35 week belly pics

I've really been slacking in the belly pic department.  As usual, I took some pics in the bathroom of my job.  :-)  Well, something is better than nothing, right!?!

(Edited to add:  Okay, so, I visited a few other blogs where the ladies are due around the same time as me and WHAT GIVES?!  My belly is huge compared to theirs!  Seriously, I look like a torpedo Buddha belly.  I'm only a few days to a little over a week further along than them.  Sigh...)

Week 35 bumpdate!!

How far along:  35 weeks, 4 days.  (I totally missed the whole 35/35 excitement.)

Total weight gain/loss:  Still unsure, it's gotta be over 20lbs by now.  I have an appointment next Friday.

Sleep:  For the past few days it has been pretty bad.  I have a cold which made my throat hurt, nose stuffed, head ache, etc.  So when you mix not being able to breath and pain swallowing with nightly bathroom trips, you get one sleepy/irritated Momma.

Food cravings:  Oatmeal with butter and brown sugar.  My husband (bless his heart) tried to make me some last night, but he put things in it that I didn't want.  I didn't say anything and ate as much of it as I could, but it really didn't hit the spot at all.  I want it exactly how I want it, no variations.

Best moment this week:  Buying the newborn necessities that we didn't have.  Such as, newborn sized diapers, a new coming home outfit, and socks.  I still need to get a car seat cover though.

Movement:  The movement has been super crazy!  I know he doesn't have much space in there, but at times it feels like he is trying to escape.  Knees and elbows are constantly poking out.  Rubbing them back in helps a bit.

Gender:  Better still be a boy!

Labor signs:  Braxton Hicks have been increasing.  Feeling more pressure, and seems like I've dropped a bit as I haven't had as hard of a time breathing and the acid reflux/indigestion has calmed down a bit.

Belly Button in or out:  Still out, and VERY tender.  Can belly buttons break?  I'm pretty sure mine will any day now... :-)

What I miss:  Sadly, my husband's grandmother.  She passed away very early on Saturday morning.  I'm so grateful that we were able to visit her right before she passed, and that she is no longer suffering.  I really enjoyed her company while she was here, and she will truly be missed.

What I am looking forward to:  Meeting this little person in my belly.  Also, hitting 37 weeks, only a few more days until we are there!!!

Milestones: Having only one more milestone to meet before delivery.  Week 37, here we come!

Weekly Wisdom:  Wear slippers to work.  Not only are they great for swollen feet that can't fit into regular shoes, they also make people think twice about asking you to do something.  During my last pregnancy, I was off work at this time due to bed rest.  It's hard being here now...

Symptoms:  Most of them.

Emotions:  Pretty stable for the most part.

Belly pic to come, I was too lazy to take some...

A pregnant rant

You'd think that since I've "been there, done that" I wouldn't be so bothered by some of the pregnancy symptoms that arrive during the late stages of pregnancy.  However, that is not the case.

What symptoms?  See below...

 - Lightening crotch.  Yeah, I know baby boy is head down and starting to engage, but why must it HURT so badly!  Sometimes I can barely move.  The other day the pain was so intense I couldn't sit, stand, lay, etc.  I literally had to lean against the wall, panting, grimacing, feeling like I wanted to get out of my own body until he got situated in whatever position he wanted to be in.  Yes, I remember this with Yorlee, but I've learned that remembering the pain and feeling the pain are two different things.

- Swollen ankles/feet.  I've got it bad this time.  I rocked slippers to work on Friday after finally admitting defeat when five different shoes wouldn't fit.  A trip to Target over the weekend to buy a more work appropriate pair of slippers was a success.  And now I kind of look like I'm wearing actual shoes...

- Emotional roller coaster.  One minute I feel so happy and free, the next I'm filled with anxiety and can't stop crying or wanting to cry.

- Judo chop baby movements.  When I was pregnant with Yorlee, I really thought something was wrong with me because all the books/websites said movement was supposed to decrease, yet she was more active than she had ever been.  Same with this child.  People can see my stomach move from across the room.  It can be quite startling and painful.

 - The waddle.  I tried to avoid this for as long as I could.  But, now it's here and here to stay.

 - Urinary urgency.  There is nothing like sitting there minding your own business when BAM!  The urge hits you to use the restroom, and NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   On the return trip from visiting my husband's family, I was hit with the urge.  I'm a bathroom snob and refused to pee anywhere but at home.  So I'm holding my breath and squeezing my legs shut to try to avoid ruining our leather upholstery in our SUV.  Finally, we're home, I race in, drop my purse, kick my shoes off and bolt to the bathroom.  I go to sit down and HOLY HECK LIGHTENING CROTCH.  Seriously, I couldn't sit to pee on my own toilet.  I literally had to brace myself by using one arm on the wall behind the toiled, and holding the towel rack that was in front of me and pee standing up.  Weirdest pregnancy experience to date.

