Pictures

A few weeks ago we had maternity pictures taken.  Here is a sneak peak of a few taken that day.  Our photographer Becca did an amazing job, and I'm really excited about all of them!!

Pictures :)

ENJOY! 

37 Weeks -- FULL TERM!

I can't even believe it...FULL TERM.  It seems like yesterday I was nervously driving to TOPS to get an expensive pregnancy test that said "PREGNANT" OR "NOT PREGNANT" because Donny didn't believe the cheapo I took at home!  Seems like so long ago, although the time has just flown by.  Take a look at these funny pictures from that day!  My husband loves cheeesy pictures!

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling anxious and nervous, knowing at any point now, our little Bambino could be joining our family.  Donny just seems excited, unless he is really good at hiding his nervousness!

I had my weekly Dr's appointment yesterday morning.  No further dilation, but the baby is moving way down.  I also wasn't a huge fan of the NP I had this time, because she didn't share any specifics with me.  Doesn't she know I weekly "entertain" family and friends with these updates??  I assume everything was okay with my measurement and the baby's heartrate, because she didn't say otherwise. 



How Big Is The Baby This Week: Watermelon baby until the bambino is born!  The baby is on average 18.9-20.9 inches and about 6.9-7.2lbs.  My guess is we'll have a long but thin baby!  

Weight gain: By some freak of nature,  I didn't gain any weight since my last appointment a week ago.  And with all that Christmas food?!?!  So my total weight gain is 26lbs.  

Sleep? No changes in sleep!  Still sleeping great as long as I don't nap during the day. 

Cravings? Santa brought OREO milkshakes for Christmas. 

Aches and pains?  Same old. 

 
Signs of labor? Still no contractions.  It always makes me laugh when the Dr's ask me if I'm having any contractions?? How would i know?  But anyway...still 1cm dilated and head down. YAY!  

What I miss? I miss being able to bend over without pain.  Whether to pick something up, put on socks, or put on my shoes...its exhausting and at times painful. 

Reaching Milestones: Full term...hold on tight folks!

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 Bare belly!!

36 weeks and dilating...

That's right!! -- 1 cm dilated!  How exciting.  Now I know that many women can be dilated for weeks, with no real action, but this is just one step closer to seeing our baby!!  Also the baby is head down, which the Dr. could feel in her exam.  Whooo hoo!  I was so afraid of a breech baby!  The Dr. also suggested not traveling too much farther than our family's houses for Christmas, and discussed what I needed to do if my water broke or I started having consistent contractions.  I'm thinking this is just protocol, not that she is anticipating an early arrival.  The bambino's heartrate was still up in the "girl range" at 145 bpm, but I'm still feeling like it could be a boy.   I'm now going to the Dr's once a week...for obvious reason.  I still can't believe we are at this point!

Our other exciting news, was last night we had a maternity photo session, with an awesome photographer, Becca, from RGS Photography (http://www.rgsphoto.net/)  She was here for almost 3 hours taking pictures in the snow, in the house, with props, with pups, and with LOTS of belly!!  It should be about a month until all the pictures are posted on the website, so stay tuned.  She will also be back within a week or two of our new bundle of joy's delivery to take newborn pics, and then again at 6 months of age.   

 

How Big Is The Baby This Week: Still a honeydew and average size is 18 1/2 inches and about 5.5 pounds!  The baby is packing on the pounds now...about an ounce a day!

Weight gain: According to my appointment today, I've gained almost 26lbs. 

Sleep? Sleeping well and I'm not super tired throughout the day either, so I'd say things are going pretty well.   Falling asleep is a little tricky, since the baby is still such a mover, especially at night.

Cravings? Oooo cravings.  I have something to add!  I'd LOVE an OREO milkshake from Applebees.  I had one Saturday night when we went out to dinner with our friend Caitlin, and could eat one every night since.  Next trip to the store will include a package of those little black and white sandwiches of goodness!

Aches and pains?  I'm dealing with the back pain and stretching skin, and just figuring it isn't going away!

 
Signs of labor? No contractions but 1cm dilation and head down has to be a step in the right direction.  

What I miss? I've noticed its getting a little tricky getting in and out of Donny's car.   My mobility is lacking.  I'm also terrified of slipping on the ice!

Reaching Milestones: Weekly Dr's appointments

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Wishing our family and friends the merriest of Christmas!!

35 Weeks

35/35!! We've reached another fun pregnancy milestone...35 weeks down, 35 days to go! 

