Hospital Bag

I think 39 weeks 6 days is a marvelous time to pack your hospital bag! Well, that's if you're like me and have a steel trap of a vagina. I'm not bitter, promise.

Last go around I packed entirely too much stuff, for me and for the babe, so I'm trying to simplify the list this time. The good news is, if you happen to forget something, the hospital has everything you'll need for the baby. It might not be the best stuff, but it works! Here are my lists.
 

Nursing camis  I had a really good experience with these camis with Jacob, so I plan on buying a few more this time, since they do get a little nasty after a year of use! Buy a size larger than you would normally to account for your ginormous ta-tas.

Comfy pants  these are my all-time favorite lounge pants. I've been wearing them every day since about 36 weeks and plan to wear them for another 36 weeks. Ha! I so wish I was kidding. And I love that they come in long.

Open front cardigan/jacket  I prefer zippered jackets and I have several lightweight ones from ON, but they didn't have them online anymore. The one I linked to would work great too though! Anything to cover yourself up when visitors come.

Socks/slippers  either will do, I love these Sherpa booties at ON and fuzzy socks are always nice! The hospital gets very cold, so you'll want something for your tootsies.

Boppy  I can't say enough good things about the Boppy pillow! It's the best and really helps support the baby when you're delirious (and I think it'll be great to help Jacob hold the baby!).

Toiletries/makeup  as crazy as it sounds, you will want to put on a little makeup and maybe even do your hair after your first shower. It's just nice.

Pillow  and make sure you put an old, colored pillowcase on. You'll thank me later. ;)

Camera/iPhone/chargers  need I say anything about this? Just don't forget your chargers, for the love of God!

Several NB zippered sleep & plays  I prefer zippered ones because they're easier to get on and off, and I like footed ones (for obvious reasons).

Several blankets  bring the extra soft, thick blankets, baby will love them! Jacob STILL sleeps with the blanket we brought to the hospital all those years ago.

Several hats & socks  these are just nice to bring because, again, the hospital is so cold!

A present for his cool big bro  Hot Wheels are kinda a go-to around here, Jacob can't get enough! I also made a sweet book for Jacob all about the day he was born. I can't wait to give that to him!

So what do y'all think? Anything I left out? I'm sure all my southern friends are wondering where the monogrammed layette set is. Bless your hearts. 

41-week Update

How far along? 41 weeks
Total weight gain: 27 lbs
Maternity clothes? Oh yes
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: I've been napping good lately, but nighttime is impossible!  Constantly peeing, uncomfortable, sweating, mind racing, etc.
Best moment this week: Going on a few last-minute date nights with my sweet husband, and just enjoying each other.
Miss anything? Soo many things, but just thinking about not feeling my bubs inside me makes me cry!!  I think I'll miss that more than anything I miss right now.
Movement: Lots - I think he's ready to get out!
Food cravings: I've been craving chocolate cheesecake for over a week now, but really trying not to give into that one. :)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: Mild cramping/contractions, but nothing serious at all.
Symptoms: Gas, lower back pain, leg cramps, exhaustion and baby brain.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: After scheduling the induction last Tuesday, I felt much more relieved and at ease, so I was really able to enjoy this last week and relax.  I'd say my overall mood is happy, but there were a few meltdowns this week. Definitely emotionally unstable these days :)
Looking forward to: Going to the hospital tonight!!!

40-week Update

How far along? 40 weeks.  It's hard to believe that this whole time we've been counting down to today, and today is gone and we don't have our baby yet.  Kinda sad for me, actually.
Total weight gain: 27 lbs
Maternity clothes? Oh yes
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: It actually wasn't too bad this week.  Everytime I get up to pee, I just hope that a huge gush of water will come...it never does :(
Best moment this week: Spending the 3-day weekend relaxing w/ my hubby!
Miss anything? With the weather warming up, I could really go for a margarita or some sangria...ugh!
Movement: Lots!
Food cravings: None
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: NADA.  I've had some mild cramping and sharp pains every once in awhile, but nothing serious.  And, according to my doctor, I'm 1cm dilated, 0% effaced and -3 station - WTF?!!!!
Symptoms: Gas, lower back pain, leg cramps, exhaustion and baby brain
Belly Button in or out? In...I think it will actually stay that way!  Can't believe it!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Trying to stay happy, but getting super uncomfortable and anxious!
Looking forward to: Our doctors appointment tomorrow - hopefully we'll schedule an induction date/time, and I'll finally be able to see a light at the end of the tunnel