I have a few more, but thanks to "pregnancy brain" I can't remember them.  Oh, I'm 35(ish) weeks now!  Only a few more weeks until full term, and only a short five weeks until I meet this little guy, I'm so excited!

34(ish) weeks w/ baby V 2.0!

 How far along:  34(ish) weeks!!

Total weight gain/loss:  Probably around 22-24lbs by this point.

Sleep:  Not bad, I've been having to get up to use the restroom more frequently.

Food cravings:  Junk food, salty food, and not-so-good-for-you-food.

Best moment this week: Making it to my goal of 34 weeks!  Only three more weeks until full term.  I'm so excited!  Also, still being able to dance at my cousin's wedding.

Movement:  Still going strong, and really, really painful.  Like, makes me want to crawl out my skin painful.

Gender:  Boy.

Labor signs:  Braxton Hicks, pain, pressure

Belly Button in or out:  Still the same.  It has really taken a beating though.  Little Man loves to try to escape through there, it seems bruised and hurts to the touch.

What I miss:  Not being in pain when I walk and having normal feet/ankles.  I've been so swollen this time.  It's weird because I only had slight swelling with Yorlee (that I can remember).  This time around, my feet are swollen from morning until night.  My relationship with my midwife has been touch and go lately too, I feel like she isn't taking my concens very seriously.

What I am looking forward to:  Snuggling more with my baby girl.  I've been super attached to her lately and love all the cuddles and hugs she gives me.  I know our time is limited, so I try to make the most out of every day.

Milestones: Hitting 34 weeks!  Baby boy still needs to stay put for another three weeks at least.  But I'm just glad to have made it this far.

Weekly Wisdom:  Speak up for yourself and make sure that you are heard.  Medical professionals hear things all the time, but that doens't mean that they shouldn't listen to you.

Symptoms:  Snoring, heartburn/indigestion, swelling, frequent urination, etc.

Emotions:  Pretty good this week.  I've decided not to stress about anything and just enjoy life.

A night out with hubby

My husband and I decided at the last minute to go to a wedding.  My cousin was getting married and we had RSVP'd, but as the date came near I wasn't so sure if I wanted to go.  In fact, the morning of we didn't have a sitter, and honestly didn't have any intentions on going.  My family made childcare arrangements for us, and encouraged us to attend.  I'm so glad we did!  What a lovely night and a beautiful wedding!  Out of respect for their privacy I won't post any wedding pictures, but I will share one picture of me and hubby.

There is NO denying that I'm pregnant now.  Although I've been told that I don't look pregnant from behind.  I'm definitely sporting the "chipmunk" look.  Chubby cheeks so high I can barely see when I smile.  LOL!  Only a few more weeks left with baby boy on the inside.  I can't wait to meet him, but I'm not eager to force him out either.  Whenever he's ready.  (I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune in a few weeks.)  People always seem so surprised to hear that I'm not "over" being pregnant, but I remember how tough those first few weeks are with a newborn, so I'm just enjoying my time and my sleep until he's ready to arrive.

The countdown is ON!

First, thank you EVERYONE for all of your comments.  They make me feel so much better.  It's so funny how I used to look back on my pregnancy with Yorlee and think that I was such a crazy emotional person, yet I feel the exact same way about the same things this time around.  Hormones...

I just realized that no matter what due date I go by, I officially have less than 50 days left of this pregnancy!

Where in the world has the time gone?  My hubby asked me to pack my hospital bag yesterday.  He was washing clothes and organizing things.  I think it's starting to hit both of us that soon we will have a new bundle of joy in our home.

Here's a peek at hubby's project for baby boy's room:

33ish weeks!! 4 weeks till full term, 7 weeks til "due"

How far along:  33ish weeks!!  Why do I say "33ish" weeks?  Because according to my "new" due date, I'm 33w 3d, but according to my "old" due date, I'm 32w6d.  I'm still debating about changing to my new due date...

Total weight gain/loss:  According to the scale at my midwife's office, I'm up 20 lbs.  I seriously almost went into shock when I saw the numbers on the scale.  I don't see where all that weight is?  I must have heavy bones or something...

Sleep:  Good for me, bad for hubby.  Poor guy has been sleeping on the couch because he says that I snore.  Oh well, it's just one of the very lovely pregnancy side effects.

Food cravings:  It's up and down with food.  If I eat too much, my back starts to hurt.  But if I don't eat enough, I get grumpy.  Oddly, I've started to crave soap.  The smell of it is so appealing to me.  I have to Google to see if that means I'm deficient in some nutrients or something.  But I seriously almost start drooling over it when I'm in the shower.  Weird!!!!!!

Best moment this week:  Having my 20 month old BFF help me oil up the belly.  She took that task so seriously, it was so cute to watch.  When she was done she said, "All done Mommy!  Good job Mommy!"  I just adore her!  Oh, and also finding out that my cervix is closed.  I've been having a TON of Braxton Hicks, although the cervix check was terrible.

Movement:  All the time, he's getting cramped in there, poor guy.

Gender:  Still a boy.

