35 Weeks

It's been a busy week!  Tuesday we put the pack-n-play together and also received the video monitor.  Those pack-n-plays are NOT easy to assemble!  Directions were terrible, and I was constantly having to go back a step or two to re-do and switch things around.  No wonder people like the 4moms Breeze playard so much, one step and it's ready to go!

We also went to our first baby class.  It was a baby care class where we learned baby care skills, safety information, feeding, diapering, bathing, and comforting a baby.  We also learned about symptoms of illness and when to call/see the pediatrician.  In addition, we received info on what happens the first hour of the babies life and what tests/procedures to expect.

We had to bring a stuffed animal to practice on and I absolutely LOVED seeing Jeremy put a diaper on a teddy bear and then swaddle it, haha.  I have to admit, I thought I knew a good amount about babies, but I learned a TON at this class!

Then, I got a bit of a surprise on Wednesday.  (this may be too much info for some, so skip onto the next paragraph if you don't want to read more detailed pregnancy issues :)) I believe I lost my mucus plug late Wednesday morning.  This was the one and only time I wish I had one of those "What To Expect When Expecting" pregnancy books.  I had no idea what this meant, was I labor?!?!  I immediately called my doctor's office to talk to the nurses on call.  She explained that it's not necessarily a precursor to labor, and gave me all the signs and symptoms of labor to look for that would indicate me coming into the office before my next appointment (next week) to get checked out.  I'm not leaking any fluid (my water hasn't broken) and I don't believe I'm experiencing any contractions.  So, we're just at a wait and see what happens stage.

But what a wake up call!  So this weekend we will definitely be tying up lose ends, purchasing the rest of the necessities, hopefully finishing up the nursery, as well as the big one: PICKING OUT NAMES!

Friday we started our birthing classes.  We are doing hypnobirthing.  Every time I work on my relaxation techniques...I end up falling asleep!  I immediately felt comfortable with our instructor Sara, and knew this is exactly who we were supposed to be working with and the way we are supposed to bring our baby into this world.  Here is more info on Sara and hypnobirthing: http://www.saravaughanetc.com/   Our session lasted nearly 3 hours, she came to the house and it was like having a friend on the couch to talk to.  It was so refreshing to talk to someone about this birthing technique who completely understood why we chose this route and to hear her stories, tips, techniques, and really discuss everything about our labor from nearly top to bottom.  We have some homework to accomplish over the next week, and I'm feeling more and more comfortable each day with the though of bringing this little one into our world.

Update on baby:  The baby is the size of a coconut and over 5 pounds.  Hearing is fully developed and Jeremy and I have started playing lullabies for the baby.  They say the baby will be able to recognize these songs once the baby is born.

I've received quite a few comments that it looks as though the baby has dropped.  This little one is also getting stronger by the day.  There have been a couple of nights where the baby has kicked my ribs so hard it takes my breath away!  This definitely happens more often when I am laying on my right side, which is my favorite side to sleep on!

Well, this post has gone on and on!  We have another busy week ahead of us, my parents will be visiting, we have a doctor's appointment, and another spring training game.  We also added some to the nursery that I will post next week.  See you then!

34 Weeks: Hospital Tour

First up, update on my baby shower post with more pictures!  My wonderful friend Heather Ratliff once again outdid herself and captured some amazing shots at the shower.  Thank you Heather!

This week was far from fun.  I came down with a terrible cold, had to cancel all of my work appointments, didn't go to school, and was basically in bed all week.  I started feeling crummy over the weekend, and by Monday I knew I had to get in to see the doctor.  I was able to reschedule our already booked appointment from Wednesday to Monday afternoon, where the NP diagnosed me with "just a bad cold."

A BIG thank you to my wonderful friend Liz who came over with some magical oils (doTERRA essential oils), which almost instantaneously made me feel better.  I applied them to the bottoms of my feet throughout the day, and for the first time in a three nights I was able to sleep completely through the night without waking up with coughing fits.  I am convinced in the power of these essential oils and have started incorporating them into my daily routine, especially at bedtime with lavender to help with my insomnia, and hope to use them during labor and delivery as well.

Update on baby: Baby is weighing in at +/- 5 pounds and can recognize and react to familiar songs or sounds.  Continuing to grow stronger and stronger every day.