39-week Update

How far along? 39 weeks
Total weight gain: 27 lbs
Maternity clothes? Oh yes
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: Still terrible
Best moment this week: We had another relaxing weekend, and it was so nice!  I got to relax in the pool for a little bit on Saturday, it felt so good to float and get the weight off my back, plus I got a good tan.  Will probably do that again next weekend!
Miss anything? Feeling comfortable, breathing normally, good sleep, WINE!
Movement: Lots!
Food cravings: Nothing, really.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: I really thought I was going into labor last night.  We went for a walk around sunset, and I was getting these really sharp groin pains that would only last a second or two and then go away.  And then my belly got really tight and it was almost hard to walk.  When we got home, I sat down and I felt contractions that started in my belly and went around to my back - they only lasted about 25-30 seconds each and were pretty sporadic, so I didn't bother timing them.  They eventually went away after an hour or so.  We went to the doctor today, and I was really hoping last night's fiasco helped dilate me, but NO!  Still 1cm.  Ugh!  Doctor scheduled another appointment for next Tuesday, which will be 40w1d, and at that point we'll schedule an induction for 41 weeks (June 4).  Really praying baby comes before then on his own!
Symptoms: Gas, lower back pain, leg cramps, exhaustion and baby brain
Belly Button in or out? In still, I can't believe it!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: I'm getting a little moody, but trying to stay positive and happy!
Looking forward to: Meeting our sweet baby boy!

Pregnancy favorites

Everyone keeps asking me for my "must have" list, so here you have it...

Vaseline - My lips got so dry throughout my entire pregnancy, so this was a definite lifesaver!
Vaseline Aloe Fresh lotion - I can't stand the smell of any of the stretch mark creams, so I've been lathering this stuff on at least once a day since about 15 weeks.  It smells great, and can be used all over the body - not just on your belly!
Water bottle - Drinking the recommended amount of water during pregnancy (64 oz) is much easier when you have a "go to" water bottle.  I love my Camelbak, and take it with me everywhere I go!
Nature Valley Oats & Honey granola bars - These are delicious, nutritious, and easy to carry with you on the go.  We keep a jumbo 24-pack in the pantry at all times.
Oil of Olay Ultra Moisture bar soap - Like I mentioned previously, my skin has been so dry throughout this pregnancy, including my face, so I switched to this soap early on.  It smells awesome and keeps my skin moisturized throughout the day - love it!
Chobani Greek yogurt - As you approach the end of your pregnancy, your stomach won't have room for large meals (or small meals), so I've turned to this stuff - it's packed with tons of protein for your growing baby, and comes in some great flavors!  My favorites are strawberry, pineapple and mango.

38-week Update

How far along? 38 weeks
Total weight gain: 27 lbs - lost a pound this week!
Maternity clothes? I'm actually trying to avoid wearing clothes all together... ;)
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: Way too many thoughts running through my head to actually sleep
Best moment this week: We had a really relaxing weekend, so that was really nice.  And seeing our bambino on the ultrasound today was awesome!  He's measuring 7lbs 19.8" now.
Miss anything? Feeling comfortable....and wine ;)
Movement: Lots!
Food cravings: Eating is becoming hard, so no.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: Cramps, false labor contractions, stretching in my pelvis, and I'm still only 1cm dilated.
Symptoms: Gas, lower back pain, leg cramps, exhaustion and baby brain
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Very happy!
Looking forward to: Meeting our sweet baby boy!

