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.