Skipping to week.... 36!!!!

Holy Moly.

So yes, it has been awhile. I find blogging nice, but uploading pictures to be annoying since it takes a really long time to upload and get them in the right chronological order. I am sure there's an easier way, but I have yet to discover it. OK, end of rant.

I have 26 days left until April 3rd. I feel excited, anxious, but mostly happy about meeting the best accomplishment in my life thus far- James! You know that cliche saying that " Life doesn't get any better than this", that's exactly how I feel right at this present moment. There are so many exciting things happening in our life right now, only to be attributed to the goodness from the Lord above! We have so much to be thankful for daily and it seems as though everything is working in our favor, which at times seems like a joke really.

1. We got me new SUV this year. I thought that would never happen since I have a husband who doesn't like to spend money! It's a blessing and a curse yall, let me tell ya! But I can appreciate it.
2. We are having our first baby. Everything up to this point has been great (except the morning sickness), but we have a healthy boy so far and I could not be more thankful for that, truely.
3. We got new bedroom furniture! If you know ANYTHING about me, it's that I work in an industry where the houses are overly decorated down to the "T" and everything is beautiful and I want my house to look the same way, well, sort of relatively speaking since I don't have the unlimited budget. BUT I am pretty sure that has been the biggest struggle for me being married. Not being able to spend any money on anything house related. My patience has paid off people and now I have a beautifully furnished bedroom to go with it. Even though I still want pretty new bedding and I need lamps for the nightstands, and art for the walls... I could go on.
4. We put in an offer on a house..... Possibly OUR VERY FIRST HOME. It really was too good of a deal to pass up and kind of just fell into our laps. I really feel that if this is meant to be, everything will work out seamlessly and God's timing will be perfect down to the LAST detail. I worry not.

So MANY things and exciting things at that! I'll know more on the housing front once we hear back from the bank. It is a short sale, so we will sit and wait patiently on the Lord to work it all out.

How am I feeling:
- Physically, pretty good. I believe that the baby has dropped, so I definitely have more pressure down there. Sometimes it's fine, others it just hurts. That's all a part of the territory, so I've been told!
- I have braxton Hicks contractions ALL the time. I don't ever time them though. I read all these forum entries on baby websites that I subscribe to and every day all day, women are going into Labor and Delivery because the BH's happen more than 5 times in an hour.... Let me tell you something. If I went into L&D every time i had more than 5 in an hour, i'd be in there ALL day, probly atleast 7 times if not more a week. I just don't get the drama? I figure, if they don't hurt and can't hurt the baby and he's still moving around everywhere, what's the big deal. It's your bodies way of getting you ready for birth. Get over yourself hypochondriacs, geeze. I have felt this way from the very beginning though, no reason for concern if it's not hurting or bleeding. Just me.
- I still enjoy walking, but sometimes that just hurts too. So I am walking a little slower these days.
- I am not to the point of complete miserable-ness yet, so I am thankful so much for that. I can still sleep at night even though i get up to go to the bathroom, toss and turn to get comfortable, and have achy hips.

Enough of my rambling... I have my first internal exam today since like 8 weeks I think. So I am hoping that there's something going on down there. I feel like I am dilated a little already, but what do I know. My luck I'm probly not, hahah. I'll keep ya updated.

Pregnancy Updates:


How far along: 36 weeks, 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: i think 23 or 24 lbs... I didn't look at the scale last time.
Maternity clothes: I live in my jeans and black capri's. Everything still is fitting pretty good!

Stretch marks: none.
Sleep: alright.