Sister-in-law, Mother-in-law, Gma-in-law and me on Mother's Day! :)

37-week Update

How far along? 37 weeks...full term, baby!! :)
Total weight gain: 28 lbs still...haven't gained in a few weeks, which is totally fine with me!
Maternity clothes? Oh, yes.
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: These days it's not achiness/soreness, it's my BRAIN!  I can't shut it off!
Best moment this week: We bought all the last essential items, finished the nursery and packed our hospital bags...we are officially ready for this baby and I CANNOT WAIT!!!!
Miss anything? There are soo many things I miss, but as the end of this pregnancy nears, I'm getting sad about all the things I'm going to miss - all the kicks, hiccups, sweet movements, etc.
Movement: Lots!
Food cravings: Water, cantelope, strawberries, watermelon and Chobani greek yogurt!!!!  This Texas heat is kicking my butt, and I think I'm hydrating through these foods.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: Cramps, false labor contractions, stretching in my pelvis, and I'm officially 1cm dilated.
Symptoms: Gas, lower back pain, leg cramps, exhaustion and I should probably add "baby brain" to this list now (it actually should've been on this list months ago!)
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Very happy!
Looking forward to: Meeting our sweet baby boy!

Well...we went to the doctor today, and I'm still only 1cm dilated.  Darn!  However, the doctor said we don't really care about that, what we really want are contractions.  She also couldn't confirm whether Jacob is still head down, so we'll go for a sonogram next Monday to check.  Praying he's head down and a c-section isn't needed!!!  I plan to start walking every night to promote contractions.

On a separate note, my sweet 93-year old Grandma passed away over the weekend.  She suffered a massive stroke on Friday, which put her in a coma, and she eventually died early Sunday morning.  Selfishly, my initial reaction was sadness that she wouldn't get to meet Jacob.  But, I know she was ready to be in heaven with my Grandpa.  I thank God that I had the opportunity to spend a few days with her in November, and I know she'll be in that delivery room to welcome Jacob into this world.  My entire family is going to New York this week for the funeral, so as badly as I want to meet our baby, hopefully he'll wait atleast another week...

Baby brain ramblings

All of our friends that were due before us have delivered their babies, so we're officially next in line and I seriously cannot wrap my brain around it!  In 1 month, I will have a BABY BOY, I will be a MOMMY, Josh will be a DADDY, and the next chapter of our lives will officially BEGIN.  God has blessed me (us) with a smooth pregnancy, for which I'm so thankful - I just pray that it continues through my labor and delivery! :)

My mind doesn't shut off these days - whether I'm at work, home, in the car, trying to fall asleep - I'm constantly thinking about little Jacob and all the things I want to do before he gets here, to make his environment as peaceful as possible.  I have such an A-type, controlling personality, it's been really hard the last few weeks to just relax.  It was even hard for me to write "things I want to do" vs. "things I need to do", but I'm slowly starting to learn that no one is perfect, including me, and I can only physically do so much.  Josh has been such a HUGE help during this entire pregnancy - I really don't know what I'd do without him!

Anyways, we went to the doctor on Tuesday and I'm officially 1cm dilated.  My doctor said I could go into labor at any moment, so have your hospital bags packed and the carseat ready.  This, obviously, set me into a total frenzy...which Josh is still trying to recover from. :)  I immediately started a to-do list, which MUST get done this weekend:

- purchase all remaining necessities (breastpump, stroller, a few clothing items, diaper bag, etc.)
- assemble all items baby will use at the beginning (swing, pack n' play, etc.)
- finish nursery (storage system in closet, organize, etc.)
- wash all items baby will use at the beginning (bottles, breastpump, clothes, blankets, etc.)
- pack hospital bags for real (we "packed" them for our trip to Austin last weekend just in case, but now its for real)

...hopefully I'm not forgetting anything.  I probably am, which is the case 99% of the time these days. :)

Cheers!
Kate

36-week Update

How far along? 36 weeks...officially 1 month to go!!!!
Total weight gain: 28+ lbs (will get checked again tomorrow)
Maternity clothes? Full blown maternity at this point, although I refuse to buy any more maternity clothes!
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: Still terrible, and I'm exhausted!  Ugh!
Best moment this week: My baby shower in Austin.  It was so much fun and so cute (pictures below).  We had a great time catching up with everyone!
Miss anything? The general sense of being comfortable...
Movement: Lots!
Food cravings: Cantelope and watermelon recently
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks, and I got a few painful cramps this weekend...kinda freaked me out!
Symptoms: Gas, lower back pain, leg cramps, exhaustion
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Very happy!
Looking forward to: Finishing everything on our to-do list, so I can finally relax!  Oh, and I will also be taking PTO every Monday in May - definitely looking forward to the 3-day weekends, and to extra relaxation/"me" time.