I had a follow-up Hematologist appointment earlier Monday, and unfortunately my platelets keep creeping closer and closer to 100, which = no epidural.  Last appointment they were 117, this time they were 111.  So we are still safe so far,  but it is still frustrating that there is nothing I can do about it.  So one more appointment is scheduled for the first week in January, so we shall see.  

Now onto the next chapter in the dresser/changing table saga.  All the clothes are folded and stacked and covering our dining room table.  I was eagerly awaiting for the dresser delivery today, and what do you know...it was DAMAGED!  Soooo, they have once again reordered, and hope it comes sooner than later so we can get things taken care of...and of course so I can share a nursery picture. 

How Big Is The Baby This Week: The little bambino is now likely over 18 inches long, and has reached the 5lb mark.  Still moving all over the place, which causes my whole stomach to shake around, like there is a little ninja in there!

Weight gain: 24lbs!  I now weigh more than I ever have in my life, but must say I'm happy I have not blown up all over.  I'm carrying a 24lb basketball out in front of me. Phew!

Sleep? Still no sleeping issues.  Although, it is getting harder and harder to change positions, and my stomach feels like it couldn't possibly be stretched anymore.   

Cravings? I'm beginning to wonder if cravings are all a hoax?  Are pregnant women just using them as an excuse to eat anything under the sun??  If i had to say I was "craving" something, I guess I have wanted more fruit this past week. 

Aches and pains?  The back continues to be a "pain"...and that is an understatement. Chiropractor didn't provide much relief, and blames the pain on my weak prepregnancy abs that are forced to somehow carry those 24+ pounds.  My skin feels like a balloon ready to pop and my ribs have just about had it.  I'm really hoping the rib pain is from kicking feet, not a little noggin. 

 
Signs of labor? No, Nope, Negative

What I miss? I'm getting less and less comfortable.  With the aches and pains as well as being uncomfortable in clothing other than sweatpants and t-shirts.  So I guess I'm missing, being more positive and comfortable, and embracing the belly. 

Reaching Milestones: 35/35 -- Hold on tight folks.  We're in the final stretch. 

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34 Weeks..and counting

For anyone who doesn't know, I'm in the middle of getting my Masters.  So since the semester ended this past weekend, I finally feel like I have some time to get baby prepared.  So I tackled the nursery.  

 Flashback to this past weekend...my fantastic in-laws came up to deliver our dresser since it had arrived at JCPenny.  I was so nervous it wouldn't match, since it wasn't from the same collection as the crib, but we got it inside, opened it, and realized it looked perfect.  Well....then we realize the 2 cracks in the wood.  BOO!!  So we took it back to the store and reordered.  

 Anyway, long story, somewhat shorter...I wanted to have the nursery somewhat organized for when the new one was delivered (the dresser not the baby) to the house.  So today I opened up all the clothes in packages and  cut all the tags off of the clothes and blankets.  (PS.  I think all clothes should have stickers, not tags.  It would make it much easier.)  Anyway, I'm currently working on all the laundry.  I got bottles put away in the kitchen, and bowls, plates, and sippy cups tucked away until we need them.  Finally progress!  So I hope to have an updated nursery pic soon, hopefully once the dresser comes.  So until then, this will have to hold you over.  We got the boppy cover out and washed and Don decided it was a travel pillow.   Grady seems concerned!

I also had a Dr's appointment Monday.  Nothing too exciting to report.  Weight is good, Blood pressure good.  Measuring right not.  She couldn't give a baby position and all she said was "geesh, its just a ball."  Heart rate was 140 bpm. 

How Big Is The Baby This Week: Our little honeydew melon is likely over 17.5 inches, and probably near 4.5 lbs.  Getting bigger and bigger everyday.

Weight gain: After this week's Dr's appointment, I've gained a total of 22lbs.  Which is about a pound a week.  Which is completely normal, yet seems like so much. 

Sleep? I thankful I'm still having minimal issues sleeping..besides the bathroom break.  And not to get super personal and graphic, but it seems like I have to go so bad, then its trickle tinkle tinkle. What a phenomenon!!

Cravings? Well the eating out has taken over.  We gotta get back on track.  One things that I'm seriously enjoying is the mini Snickers ice cream bars.  They are 90 calories of yummy goodness.   

Aches and pains?  Back. Back.Back. RAH!  Chiropractor tomorrow. Reallllly hoping for Dr. A to have some magic fingers!!