Best moment this week: Dr. appt to find out about any progress and esstimate how big baby is. Also my breastfeeding class.
Missing Anything: Not really.
Movement: A LOT. ever since week 35, he's been picking up the pace. I can now see distinct movements instead of little kicks. Still can't tell though whether it is a hand or foot making them.
Food cravings: none.
Started showing yet: I look like i have a basketball just sitting on top of my stomach or so i've been told.
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: only braxton hicks contractions. getting ready for the real thing!
Belly button in or out: Top part still sticking slightly out. Bottom part is getting a little flatter.
Wedding rings on or off: On.
Happy or moody: happy & ready to get this show on the road!
Looking forward to: BABY... finally. he could really come any day!
Baby's Size: 18.5" Long, almost 6 lbs and is as big as a crenshaw melon?.
Development: he's basically just packing on the pounds at this point. able to swallow and shedding the waxy coat that has been protecting his skin all of these months!

Weeks 27 & 28

I am currently 28 weeks pregnant and officially in my LAST TRIMESTER. All I have to say is,
A. that its flying by now and I feel like I cant get caught up fast enough.
B. I have grown again in the past 3 days.

I just don't even know what to think, except that this baby will be here in 12 weeks or sooner, hopefully not later. We shall see!!

My actual due date is April 3rd, 2012. I for some reason thought that it was on the 5th, maybe because at my 12 week appoinment my midwife said something about that date. Uh nope, I was wrong. That's ok! Even though it's only 2 days, i'll take it!!

So MANY exciting things to report over the past 2 weeks:
-I took the dreaded "GLUCOSE TEST" and it really wasn't bad at all. Maybe because I was remaining optimistic or maybe because I had the fruit punch flavor. Either way, the worst part of the dr appt was getting my finger pricked to check my iron levels- they were normal by the way. I would rather get a shot or blood drawn any day of the week. I do not know how diabetic people do that a few times a day! I drank the drink, peed in a cup, took my weight and waited to see Katie (she's my midwife who will be delivering James) more on her in the weeks to come and hopefully a picture or two!! She listened to his heart beat and it was really strong, a little faster than normal due to the sugary drink, but healthy. All is good to go. I have my next appointment in 3 weeks (week 30) and then every 2 weeks after that until week 36 to start the final countdown :)
OH and I passed my glucose test in flying colors...the drink actually made me a little sick to my stomach after 30 minutes, that's how hawaiian punchy it was.
- I registered us for our labor and delivery classes. it's over a 4 week span and about 2.5 hours each time. Looking forward to that and seeing Mike's reaction to everything! I think he's a little excited actually, we shall see!
- MIKE GOT ME A NEW MAMA MOBILE, as I like to refer to her....
Here she is, 2012 hyundai, santa fe. Crystalized white with gray interior and I LOVE this SUV. I couldn't be more excited to have this car and she's mine, in my name and everything!!! Enjoy!

Oh and here's an actual "belly" shot. I know that I look veiny. that's because I am or because I am pale, either way, it is what it is!



Pregnancy updates:


How far along: 28 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: AHHH, up to 18!!! I gained 10 lbs btwn week 22-27. In my defense, it was christmas and I guess I am supposed to start putting on about a pound a week now. OH WELL, more motivation to get my body back after birth!
Maternity clothes: Same old stuff! Can't wait to wear my blue dress to my shower.

Stretch marks: none.
Sleep: I am now entering the snoring phase... not every night or even all night, but my poor Michael. Please pray for him :)

Best moment this week: registering for birth class and getting my SUV.
Missing Anything: Not too much.
Movement: yes. He is now doing this thing where me moves very slowly or sloth-like as I like to say to my right side, curls up in a hard little ball and makes my tummy misshaped. I can feel him doing it too, which feels so weird. I just rub him a little bit and he releases and stretches out again.
Food cravings: none.
Started showing yet: A Lot. There's definitely a baby in there!
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: Top part still sticking slightly out. Bottom part is getting a little flatter.
Wedding rings on or off: On.
Happy or moody: happy & tired.
Looking forward to: My shower in a couple of weeks.
Baby's Size: 14.8" Long, 2.25 lbs and is as big as a chinese cabbage.
Development: He can now blink his eyes which have lashes. Now that he can see more, he may be able to see light that filters through my belly. He is also developing millions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat!!