My sweet best friends, and hostesses!

Jacob with a mustache :)

Amazing food table with all the cute decorations.

Josh & I with our mustaches - haha!

35-week Update

How far along? 35 weeks
Total weight gain: 28+ lbs
Maternity clothes? Maternity jeans and a few maternity tops...loving maxi dresses right now, too!
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: Peeing 2-3x/night and adjusting constantly.
Best moment this week: Gosh...a lot happened this week!  We had our 34-week check-up and got an ultrasound.  Jacob is doing really good.  He's measuring at 17.8" and 5lbs 4oz.  He's also still head down, which is awwwwwesome!!! He had hiccups while we were in the ultrasound - it was so cute to see him bounce up and down.  :)  We took our maternity photos on Thursday - I can't wait to share those with everyone, they look amazing!!  I met a few of my old coworkers for brunch at La Fiorentina in Dallas this weekend - it was so great to see them, and the food was phenom! Definitely recommend the Nutella-stuffed french toast...to die!  We also made a lot of progress in the nursery this weekend.  I finally had the carpets cleaned, so it's go time now :)
Miss anything? Wine
Movement: Lots!
Food cravings: Nothing, really...
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks
Symptoms: Gas, lower back pain, leg cramps, exhaustion
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Very happy!
Looking forward to: My Austin shower is on Sunday!  I'm sooo excited to see all my friends & family, many I haven't seen since I've been pregnant!  It will also be nice to get back to Austin and be on the lake for a little bit.  Although, I'm really not looking forward to the drive - I have a feeling we'll be stopping a lot for potty breaks. :)  I told Josh we have to take the carseat and hospital bags, just in case I go into labor while we're there.  Crazy to think Jacob will be full term in 2 WEEKS!!!

A picture of our baby's sweet face :) Can't wait to meet him!

His foot is measuring at 3" already!!!

His hand/arm were in his face, so it was kinda hard to get a good profile picture.

34-week Update

How far along? 34 weeks
Total weight gain: 26+ lbs
Maternity clothes? Maternity jeans and a few maternity tops
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: Still getting up 2-3 times each night to pee, but my back/hip aches were a little better this week.
Best moment this week: My beautiful baby shower.  Our sweet neighbor threw us a baby shower on Sunday, and it was amazing!  I loved seeing all my family, friends and neighbors.  Such a great time!  Josh & I are truly blessed with amazing people in our lives.  We also dug up the backyard on Saturday morning and planted tons of sun-loving perennials, which will hopefully make our lives a lot easier when this baby comes.
Miss anything? Wine, sleeping comfortably, running.
Movement: Lots of rolling and dancing :)
Food cravings: Nothing, really...
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks, and I started getting small cramps this week.
Symptoms: Gas, lower back pain, leg cramps, exhaustion
Belly Button in or out? It wants to pop out...haha!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: My maternity photos this Thursday!  Pending this crazy Texas weather we've been having...! :)

Me w/ the gorgeous cake!

Another picture of the beautiful cake table

Josh & I after the shower

Josh loving the Baby Bjorn!  Haha!

Newest Obsession

My newest obsession combines everything I've craved up to this point into one delicious, well-balanced, healthy meal...behold...Corner Bakery's Spinach Sweet Crisp Salad.

You've got spinach, strawberries, red grapes, oranges, cranberries, green onions, goat cheese, these delicious little raisin pecan sweet crisps and an awesome pomegranate vinaigrette dressing.  The goat cheese really throws it into a whole other universe.

AANNDD it's only 470 calories (17g fat, 12g protein).

So, do yourself a favor - and go try this today.  If you don't like it, we probably can't be friends (j/k because my husband probably won't like it, and he's my friend).