 
Signs of labor? I hope not.

What I miss? I miss being able to walk up a flight of stairs without feeling like I just ran a marathon.  I'll be happy to get "back" into shape, post baby. 

Reaching Milestones: I'm officially off the road for work.  So from now till baby's birthday, I'll be at home working on projects.  So between this and maternity leave, I'm pretty much bypassing the winter driving season.  Good timing!! 

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Here is an accidental shot Don took while I was getting into position.  How photojournalistic!

33 Weeks

This will be a short blog, since I can barely sit in this chair without feeling like my ribs are being

broken in half.  I guess this is when the uncomfortableness of pregnancy finally kicks in...OUCH!

How Big Is The Baby This Week: Bambino Burch is now being compared to a Honeydew melon.  He/she is likely over 17 inches, and weighs over 4 lbs.

Weight gain: I'm still hovering around 20-21 lbs despite thanksgiving and a batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.  We'll get a more exact number at my appt next week.

Sleep? Sleep is still good despite a horrible cold I got.  I am finding it harder and harder to change positions.  Also, without a doubt, I get up once a night for a potty break.  

Cravings? Hmmm..I've been craving going out to eat in general.  My cooking just isn't cutting it.  We've been saving up our "eating out pass" for cheesecake factory this week!! :)  

Aches and pains?  The back pain continues, specifically when sitting but I do have a chiropractor appointment next week.  Also I think this baby is running out of room or something, because I'm feeling more and more pressure on my bladder, as well as feet (I think) in the ribs.

 
Signs of labor? Nope

What I miss? I wouldn't really say I miss this, but I must comment on trying to "squeeze" my way into tight places and quickly realizing I don't fit.   Yesterday I knocked a chair off a desk at a workshop I was doing!  ha!

Reaching Milestones: 1st of December...which means I can now say "next month" when asked when this baby is due.  

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This is me "cheesing".  I really did say cheese, despite my painful baby bump. 

Boy.Or.Girl.

50 Days to go -- Sooner or later we'll know if we are having a precious baby boy or baby girl? 

I'd say most people are saying girl, but quickly gaining.  From day 1,  I thought boy.  Then I changed to girl (I think because most people were saying girl) but I'm back tuggin' on the choo choo of the boy train!

I've had some interesting questions asked for people to determine what they think we're having, including "are your butt cheeks softer or harder."  I think the most insulting was the lady who looked at my butt first and said "you're having a boy, your butt is too big."  SHOCKING!  I think it is safe to say, I still have a pancake butt!

Here are some other wives tales, and what they say we are having:

Where are you carrying?  Out front = boy

Fetal Heartrate?  Higher than 140 = girl

Morning sickness?  Ugh yes = girl

Female intuition = boy

Basketball or Watermelon? Basketball = boy

Craving fruit? Yes = girl

Craving sweets? Just finished eating about 8 oatmeal chocolate chip cookies = girl

Moodier than usual? I'd say no, Don would say? No = boy

Active baby? For sure! = boy

Graceful or clumsy? Clumsy = boy

Chinese lunar calendar = girl

Chilly feet or the same? Same = girl

What side do you sleep on? Left = boy

Even just researching these old wives tales, one site would say the opposite of what another would say. 

I think its fun to hear people's guesses.  It drive Donny crazy.  Especially the people that have a guess and haven't even seen me pregnant!

So the verdict is...??  STILL NOT A CLUE!  What do you think???

32 Weeks

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  We will be having our families up tomorrow, so no traveling for us.  I'm hoping the bird thaws out by then!!!  Should be a fun day of family, food, and football!  Then shopping in the morning.  


Had another Dr's appointment today with no new changes to report. Measuring perfectly and baby's heart rate is 146.  I also learned that although my platelets are low, they are still in an acceptable range to get an epidural.  Fingers crossed they stay that way.  

How Big Is The Baby This Week: This is the bambino's last week as a squash.  He/She is measuring at almost 18 in and could possibly be over 4lbs.  

Weight gain: 20lbs according to the Dr's scale today.

Sleep? Still sleeping well, but the night is usually interrupted with a trip to the bathroom.  

Cravings? No cravings really. But bring on the turkey! 

Aches and pains? I've been having horrible upper back pains, typically when I'm sitting for long periods of time.  Made going to the movies tonight, very uncomfortable, even by the time the previews were over. 