Week 26

This week has been such a nice, relaxing time off. There isn't much to report though. My belly has gotten slightly bigger and James is beginning to move around more throughout the night as well, not just during the day anymore! It's amazing to me that I am growing a human, like growing a garden... still can't get over the miracle going on inside of me.

As Mike and I were out to lunch on Sunday after church, we were talking about how this was the last Christmas EVER that we would have alone, without kids. The last New Years, Birthdays, Vacation, etc. As much as I have wanted a baby for the past couple of years now, I am actually very thankful looking back that we had the 5 1/2 years of togetherness before our baby arrives. It will be somewhat bittersweet I think going into these new milestones in 2012 with another person to tag along now. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a mama to my little guy and I don't ever want to take that for granted, even though I know from time to time that will happen I am sure. I was also thinking in bed this morning how fortunate I am to have a healthy baby/ pregnancy even though I haven't been the best pregnant person. Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful for this experience, it only lasts 10 months, not forever. It isn't by far the worst thing I have ever gone through in my life, but could I do it 20x like michelle duggar- NO! I am not a baby-making machine and that's ok.
Something that has weighed heavy on my heart for a couple months now.
I read a lot of blogs on the web and one in particular, the author I went to school with and I have had the privilege of knowing for many years now, Leah Coca... I love her blog for many reasons, it's honest, hilarious and heart-felt among other things. She is currently pregnant with her 4th baby, a little girl that they named Elizabeth. Elizabeth has a condition that will not let her skull form properly and even though everything else is developing just as it should with her little body, she will not live long after birth because of it.. Being a first time mother, I can not imagine what Leah and Onan are going through only having a few weeks left with their baby girl. I feel like shame on me for taking the time with my James already for granted when he's completely healthy inside of me, but everything has it's time and place and season. This I have come to realize. Their courage, strength and faith is really only what's holding them together somedays. I hope that I never have to experience what they are going through, but if I do, I pray that I can endure it as gracefully (for lack of better word) as they have.
Please read and pray for Leah, Onan and their family here as they only have a few weeks left with their baby. We all believe that God is a God of miracles and if it's his will for her to live, then that shall surely happen! Either way, in Joy or Pain, they will continue to believe in the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord. Amen.

www.stickydoorknobs.blogspot.com

With all that said, here is the week 26.5 belly shot. I know I never include my face, but I am never presentable when I take these in the bathroom, haha.


Pregnancy updates:


How far along: 26 Weeks, 6 Days
Total weight gain/loss: 8 lbs +, My next appt is this Thursday!
Maternity clothes: Nothing new. One thing I did learn, which I guess I kinda knew, but didn't think about is my friend told me i would be wearing my maternity clothes after baby for a little bit. she said no one ever told her that!

Stretch marks: none so far.
Sleep: Still ok. I have been waking up in the night with sore hips, I am guessing from pressure.

Best moment this week: Getting some baby gifts for Christmas and spending time with Mike.
Missing Anything: Not really, other than feeling normal.
Movement: all the time.
Food cravings: I don't have any.
Started showing yet: Yes. I got a little bigger on Christmas day, ha.
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: Is getting flatter. I don't like the fact that I am going to have an outty soon, that grosses me out, ha.
Wedding rings on or off: On.
Happy or moody: happy & tired.
Looking forward to: My shower, Baby classes and getting everything together.
Baby's Size: 14" long and 1 2/3 lbs. Size of an english hothouse cucumber.
Development: The network of nerves in baby's ears is now better developed and more sensitive. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's voice as you chat together. He is continuing to put on fat and is beginning to inhale small amounts of amniotic fluid which is essential development to the lungs.

Week 25 and Christmas!

I am currently 25 weeks, 6 days pregnant and trucking along. Entering the last week of my 2nd Trimester, YAY! That means only 14 weeks give or take a few days maybe.