33-week Update

How far along? 33 weeks...cannot believe we only have 4 weeks until Jacob is full term!
Total weight gain: 26 lbs...ouch!
Maternity clothes? Maternity jeans and a few maternity tops
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: Still pretty bad.  I've been getting up 2-3 each night to pee, and it's so hard to fall back asleep!  Plus, my hips and back ache almost immediately after laying down, so I'm constantly switching from side to side.  I can't wait to lay on my back!!!!
Best moment this week: Rangers Opening Day!  We had awesome seats, and I finally got to pull the "I'm pregnant card" and got us a great parking spot!  I only lasted 6 innings though, constantly getting up and down was killing me, plus I squeezed into pre-pregnancy shorts...probably not the best idea.  Jacob loved it though - he was bouncing around the entire game. So sweet :)
Miss anything? Wine, sleeping comfortably, running.
Movement: Lots!  Especially love the hiccups in the middle of the night.
Food cravings: Blue Bell Cookies & Cream Ice cream...yum!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks
Symptoms: Gas, lower back pain, leg cramps, exhaustion
Belly Button in or out? It's on the verge of being an outie...
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: My first shower this weekend!!  I can't wait to see everyone & celebrate baby Jacob!

Texas Rangers - Opening Day 2012

32-week Update

How far along? 32 weeks
Total weight gain: 22+ lbs (will get weighed again tomorrow...ugh)
Maternity clothes? Maternity jeans and a few maternity tops
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: Absolutely TERRIBLE this week!!  I can't stay in one position for more than 30 minutes, so if I'm lucky enough to fall asleep within that 30 minutes I'm golden, otherwise I have to flop over - which involves every muscle in my body, and usually a few dog growls.
Best moment this week: We're starting to cross things off our to-do list.  This week included "install car seat", which didn't go quite as planned.  The story is below, but let me just preface it by saying - we're first time parents :)
Miss anything? Wine, margaritas, beer...pretty much anything cold that has alcohol in it.  I promise I'm not an alchy!!!
Movement: Lots!  It's more swooshing than kicking these days.  Sometimes it seriously feels like he's trying to find his way out - through my belly button!!!
Food cravings: I'm loving Cheerio's, yogurt and ice cream this week.  I discovered Blue Bell Fruit Bars...the strawberry ones are amazeballs!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: I get Braxton Hicks contractions pretty much every time I do anything, except sitting.  Sitting is good.
Symptoms: Gas, lower back pain, leg cramps, exhaustion
Belly Button in or out? In, although its trying to pop out!!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time:Very happy, but ready to meet my baby!
Looking forward to: Crossing more things off the to-do list, and my baby showers in the next few weeks!  I haven't seen so many of these people since I've been pregnant!!!

Alright, the story you've all been dying to hear... ;)
On Sunday, we finally decided to install the car seat.  I got a little freaked out last weekend at our Baby Safety class when they mentioned that not all car seats fit in all cars, not even all SUVs.  But, I thought to myself - I drive an SUV, surely the car seat will fit... ohhhhh no it doesn't!!!  WTF!?  The Britax B-Safe car seat hung over the edge of the seat by about 3".  Obviously this isn't safe.  A lot of my friends said theirs do the same thing, but the lady in our Baby Safety class said this is a big "no no."

Soo...off to Buy Buy Baby we went!  We tried 4 different car seats, all of which are compatible with the stroller I've been in love with (Britax B-Ready).  The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 30-30 fit the best, but then I found out that it isn't compatible with the B-Ready (sigh, of course), so I was about to settle for the Chicco Key Fit, when the BBB employee (who happens to be the husband of one of my co-workers, random I know) asked why I was set on the B-Ready.  I explained to him all the reasons - #1 being that it was actually tall enough for Josh to use comfortably (#2 being that it can convert into a double, for the future).  He told me that he actually likes the Baby Jogger City Select better, which IS compatible with the Peg Perego car seat.  Holler!  So, after a lot of back and forth, we finally decided on the City Select stroller with the Peg Perego car seat.  I liked the double configurations of the City Select a lot more than the B-Ready, it's almost the same height as the B-Ready (maybe 1" shorter), it has TONS of storage, it folds up better than the B-Ready, it has air in the tires (instead of foam) so we can use it as an "light jogger", and it's compatible with the Peg car seat that I liked.