We also visited the hospital this weekend.  I am so glad that we booked this tour, it definitely put me at ease knowing exactly which way we will take to get to the hospital, where to park, which floor to go to, and where to check in.  I didn't realize how often they would be moving me once inside the hospital either.  First I check in, go to triage (which is like the maternity ER), then we go to a labor/delivery room, and 1-2 hours after the baby is born we go to the postpartum room, where we will stay until discharge.

Last but not least, here is a picture for this week, I am looking...VERY pregnant haha, and remember, I was sick! 

Here is Hops in his latest "crash pad"

33 Weeks

Well, I'm on the verge of a terrible cold.  I've gone 8 months without getting sick, and then BAM...outta nowhere.  We have a doctor's appointment this weeks, so we'll see how I'm doing then.  So, there will be no chalkboard pic this week :(

We had a wonderful weekend.  We bought a few more baby items, getting the major gear checked off the list.  This included our car seat, and a STEAL of a deal on our 4moms mommaRoo baby swing.  Can't wait to get all of these out of boxes and set up in their final resting places.  We also had a great lunch at Cornish Pasty Co. with Jeremy's family, and went to a spring training game on Sunday.

Jeremy with some Tabasco Bloody Mary Mix

Bloody Mary bar at the Leonard's before the Giants vs DBacks spring training game

Baby update:  The baby is the size of a durian fruit...which is what???  Here's what one looks like, no idea what it is.  Baby is now over 4 pounds and continuing to do aerobics and have dance parties at all times of the day/night.  One day this past week the baby had the hiccups 3 times in one day, still continues to be one of my favorite feelings.  Baby could grow up to one inch just this week!  Can we say growth spurt!  With all of this new growth, the baby has moved right underneath my rib cage...not so comfortable.  More fun facts, baby is now keeping eyes open while awake, coordinating breathing and sucking and swallowing (which I am assuming is leading to the hiccups), and bones are starting to harden.

Momma-to-be update:  Other then feeling sick, things are going well.  I'm definitely starting to feel overheated at times, which is due to my metabolism going through the roof.  Continuing with shortness of breath, especially when climbing stairs.  Pregnancy brain for sure.  What was I just going to say....???  Jeremy has taken over with finishing my sentences and stories, where would I be without him?  Stammering, that's where!  Definitely bumping the belly into more things as well, haven't quite got the hang of judging whether I'll fit through a snug space or not.

Jeremy and I have also started our Hypnobirthing relaxation DVD/CD.  Since we decided to go down this route, I've struggled with telling people about it.  I'm not sure if I'm just being sensitive about it, but I find more often then not, that I'm being judged about our decision to go down this road.  It's as if right behind their comments of, "Well that sounds interesting," they're actually thinking, "there's no way she'll be able to do it."  I understand that birth is so different with everyone, and each person has their own story, so it's hard to plan something that can turn at the drop of a hat.  But I think that this method will not only help me through bringing our child into this world, but these techniques will stay with us far beyond that, helping us get through big events in the future.

Anyhow...onto more fun things.  If you're pregnant, go buy some maternity underwear.  That's right, they sell maternity undies!  Can't believe I waited so long to purchase some, and I have not looked back since!  That's it for this week.  We'll be hitting the 6 week countdown in the next post!!! (freaking out behind the keyboard right now)

32 Weeks: Showered with Love

What an exciting weekend it was!  My Mother In Law and Mom hosted the baby shower at my grandmothers house.  The two of them had lots of help from friends and family, making for one amazing celebration.  I've never felt more overwhelmed with love and gratitude.  My amazing friend Heather once again came through with capturing the wonderful memories of this time spent with my friends and family, and I can't wait to see how they all turn out.  Here are a few I took myself:

My BFF Erin set up this amazing DIY Mimosa Bar

What a loot!

Such a cute basket!

Jeremy's favorite gift

Update on baby: We are at the 8 month mark!  Baby is the size of a squash, according to The Bump, growing and growing.  Definitely feeling more cramped.  We had a doctor's appointment on Thursday that went great.  We were able to hear the heartbeat, which I absolutely love.  Nice and loud :)  As I lifted my shirt for the doctor to place the Doppler on my belly she commented how beautiful my skin was and asked, "are you happy with it?!"  I laughed out loud and replied that I was.  "What a strange thing for her to ask," I though.  

I asked if the baby was head down, and she explained that now through the next couple of weeks the amniotic fluid is at it's peak, so the baby is very freely swimming around in there.  So even if that day the baby was head down, it would probably change by that evening.