These past few days have been great! We always spend Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas day with Mike's. I am pretty sure that my unborn child got almost as many gifts as me, hahaha. That's ok. I like baby gifts equally as well I think.

There is so much to do over the next 14 weeks in preparation for James to come. Here's a few:

- Birth, Breast Feeding and Infant CPR Classes.
- Get the nursery set up and together.
- Order the rocker.


The list could go on and on. Luckily I have already found a nursery school to keep him in a couple days a week while I have to work. That's a BIG one to cross off. They are great and very flexible, which I LOVE!

Anyway, Not much else to report. I am getting bigger by the day I feel. In the last four days even... still very strange. But baby needs room to grow, so it's ok. Starting on Christmas night, I started having another bout of the round ligament pain. So much so it hurt to do anything. Sit, stand, go to the bathroom, eat, walk, you get the picture. It lingered the day after too and is just now starting to settle down on Tuesday morning. But it didn't hurt as bad as the first time I guess. So I will spend today picking up the house, getting everything cleaned up and ready to put back in the attic along with a little after Christmas shopping to see if I can find any good deals on things. We shall see!

Pregnancy Updates:


How far along: 25 Weeks, 6 Days
Total weight gain/loss: 8 lbs +, I have my 27 week appt next week and do the Glucose Screening as well. We will see then how much weight I gained since week 22.
Maternity clothes: I bought my shower dress! Bright Blue and pretty! I can't wait to wear it!

Stretch marks: none so far.
Sleep: Ok, on and off. Nothing special.

Best moment this week: Christmas, ordering furniture for our bedroom and getting a few baby things.
Missing Anything: Exercise. Yoga. Not having pains.
Movement: A Lot. I think now that he has more room in there, he's doing somersaults.
Food cravings: I don't have any.
Started showing yet: Yes, getting bigger by the week.
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: Is getting flatter. I don't like the fact that I am going to have an outty soon, that grosses me out, ha.
Wedding rings on or off: On.
Happy or moody: happy & tired.
Looking forward to: January, My shower, and entering the 3rd trimester.
Baby's Size: 13.5" Long and weighs 1.5 pounds.
Development: Baby is beginning to exchange the long, lean look for some baby fat. Baby is also growing more hair and if you could see it, you'd be able to discern it's color and texture!

I can't wait to see what he looks like. Although, I have a feeling he's going to look like his daddy, but with less hair and maybe blue eyes!

Weeks 23 & 24

Officially hit the 6 Month Mark!! Only 4 more to go or less, hopefully!

Funny story. I was watching LIVE with Kelly this morning and Michael Buble was her co-host. He was talking about how he and his wife are "practicing" right now for a baby and asked Kelly for any advice. She said, Let me tell you something... after month 7, there's no reason to be pregnant anymore because you are just stalling the inevitable and you're over it by then anyway. She then proceeded to say to SLEEP as much as you can now. Sleep in even if you wake up, go back to sleep. She thought when her oldest son was 14 weeks old and he wasn't sleeping that she would be able to sleep once he was 14. Still, no sleep. HA! If you knew that you would never sleep again, you surely wouldn't have kids!!!! I mean, common sense right- I guess not!