I couldn't believe what a 180 I did - that is seriously not like me...especially this late in the game.  But, Josh & I are always thinking ahead to the future and what makes the most sense for us as a family, and this was another perfect example...I just hope it doesn't bite us in the bum later!!!

Here's photos of both.

3D Ultrasound

We had our 3D/4D ultrasound on Thursday afternoon, and let me start off by saying - HOW TOTALLY INCREDIBLE!!!  To think that our parents rarely had ultrasounds because they were considered "advanced", and now we're able to pretty much see exactly what our baby will look like before he's born is totally amazing!

I have to say, I was a little nervous going into it.  I've seen some 3D pictures where the babies look like aliens or mutants or something, so I was really scared that our baby wouldn't be cute.  Gee, was I wrong!  Baby J performed like a true champ and showed us his adorable face the entire time!  He tried to hide in my placenta towards the end, but wouldn't you if you have a stick jabbing you in the face?! ;)

We went to a "boutique", so it wasn't a doctor performing the ultrasound, and she couldn't really give us any medical evaluations.  However, she was able to confirm that Baby J is head down!  Woohoo!!  I'm soo relieved about that!  And, she was able to guestimate that he's almost 4lbs!  Whoa!  If everything I've read is true, he should be gaining half a pound (to a pound) a week from here on out - which would make him 9+ lbs!!  Doesn't really surprise me, based on the birth weight of his father, but it definitely scares me a little! :)

Anyways, here are some of the pictures.  We got a TON more, but these are the best.  ENJOY!

Our happy baby :)

good shot of his chubby face

#1 or Hook 'Em?  Either way - he's already a champ!

his "huge" foot

31-week Update

How far along? 31 weeks
Total weight gain: 22 lbs
Maternity clothes? Maternity jeans and a few maternity tops
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: Tossing and turning, and hip pains this week.
Best moment this week: We did a 3D/4D ultrasound this week - SO AMAZING!  I'll do a separate post on this.
Miss anything? Wine
Movement: Lots!
Food cravings: None
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks, and I think I've started to lose my mucus plug (tmi?).
Symptoms: Gas, lower back pain, leg cramps, exhaustion
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: We meet a potential pediatrician tomorrow.  Actually, we met her at one of our child birth classes and were really impressed with her, so we're sitting down to "interview" her.  I put that in air quotes because I don't have the slightest idea about what I'm getting myself in to.  I'm basically looking for a doctor that will tell me exactly what to do, and when, to keep my baby healthy and happy.  That's not too hard, right?? :)

30-week Update

How far along? 30 weeks...70 days to go!!!
Total weight gain: 22+ lbs
Maternity clothes? Maternity jeans and a few maternity tops
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: Tossing and turning, but no real complaints.
Best moment this week: Baby J was moving like crazy all weekend.  On Saturday morning, it felt like he was trying to escape!  Josh got to feel him moving all over the place, and he had hiccups at the same time.  Which, is a regular occurrence these days - he has hiccups 3x/day.  It was wonderful to finally let Josh feel the BIG movements.
Miss anything? Wine
Movement: Lots!
Food cravings: None really, still just really thirsty!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks
Symptoms: Gas, lower back pain, leg cramps, and I'm getting exhausted again.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Our 30-wk check-up tomorrow, and a 3D/4D ultrasound on Thursday!!  I can't wait to see what our little wiggle worm looks like!!!

We had a little scare this week, that I'm still trying to get over.  On Wednesday afternoon, I realized I hadn't felt the baby move all day, so I called the doctor - they rushed me in for a non-stress test to test the baby's heart beat.  They test for significant rises and falls in the baby's heart rate over a 20-minute time period.  Our baby had a couple spikes, after shining a light on my belly and talking to Josh on the phone, so they were "comfortable" with the results and sent me home.  Coincidentally, the same day I felt sharp pains whenever I bent over.  I can usually bend over and touch my toes, tie my shoes, etc. with no problems, so this was kinda alarming to me.  We've determined that Baby J was just in a weird position, which limited his mobility and mine!  (I've asked him to please avoid that position for the next 10 weeks)  By Thursday morning all these symptoms vanished and I woke up to baby hiccups. :)

Just writing this story brings a tingle to my nose and tears to my eyes.  After having a day of inactivity like that, I can't help but appreciate and embrace every kick and hiccup I feel now.  I never understood the love between a mom and baby, but now I am completely head over heels in love with this little boy and can't wait to meet him in person.  God is so good!!

