We Grow 'Em Big

Well I turned the big 3-0 on Wednesday.  I had a pretty relaxing day with Don and Kenz, which included a lunch date, and frozen yogurt for dinner!  

And to kick off this birthday, I was excited to start the morning out with a growth scan of Baby Burch, and the start of my weekly Dr's appointments. 

So I was 36 weeks, 4 days on Wednesday, and our little porker is measuring at 38 weeks, and already 7lbs 6oz.  Baby is head down, back along the right side of my belly, butt right in my ribs, and legs all the way across my belly, with its ankles crossed.  So everytime this babe kicks, its butt slams into my ribs -- therefore explaining all of the back and rib pain I've had on my right side.  

She also thinks this baby takes after big sister Kenzie and has a pretty good amount of hair already.  Now take a look at the "little" peanut.  Looks just like big sister Kenzie right?  Which pretty much means, we've got another baby that looks just like its daddy....Good thing he's cute!

My appointment was good too.  There was no talking of induction, which I was worried would happen since baby is running on the moose size.  She estimates I'll have a baby around the same size as Kenz.  Also just because baby is bigger, it doesn't mean they can come any earlier.  BUT, I am happy to report that at first exam my doctor said I was just not quite 3cm.  She eventually said I was 1-2cm, 50% effaced, and -2 station.  So I'm excited to see what kind of progress we've made this week!

It's About That Time -- Boy or Girl?

Well friends (and any complete strangers that may stumble upon this blog)...It is time to get your guesses in on what this bump has got in there!  
I have a sonogram and appointment on Wednesday, which I'm sure may give us a good idea of how big this babe is, as well as if there are any signs of progression.  (In case you want to cheat a little and wait for an update) 
So if you're feeling confident, guess away.....  Excited to see what you all thing!

I thought before you may feel absolutely confident with your guess, I thought we'd take a look at old wives tales and see where we fall with those!  I'll say for the most part, most people, including complete strangers, are guessing girl.  But these below are for sure, completely science-based, so I'm sure you'll be able to come up with your best guess just by these results alone ;)

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? Yesterday was National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, and I told Don I wish we could celebrate everyday! = girl

Moodier than usual? Oh holy cow, YES! = boy

Active baby? For sure! = boy

Graceful or clumsy? Ummm, I don't think I notice anything different, so I'd say Graceful = girl

Chinese lunar calendar = boy

Chilly feet or the same? Same = girl

What side do you sleep on? Left = boy

For the record,... I copy and pasted this same list from back when we did this for Kenzie.  {Full disclosure}....I only had to change 2 (lunar calendar and gracefulness).  So take your best "educated guess."

Baby Burch 2's Baby Pool

35 Weeks 3 Days

So, I'm a tad nervous about our depleting time frame.  I have a small feeling that maybe I'd go early this time.  Maybe somewhere within 38 and 39 weeks?  As exciting as that is, that also means less than 2 weeks to prepare.  Kenzie's room still isn't done, the nursery (Kenzie's room now) hasn't even been touched.  The hospital bag isn't packed.  No baby outfits are picked out.  Or big sister gifts!  
We do have our maternity pictures scheduled for Wednesday.  Hopefully the weather cooperates since we've already had to reschedule.  

How Many Weeks: 35 weeks, 3 days.  It's the final countdown.....

How Big Is The Baby This Week: Baby Burch is as big as a large cantaloupe, about 6lbs.  I'm nervous this baby is BIG, like bigger than Kenzie big!!  I am excited that we have a sonogram scheduled next week to measure this babe, since Kenzie was a bit bigger than expected.  

Weight gain: About 30lbs.  So if you're keeping track, that is up 10 in a few weeks!  Eek!!  I had gained 30lbs total with Kenzie, sooo I'm hoping the weight starts to slow down a bit. 

Sleep? Still sleeping good.  So thankful for that aspect of pregnancy.

Cravings? I text messaged Don today that I wished chocolate chip cookies were calorie free!  They are my fav and would eat them everyday if I could (pregnancy or otherwise).  

Aches and pains? Well this has changed over the past few weeks.  I've got that annoying back/rib pain I had with Kenzie.  I was hoping I wasn't going to get it this time, but it is here, and forceful.  I'm thinking its a foot in my rib that radiates into my back.  Its awful anytime I sit, which makes driving awful!  I do go for an adjustment tomorrow, so maybe its something she can help with too?  