Labor signs:  Braxton Hicks galore!  I had them every five minutes for about an hour the other day and FREAKED out!  Thankfully, it seems as though my body is just gearing up for the big day, but hopefully it won't be soon.  I still need at least four more weeks with him in there before I can relax.

Belly Button in or out:  Out, people constantly point out the fact that they can see it.  It's not poking out like a finger.  It looks more like I put a nickle on my belly when I'm wearing a shirt.  So just kind of out there.

What I miss:  Being able to sit comfortably.  Being able to get out the bed without huffing and puffing.  Being able to pick things up off the floor.

What I am looking forward to:  My next appointment which is tomorrow.  Hopefully my BP is still normal, and I'm supposed to be getting a test (can't remember the name) that can help determine if labor is imminent within two weeks.  My cervix was really soft at my last appointment, but my midwife thought it was "long enough".  I hope to get a more definite answer tomorrow.

Milestones: One month away from full term!  So excited!

Weekly Wisdom:  Can't think of anything.  Sorry, maybe next week.

Symptoms:  Most of the third trimester ones.

Emotions:  Mostly good, I still have my moments.

Whoa Nelly!

Here I am at (somewhere around) 33 weeks, and honestly, I'm feeling quite massive.

According to everyone else, my eyes are deceiving me, but my cheeks and double chin beg to differ.  I feel huge!

Sorry for the terrible work bathroom pics, but it's the only time I can actually remember to take a belly photo!

I'll do the actual 33 week post tomorrow.

October

Everything went well at my midwife appointment on Friday.  My blood pressure was still slightly elevated, however, my midwife isn't concerned because it is still well within the normal range.  There was one big change, however.  My due date was changed from November 1st, to October 28th.  Usually a change of a couple days doesn't make a difference, especially because due dates are estimates.  But this four day difference put me in a whole different month.  Meaning, Baby V 2.0 is expected to arrive NEXT MONTH!

Ummmm....  what?  I seriously can't even wrap my head around the fact that my baby could possibly be here next month.  I'm not sure why, since my due date was so early in November.  But, holy cow!!

I'm keeping my weekly updates according to my old due date because it's just easier for me.  The same thing happened during my last pregnancy, and don't you know that she was born on the new due date that they gave me.  We'll see what happens.

Happy Monday everyone!

32 weeks w/ baby number two!

How far along: 32 weeks (five weeks until full term, and eight weeks until we are DUE!)

Total weight gain/loss:  Don't know, don't care. LOL!

Sleep:  I believe insomnia is starting to kick in.  I keep waking up in the middle of the night and then have trouble falling back asleep.  Of course, the lack of real sleep is causing me to be a pure joy to be around...

Food cravings:  I'm not really friends with food lately.  I'll eat well in the morning, but by dinner time I can only take a few bites before I feel full and uncomfortable.

Best moment this week:  Getting our double stroller delivered.  We really like it, and it isn't that huge, and the best part of all, it was FREE!  I won an award from my job and go to go online and pick a prize, and whaddya know?  They had a double stroller available!  So far, we love it, the only drawback is that we have to buy a new car seat.  But honestly, I wanted too anyways just because I'm a super paranoid mama.

Movement:  All the time!  And it HURTS!  Little body parts are constantly pushing out all over the place, and I have to try to gently rub them back in.  I'm so glad he's active though, it's really reassuring.  Even if the skin on my stomach has to take the brunt of it.

Gender:  Still a boy.  Why have I been doubting this lately?  Especially since I clearly saw a little penis on the ultrasound, twice!  I think I'm just trying to talk myself into getting a 3d/4d ultrasound.

Labor signs:  The Braxton Hicks contractions are back, I know I'm not drinking enough water, I'm working on it though.  Gotta keep little man baked for at least five more weeks!

Belly Button in or out:  No change there, out.  Not as tender, but I've been rubbing down with pure shea butter every morning and night.  I'm sure with the rapid growth spurt that the baby is about to go through, it'll start feeling sore again.

What I miss:  This week?  Nothing.  Honestly, zip, zilch, nada.  I've found my happy place and realize how fortunate that I am to already have one healthy child, and be baking another child.  It's mind blowing for me!

What I am looking forward to:  My midwife appointment tomorrow.  My blood pressure was really high the last time I had it checked, we'll see if I get taken off of work early, or have to push it through until the end....

Milestones:  Every day is a milestone!  At the end of this week, baby should be tipping the 4lb mark.  How amazing!  And he always seems to have the hiccups, which feel so weird but are still so cute!

Weekly Wisdom:  Try to relax and take care of yourself as much a possible when you're in the 3rd Trimester.  I find that when I do too much doing the day, I really pay for it later.  Everything hurts and swells.  As hard as it may be, doing that extra load of laundry or rearranging the living room furniture really doesn't need to be done right now.  Or possibly even by you. :-)

Symptoms:  Too many!  Honestly, for the most part I still feel really good.  I do have those moments where it feels like my body is shutting down though..

Emotions:  Up, for now!