29-week Update

How far along? 29 weeks
Total weight gain: 22+ lbs
Maternity clothes? Maternity jeans and a few maternity tops (for the length)
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: Tossing and turning, but no real complaints.
Best moment this week: In our childbirth class this weekend, we got to tour the labor and delivery and postpartum wings.  It's really comforting to know where we'll go, and what the rooms will look like.
Miss anything? Wine
Movement: Lots of kicks and hiccups about 3x/day.
Food cravings: Does water count?  I've been SO thirsty this week!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks several times a day
Symptoms: Gas
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Crossing things off my baby to-do list, my baby showers in about a month, finishing the nursery, etc... SO much to look forward to!

In our childbirth class this weekend, we discussed interventions and c-sections.  It's pretty alarming to hear the "slippery slope" that could occur when the first intervention is performed.  Josh & I have decided that, ideally, we'd like to have a 100% natural birth with no medicine or interventions.  I am completely aware that it's out of our control and in God's hands, but I think it's wise to have a game plan - if circumstances are perfect.

Our instructor told us something, referring to labor, that really stuck with me - it's worth it to give up 1 day of your life to bring another life into this world for ever.  How sweet is that.  I will try to remember that when I'm in hour 14 of labor and losing patience.

Early labor

We went to the doctor yesterday for our 28-wk check-up, and everything is looking and sounding great!  My fundal height was 29cm, which is perfect.  Baby's heartbeat was 146 and she found him really fast this time!  I guess that's what happens when he's 2lbs+! :)

I told my doctor that, after taking the childbirth class, I'm starting to get paranoid about going into early labor.  Especially because I've started feeling Braxton Hicks.  Thank GOODNESS my doctor is the woman she is - she's really laid back and relaxed.  She has an attitude like "I've done this a million times, so just sit back and relax" - which I really appreciate, seeing as I'm kinda Type A. :)  She basically said, unless you're having seriously painful contractions for more than 15 minutes in a given hour, I shouldn't worry.  She also said (and I quote) "I don't care about your mucous plug.  Who cares if it falls out?" - haha!  I love that!

So anyways, just wanted to share a little humorous OBGYN convo.  I feel alot better now, after talking with her and feeling her calmness and seeing how happy she was with my progress.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!
-Kate

28-week Update

How far along? 28 weeks - hello 3rd Trimester!!
Total weight gain: 22 lbs
Maternity clothes? Maternity jeans and a few maternity tops (for the length)
Stretch marks? None
Sleep: Feeling much better, and sleeping better too!  I've started feeling baby kick in the middle of the night, which is really special.
Best moment this week: Getting the rocker, and going to our first childbirth class.
Miss anything? Wine
Movement: Lots!  I felt my first "somersault" this week - talk about crazy!
Food cravings: Nothing, really...
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Boy :)
Labor Signs: I think I've started feeling some Braxton Hicks
Symptoms: Gas
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: My mom is coming up this weekend, so it will be fun to go shopping w/ her.  Also getting the bathroom remodel done, so I can get the carpets cleaned and finish the nursery!

Today marks the first day of my last trimester.  While I'm so excited and anxious to meet our sweet baby boy, I know he needs to stay for another 10 weeks at least.  My mind wanders every day - wondering what he will look like, what type of personality he will have, how my labor/delivery will go, etc.  I could think about it for hours.

After taking our first childbirth class this weekend, I'm a little more prepared for the whole labor process, and I can't explain how thankful I am to have such an amazing husband.  Josh is such a warm, supportive, loving, nurturing, strong and patient man, and I know he will be so awesome during labor.  I feel honored to be his wife and thank God every day that He brought us together.