Signs of labor? No.  The baby is likely transverse right now, quite folded the NP thought, based on where I'm getting kicked.  The head is also still in my pelvis, so the head hasn't dropped yet.  

What I miss? Its been getting harder and harder to bend over or pick things up.  

Reaching Milestones: We're into the 50s for days away till baby time!  I should take a picture of the nursery so you could see the absolute madness that is that room!  Stressing out a tad!

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Baby Shower Bonanza!

Last Saturday November 13, I was thrown an absolutely perfect baby shower by my mom, sisters, mother-in-law, and sister in law.  The room was filled with family and friends, ready to celebrate the impending arrival of the little Bambino. The afternoon was filled with shower games (my favorite), fantastic food, cake to cute to eat, and so many presents for the little one!  The shower lasted about 3 hours, and in such a short amount of time, I felt so much love and warmth from everyon

Here are some pictures from the amazing day...

Me and the party planners: Deb, Mom, Meg, me, Ang, and Katie

 The CUTEST baby shower cake ever.  Even a little one for Donny to enjoy!  He loves his mom's cakes!

Gifts Galore!

Ain't that the truth!!

Tickle monster book with props!! Fausto "tested" the monster mittens out already!

Donny came at the end to open some gifts!

Leah & Cassie!  Whats even more fun about this picture, is we took a very similar picture, when Cassie was pregnant with her 1st, at my bridal shower over 4 years ago!  I was so glad these 2 could be there to celebarte, since we've known each other for so many years!!

Donny & I -- Just the 2 of us, for another couple of months

31 Weeks

This past weekend I had the most fabulous baby shower.  We were really showered with gifts from family and friends.  But because it was such a stand-out event, I'll dedicate a full blog on that....hopefully later this week. 

Monday I had my routine monthly visit to the Hematologist for blood work.  I was gearing up to tell the guy, with all of these normal platelet levels, I think it is safe to part ways.  Peace out Doc!  Well, to my surprise, unfortunately my platelets have dropped below normal again.  So I'm stuck with him! Again, if they drop too low, some anesthesiologist won't allow for an epidural.  And there would obviously be bleeding complications in case of the unfortunate event that I'd have to get a c-section.   So the gestational thrombocytopenia is back in full swing.  Oye Vey!

We also had our our final childbirth class last night.  We really wanted to skip out, but did end up going.

Other than that, things are still going smoothly.  I'm feeling bigger and bigger by the day.  And as usual, this baby is all over the place, bump jumpin in there.  I read baby's movements will begin to diminish due to the lack of room. HA!  I wonder if this is a glimpse of things to come.  It is starting to get more and more painful, but it is still so fun to watch.  

How Many Weeks: 31 weeks - 9 weeks to go.  Single digits!!

How Big Is The Baby This Week: The bambino is still the size of a squash for another week or two, and is around 17-18 inches, and 4lbs. 

Weight gain: 18lbs, although that may quickly increase due to the swedish fish, milkshakes, and chinese food I have ate between the past 2 nights!

Sleep? Sleep has become a bit of a struggle because of a pesky cold I got.  Last night Don and I both had dreams we had the baby.  In mine, Don had to leave the room, but was around for the birth of a boy!  Donny's was ummm..interesting!  Lets just say, women are meant to breastfeed :)

Cravings? Still no changes in the amount of food I'm eating, but I have been indulging a bit more.

Aches and pains? My stomach is hard as a rock, and some times feels as though my skin is being stretched paper thin. 

Signs of labor? NO NO NO!

What I miss? I miss being able to zip my coat up without feeling like the stay puft marshmallow man.

Reaching Milestones: Single week digits!

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Is it me, or is there quite the belly pop!

30 Weeks

As of today, I'm 75% through pregnancy.  *Gasp!*  Only 10 weeks to go, until January 19th!! 

Yesterday we had a busy baby day.  I had my 30 week appt, which means we are going every 2 weeks now.  I remember them telling us this progression, months ago thinking how far away this was...and now we are here!  Another flawless check-ip.  HR is still about 150, and I'm measuring perfect.  So you know how I've been convinced this baby is a crazy mover?  Well the Dr. confirmed it.  It took her a good 30 seconds to actually get the heartrate because the baby was somersaulting and kicking all over the place. 