Signs of labor? I'm having some Braxton-Hicks contractions (I think) but thats about it.  Maybe I'll go early this time?

What I miss? I miss being comfortable.  It really wears on me how painful it can be to sit and do work, drive to a workshop, or even just put on my shoes.  I'm trying to stay positive and active as much as possible.     

Reaching Milestones: I am now not doing as many workshops for work, and those I have scheduled, I have a coworker helping me with lifting.  

Lets Go Camping

Well the Burchs went camping this past weekend.  And not in a tent type of camping, but we got a cabin at Allegany State Park with 2 other couples!  This was our first camping trip as a family of 3.  Thankfully we had a cabin, since this weekend's weather was far from superior.  But we had a great time, relaxing with friends, and roaming the grounds.  

Kenz with her pal Jack

Kenzie being a ham 

We took a trip to the stone tower.

The whole gang on our last morning!

33 weeks, 2 days

I've said it before, I'll say it again.  Platelet Shmalets.  
After my last appointment, I had to go redo bloodwork just to make sure my platelets hadn't dropped.  At my 12 week routine bloodwork they were normal, well those little boogers dropped, and dropped low.  So like with Kenzie, I'm back to seeing a Hematologist.  I went last Friday and was told they were low, but not as horrible as before.  I don't really want an epidural this time around, so I wouldn't mind them just saying "nope too low, sorry, you're just out of luck."  But at the same time, it is scary thinking about what could happen if your blood is not clotting right. 
I'm feeling huge.  And feeling like people think I belong in a carnival, like a bearded lady, or world's tinniest man.  Have people never seen a pregnant lady?  
Also after last appointment, the doctors are thinking baby is head down!  Weeeee!!  I do have an ultrasound scheduled for 36 weeks to check on baby's weight and position.  I didn't have this US with Kenz, but they want to double check on baby's size since Kenz was a bit of a moose.  

How Many Weeks: 33 weeks, 2 days.  Days are seriously flying.

How Big Is The Baby This Week: Baby Burch is as big as a pineapple and about 4.9lbs.

Weight gain: About 20lbs.  I had lost 3lbs at my last appointment (not sure how thats possible), so I'll see where we are at after tomorrow's appointment.

Sleep? Luckily my pregnancies are good to my sleep habits.  I've had a hard time actually falling asleep the past few nights, but once I get to sleep I usually sleep all night....besides a possible potty break.

Cravings? Everything sounds good.  I'm somewhat craving salads again, which I did a lot in the beginning, and also fruit.

Aches and pains? No constant pains, it just feels like my chest is being smooshed every time I bend down or bend over.  

Signs of labor? Nope

What I miss? I miss being able to fit into whatever clothes I want to wear, depending on the weather.  Our warm up weather has really put a dent in the clothing dept.  I don't want to go crazy buying summer maternity clothes for a month and half, so I'm currently squeezing into non maternity shorts and tanks until I can buy a few staple pieces to get me through.    

Reaching Milestones: We are now onto weekly doctor's appointments.  We are getting so.close.!

Lookie Lookie, the tan wall is gone.  Thats because we are finally making progress on Kenzie's new big girl room! 

Opening Day 2013

Get ready for a big ol' photo dump.  A few weeks ago we ventured to our favorite little city of Cleveland for a weekend away.  We had been looking forward to this trip for weeks, and honestly Kenzie was pumped and asked about going to the baseball game and the beach (hotel pool) for weeks.
We love this weekend, and love the tradition that we have started.  We even talked about taking Kenzie and her sibling out of school for our annual opening day weekend.  
So here is our trip in pictures.   

This girl would've swam all day if we let her.  

 This girl must be craving the beach.

 We also spent a day at the Cleveland Zoo.  Don and I went there on our first trip to Cleveland back in the summer of 2006.  Lots has changed since then!  

And what a pleasant surprise (okay that is a bit of sarcasm)...we also got super cheap tickets to the Cleveland Cavs game.  4 rows from the visitors bench and Kenzie couldn't have been happier.  We also may have had ice cream and popcorn for dinner.  

And finally our pinnacle event of the weekend was the Cleveland Indian's opening day.  This was Kenzie's 3rd opening day, and 7th Indian's game.  Daddy splurged on really close seats.  Wonderful views yes, but what a trip(s) up the stairs for a pregnant moma and potty training babe  

 And because I love these comparison....What happened to our little baby??