Saturday, my sister-in-law Lynsie and myself went to lunch and then over to Babies R Us to register for my baby shower in a little over a month from now! Let me preface this... I was really excited to go. Almost more excited than registering for my own wedding. I guess it's just a different feeling of "awe, this is baby stuff and who doesn't love shopping for a baby, especially since it's your own little person". It's going to be like Christmas 2x coming up! Very exciting times. ANYWAY, lunch was great, went to Olive Garden, had the soup-salad-breadstick combo and were on our merry way. Once we got to the R Us, I figured it would probly take around 2 hours at the most to sign up, register and get everything done. Well, there were about 3-4 other couples there as well doing the same thing that we were. No Mike wasn't there with me. Why, you ask... he doesn't take interest in baby things like I or should I say women do. He had no desire to go and spend 2 hours in a baby store. There were other husbands there and that was probably a great thing for those wives, but me, I am GLAD that I had Lynsie. Guys don't know what is good/bad or different from the next bottle or diaper cream. There was one couple, bless them who had spent 1 hour just in the carseat/ stroller section trying to decide what they liked best and then second guessing their choices. While every other time I had been into the store before looking to see what I liked while being pregnant and feeling overwhelmed, I didn't have the sense of " OMG, I can't possibly come in here and go through everything and be ok with the choices I have made" attitude, I was feeling very relaxed and confident today! In fact, I think that we had a great time! It was a breeze for the most part. There is a lot of stuff to go through though.

Here's a couple pictures! Thanks Lyns!



Pregnancy Updates:

How far along: 24 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 8 lbs +
Maternity clothes: Nothing new. Still rocking the maternity jeans and regular pants with belly band to work somedays.

Stretch marks: none.
Sleep: Each night is a new night, ha. I haven't slept a solid night now in over 6 months. I guess my body is preparing me!

Best moment this week: Getting in his crib and Mike putting it together. Being able to see James move on the outside!
Missing Anything: Workouts or walking up he stairs without getting out of breath. I really need to step up my game or I am going to be in a world of hurt come March..
Movement: All day, but somedays he's more quiet that others.
Food cravings: None.
Started showing yet: Yep and I feel HUGE.
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: The top part is starting to poke put a little bit.
Wedding rings on or off: On.
Happy or moody: happy!
Looking forward to: Christmas and New years for a few days off and getting his room more together.
Baby's Size: 1' Long and weighs just over a pound.
Development: Baby has a lean figure at this point, but will soon start to plump up. His brain is growing quickly now and the taste buds are continuing to develop. Skin is still translucent, but that will start to change soon!

Weeks 21 & 22

Well, not too much to report for the past couple weeks except the time is flying by. I guess now that I am feeling better, I can enjoy and not have to worry about too much anymore! Week 21 was Thanksgiving and that was so great! I really enjoyed being pregnant on a food holiday :) I was so excited to eat everything and not have to worry about getting sick. Thankful for both of my families and friends this year! Also to note, that week, Mike was able to feel James too for the first time! It was a neat experience! I can't wait for the rest of the family to feel him too!

I am feeling more movement every day and can't wait to actually tell whether it's a kick or a punch instead of a tummy jab! My belly is getting bigger by the week, which I have now grown to somewhat accept. It's a strange thing having a human grow inside of you and watching your body expand compensate for the room needed. Below is my 22.5 week belly! There he is.


Sorry for the awkward picture! I didn't feel like including my top half in there :) I also feel like I am a lot bigger than I actually am, hahaha. No stretch marks to date and feeling pretty great lately other than the usual aches of the uterus!! This coming weekend, I am going to go to Babies R Us and register for James. After doing A LOT of research as to what's popular and safe I now have narrowed my stroller and car seat choices down to 2! Can't wait for saturday!

Pregnancy updates:

How far along: 22 weeks 6 days
Total weight gain/loss: 8 lbs as of Dr. Appt on the 29th.
Maternity clothes: Nothing new. Still rocking the maternity jeans and regular pants with belly band to work somedays. I think I need a pair of black dress pants to wear though!

Stretch marks: none.
Sleep: Getting better. Only waking up 1-2x to go to the bathroom now instead of 3-4. My body pillow has saved my life!

Best moment this week: Mike being able to feel him move and feeling movement all the time!!
Missing Anything: Champagne and turkey sandwiches, not together though.
Movement: All throughout the day!
Food cravings: I am beginning to think that I am not going to have any, which is fine!
Started showing yet: Yes!!
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: The top part is starting to poke put a little bit.
Wedding rings on or off: On.
Happy or moody: happy!
Looking forward to: Registering for the baby and getting his room and ours all organized and put together!
Baby's Size: 11" from head to toe, the length of a spaghetti squash. Weighs almost 1 pound.
Development: He is starting to look like a miniature new born. The lips, eyelids and eyebrows are becoming more distinct and tooth buds are forming. Baby's eyes have formed, but the irises still lack pigment.