Then last night we had our 2nd of 3 childbirth classes.  We watched a couple more videos set in the 80s.  Being the completely mature, expectant parents that we are..we totally broke into a laughing fit, which is never a good thing, in this setting.  Unfortunately we are beginning to think the classes are a bit of a waste of time, since a lot of the information we already know, or could probably learn ourselves.   We did get a tour of the labor and delivery unit, so at least we know where all the action will take place!

So I'm back riding the Team Boy train, although I my "feeling" jumps back and forth.  But I did have a dream last night it was a boy.  Also, when working at the hospital last weekend, I had 3 different people tell me they thought it was a boy too. Two assured me they are "never wrong."   This is going to be the BEST surprise!

How Many Weeks: 30 weeks -- 10 to go!!  Or less perhaps ;)

How Big Is The Baby This Week: Our little squash, is likely about 15.7 inches long, and about 3.3 lbs this week.  Whew, he/she is getting bigger!!

Weight gain: Holy weight gain.  Since my last appt 3 weeks ago, I gained 4lbs!  The nurse said the baby went through a growth spurt which shows with my belly pop.  So I'm up to 17lbs!  

Sleep? No problems with sleeping!  I have notice I almost daily need a nap in the afternoon, but otherwise I feel energetic!

Cravings? While grocery shopping this week, I had a inkling for some Lucky Charms..and they were on sale, so I caved :)  Man are they delish!

Aches and pains? My ribs and bladder need a break!

Signs of labor? What a silly question! I don't even think I've got any Braxton-Hicks contractions that many experience by now.

What I miss? Nothing to miss...with so much excitement to look forward to  :)

Reaching Milestones: My baby shower is this weekend!  I CAN NOT wait to celebate the Bambino with family and friends. 

*****

29 Weeks

We had our first of three, childbirth classes last night.  The class has about 10-12 couples, most with due dates in January.  Besides some anatomy and labor and delivery terms, we learned some breathing and  massage techniques for yours truly.  I enjoyed practicing those.  :) We also watched a birthing video, which lets be honest, I would've been fine never seeing.  One second I'm thinking, what were we thinking?...the next I'm getting all emotional and teary-eyed because this wonderful couple had their baby. 


I've also been noticing how much of a mover this baby is.  Not that I have anything to compare it to, but I like to think, this baby moves more than the average.  Perhaps a little athlete in there after all.  This Bambino has been an overachiever since we first saw the heartbeat a day early.  This movin' and shakin' has come with some pain since it tends to kick my ribs as well as the occasional trampoline action on my bladder.  




How Many Weeks: 29

How Big Is The Baby This Week: For the next few weeks, Baby B. is being compared to a squash (very appropriate for Fall, don't ya think?)  Its over 15 (approaching 15.5, I am guessing) inches and over 2.8 - 3.1 lbs now.  


Weight gain: This morning I was still around 14lbs for weight gain.  

Sleep? Sleep is good, besides the, just about nightly trips to the bathroom.  This week I've also been taking daily naps, but still able to go to bed at a reasonable time.  

Cravings? I'd say I've gotten a little bit of a sweet tooth within the past week.  Right now I'd love some fruit salad, specifically out of a watermelon carved basket....but I'm not picky!

Aches and pains? Still feeling good, besides the occasional foot? head? fist? into my ribs.  

Signs of labor? After last nights video...maybe I will be a medical phenomenon and not have contractions??...wishful thinking. 

What I miss? I've just about had it with maternity clothes these days.  I have my baby shower I have yet to find an outfit for, I have a wedding this weekend, and just day to day I'm less and less comfortable in anything besides sweats and t-shirts. 

Reaching Milestones: I'm not sure I can think of a specific milestone for this week, besides our first birthing class.  I remember signing up for them weeks ago, thinking how far away they are.  

*****

Fall Festivus

Happy November!
I'd say Fall is probably my favorite season in Western New York.  Although I feel like it has just flown by this year.  Here are some pictures of some of the exciting fall events we've done this year.

We have a really great park nearby in Orchard Park, called Chestnut Ridge Park.  So we did a little trail walking as well as some hiking "off the beaten path."  

We also went to Becker Farms, a fantastic pumpkin patch/winery/farm with my our friends Molly and Chris and little Clara.  Molly is due with their 2nd baby 4 weeks after me!! :)

And what Halloween isn't complete without carving pumpkins.   We "passed out candy" again this year, in hopes of having a more successful year than last.  But....4 kids!  What a bummer. At least Fausto didn't escape and knock any trick-or-treaters on their butts again!