby.  It's almost half way done so far!  The first one I'm doing is a neutral blanket that I'm hoping gets passed down through all my kids.  I'm going to make a second blanket for baby that is more gender specific that will be specifically for baby to keep forever.

Excited For:
My new La-Z-Boy glida-recliner is being delivered tomorrow afternoon!  I can't wait to see how it looks.

Our anatomy scan next week!  I still can't believe that in 6 short days, we will know if this little baby inside of me is our sweet little girl or our rambunctious little boy.  We will be spending the evening after the scan baking cake balls for us to take to work to reveal the gender.

Other:

A couple weeks ago, my friend and I went to paint pottery with our Groupons.  I decided to paint baby a cute little bank.  I haven't gotten to see it in person yet, but I'm really looking forward to getting it back next week!

Obviously I have been failing at keeping up with my bump updates.  I kind of forget to blog sometimes.  My life is pretty boring and I can't imagine that people would want to read ... "got up, went to work, came home, had dinner, hung out, went to bed, rinse and repeat."  I'll try and be better about updating more often!

Bump Date - 12 Weeks

How Far Along:

Twelve Weeks (January 24, 2013)

Symptoms:

Besides a little nausea here and there (nothing a mint couldn’t fix), I didn’t get morning sickness.  The boobs have gotten much larger and sorer, although the tenderness is going away.  Exhaustion kicked my ass between weeks 8 and 10, and I rarely sleep through the night anymore without having a potty break.  But all in all, I consider myself very lucky.

Weight Gain:

8.5 pounds… not too happy about this, but a lot of this was over the holidays and it’s definitely slowed over the past few weeks.

Baby Facts:

Baby is developing reflexes!  Fingers are moving, mouth is making sucking motions, and toes are curling.  Baby is over 5 cm. long and about half an ounce.

Gender Predictions:

Justin still says boy.  I really don’t have a feeling either way… well I flip back and forth depending on the day.

Food Cravings:

Salty foods… crackers, pretzel M&Ms, fries… nothing really out of the ordinary.  Although, I am eating less sweets lately.

Food Aversions:

Basically anything Justin eats… lol.  I’m pretty picky, so no real new aversions compared to before I was pregnant.

Mommy is Feeling:

I feel great!  Definitely really starting to sink in (yes, I’m 12 weeks and it’s just now sinking in).  Crazy to think there are only 28 weeks left!

Daddy is Feeling:

He’s loving mommy’s mood swings… but he’s actually doing really well!  He’s been very helpful around the house and I definitely appreciate it.

Highlights this Week:

Last week, we went to the doctor’s and got to see baby on the ultrasound!  We weren’t supposed to have one, but the doctor couldn’t find the heartbeat with the Doppler, so ultrasound it was!

Excited For:

Still waiting to get to hear the baby’s heartbeat!  Just a few more weeks J

Other:

Finally switched out my wardrobe over to maternity clothes.  I’m actually really liking them… they are so comfy!  Plus a coworker mentioned that I was actually starting to show.  In an odd way, it made me happy because it means I don't just look fat and that baby is growing!

Just for some fun, here's an outtake from our little photo session this week... enjoy :)

P.S.  I'm going to try and do these Bump Dates every two weeks.  I would say every week, but getting pretty for a picture every week is just too much... lol.  We'll see what happens!

The Day We Passed the Test

Monday, November 26, 2012

We had been trying for a couple months without much success.  The whole month, I wasn't really all that optimistic.  But as my period crept closer and closer, I started getting excited.  There weren't really any symptoms that were out of the ordinary, I just had this odd feeling.  The original plan was for me to wait until the day after my period was due {which was still three to four days away}, but that all changed...

I'm part of a group of women who are all trying to conceive their first child. {these ladies have been amazing}  It just happened that several of us women had cycles that seemed to sync up.  Well, one of the girls announced her positive pregnancy test that night.  And within a couple minutes, another girl announced her positive test!  I couldn't believe it... I looked at Justin and whined about how I wanted a positive test too.  So he told me to go ahead and take a test, even thought it was a little early.  Well, I had just went to the bathroom {I had been peeing all day long} so I held it as long as I could before I thought I was going to burst... about an hour... ha ha!  I ran upstairs to my bathroom to take the test.

I started with just one of those two line tests.  I took the test and set it down to start waiting... and a second line started to appear!  No way!  I wasn't sure I was actually seeing it or if it was a figment of my imagination, so I took the digital test as well.  After taking that, I sat at the bottom of the stairs with Justin and just waited.  Those three minutes seemed like the longest three minutes of my life!  Justin kept watch on the clock and when time was up, I ran back upstairs.

I picked up the test and my heart stopped... it was POSITIVE!  I couldn't believe it.  Absolute joy washed over me and I just couldn't believe it.  I thought I would cry when I finally saw a positive test, but all I could do was smile.

When we first started trying, I bought a present for Justin for when we got our positive test.  I had it wrapped in a shoe box in our closet {he had no idea it was there}.  It was a book entitled Dude, You're Gonna Be a DAD along with a onesie that said "I *heart* my daddy" across the front.  I opened the box, put the two tests inside, closed it back up, and headed down to give it to Justin.

I handed him the box and he opened it.  He immediately looked at the tests and pulled out the line test first.  He looked at it with a look of confusion and I told him to hurry up and look at the other test.  He pulled it out and tears welled up in his eyes.  He was so happy!  He hugged me so tightly and it was the best feeling in the world.  Then he said, "We're gonna be parents!"

The rest of the evening was a blur.  I was in complete shock and it just didn't seem real.  It was like I was living in some alternate universe that was absolutely amazing.  I was on cloud nine.


P.S.  I tested again on Friday, November 30, 2012 and it was still positive... woo hoo!

We're Expecting!

Baby Atwell due August 8, 2013