Week 20 and... IT'S A BOY!!!

Only a week late, Sorry!

We went in last Thursday the 17th for our first and probably only ultrasound. I was some what nervous/ anxious just because this was the first time that we would be able to see what or should I say who was in there!! We walked into the Dr. office and checked in. I of course had to already to go the bathroom because well, I go to the bathroom A LOT! They finally called my name after about 15 minutes of waiting. Into the ultrasound room we went and into the adjacent bathroom I went, ha. As soon as I came out it was time to get down to business.

It was surprising to me to find that the gel they put all over your abdomen was really warm, not cold like I had anticipated. Our utlrasound tech, although I don't remember her name, was very nice with an accent. Then up on the big TV Screen popped up our little person :) I was thinking how cool it was to even be there in that room in the first place, but when I saw the baby for the first time, it literally melted my heart. To see him moving around and squirming in there was so surreal. Modern medicine is amazing and I am so thankful that everything checked out. He is a little guy right now, has a lot of growing to do, but is perfectly healthy and I would like to think happy in there most days :) He measured normal and nothing looked out of place, Praise The Lord! He is perfect!!

It was by far the best most exciting 45 minutes of my life to date. I think that daddy thought it was pretty amazing too, not to mention the fact that we found out baby is a BOY! Mike was thrilled, but kept that in. I wasn't overly emotional surprisingly. I think that I only shed one maybe two tears. Below is baby's first 3d picture....


James Richard Guest!!!
James, for Mike's dad and Richard, for my dad. He is named after the 2 best dad's I know :)
He is still due to arrive on or around April 5th, 2012. The ultrasound tech said that I was measuring right at 19 weeks and 6 days.

Mike and I decided to get our families together all at the same time and tell them what the baby was and what we had named him. So, we found out and then sent out his picture, but didn't say anything to anyone for 2 whole days. Not as hard as I thought it would be. I somewhat liked having this BIG secret all to ourselves for a little bit before anyone else would find out. We had it over at Mickey and Merry's house, theirs is a lot bigger than ours and they had a big grill! It was a blast and I am pretty sure that everyone had a great time! Everyone had their guesses as to what baby guest would be, but most everyone thought it was a boy! Except my Britney, she was wanting the baby to be a girl so badly. Poor girl. All were very excited and happy to find that baby was a boy and when we told what we were going to name him, the fathers got a little teary-eyed! It was really special :) Great Night!

In other news, no furniture ordered just yet. I think that Mike is realizing that we need to get on the ball though. So, hopefully to ring in the new year we'll buy the crib? Who knows. All I do know is that this is really beginning to fly by!

Pregnancy updates:

How far along: 20.5 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 6-7 lbs.
Maternity clothes: This week I bought a few more shirts, one for our gender reveal party.

Stretch marks: none.
Sleep: Some nights are good, others are not so good.

Best moment this week: Finding out the gender, feeling the movements- not flutters anymore.
Missing Anything: turkey sandwiches, full nights sleep and champagne.
Movement: Most at night, but alot in the morning and little spurts throughout the day.
Food cravings: nothing.
Started showing yet: YES! I have a little bump sticking out. I think that it's all baby though.
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: The top part is starting to poke put a little bit.
Wedding rings on or off: On.
Happy or moody: happy, most of the day!
Looking forward to: Going to register for my baby shower. Ordering furniture.
Baby's Size: 10.5 Oz, 10" from head to heel- the length of a banana.
Development: He is swallowing more and beginning to produce meconium, he black stuff that comes out in their first poopy diaper.