We scheduled our last 6 appointments, which felt very unreal.  Only 6 left?!  But then what?!  We will go every other week for the next month, and then our last month we will go in every week.  We also received some contact info to schedule our hospital tour and some classes.  

I'm definitely feeling slowed down.  Especially going up the stairs.  Every time I make the ascent, I think to myself, I really wish I had done the stair climber more at the gym while carrying 10 pound weights in each hand.  That would have prepared me!  With the baby/uterus pressing up on my diaphragm, I'm definitely feeling out of breath more often.  Not craving anything in particular, but salty and sweet together are always a good combo.  

Well that's a wrap up of Week 32, see you in a week!

UPDATE: Here are a few pictures from the baby shower:

31 Weeks, Valentine's day, and a very special surprise

First, I must say, this is the last time I'll be wearing this shirt!  Honestly didn't think you could grow out of maternity shirts, but I was wrong haha. 

We are at 31 weeks and baby Rials is the size of a pineapple.  All five of baby's senses are fully developed, and major brain and nerve development is happening.  Irises are also now reacting to light. Lots and lots of movement!  From kicking, to somersaults, and hiccups, there is a lot going on in there!

I'm continuing to feel pretty good.  Getting around is a bit more difficult, definitely feel like my lungs are crowded.  Pregnancy brain is in full force, which is not so good when I'm trying to get good grades in school, and have conversations with people!  Trying to limit my water intake at night (increasing during the day) to avoid waking up 5 times a night to use the bathroom.  Definitely eating healthier due to my 21 day challenge of no fast food (although I did have In-N-Out Burger once), but still having difficulty getting the energy and motivation to workout.

I've also started to notice that my feet are beginning to swell.  I'm getting lines from my flip flops and all I can think of is that image of Kim Kardashian's feet when she was pregnant:

Yikes right?!  Okay, mine don't look ANYTHING like this, I promise, but fingers crossed it doesn't get to this point!

And now for the special surprise...  my brother got engaged this weekend!!!  We are so incredibly happy him and Sam, we love her as though she's already a Bowden.  We had mimosas to celebrate the occasion, mine of course a mocktail made with sparkling cider.

We have a doctor's appointment coming up next week, 8 months!!

30 Weeks and Maternity Photos

30 Weeks!!  Can't believe we only have 10 more to go.  Looking back on the last 30 weeks, I have to say I feel really lucky about how uneventful this pregnancy has been.  It hasn't always been easy, or a walk in the park; but I'm very thankful that medically things have gone very smoothly.

I've been eating really well, avoiding my fast food fixes and instead trading milkshakes for healthy snacks, as well as working out at least 5 times a week.  My advice to anyone who has recently become pregnant:  EXERCISE!  Carrying around an extra 20-25 pounds is no joke, and I wish my back was a bit stronger to help support my ever growing belly.

I've also learned to increase my water intake during the day and to taper off closer to bedtime to help lessen my trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night.  I've found my perfect mix of pillows, which has significantly helped with my low back and hip pain while sleeping.

Baby update:  Baby is the length of a cucumber, weighing in at over 3 pounds!  He/She will continue to gain weight at a rate of half a pound a week.  The baby is now strong enough to grasp a finger and eyesight is continuing to improve, although baby keeps eyes closed most of the day.  The brain is also continuing to develop.  Lots and lots of movement, I've been trying to video the baby moving, but every time I do, the baby gets shy and stops.  I've felt the baby have hiccups a few more times as well, which I absolutely love.

In other news, my grandma and I had a little date this weekend.  Every year for Christmas I get her a "making memories" gift.  She has everything she could possibly ever need, so I decided a few years ago that I would take her out to dinner and a show for Christmas instead of a materialistic gift.

This year I brought her over to the house to see the updates and the nursery; it had been almost 3 years since she had last been over!  Then we headed over to Liberty Market for an early dinner.  We saw The Wizard of Oz at Gammage Theater, which was amazing!  It brought me right back to my childhood.  Every time my family came up to visit my grandparents, they would put on The Wizard of Oz for us to watch while they chatted with my parents.  I sang along to nearly every song, and loved spending the time alone with her.

And now, what you've all been waiting for....my maternity photos.  My very talented friend Heather Ratliff took these pictures at The Groves church on Gilbert and Queen Creek in Gilbert, AZ.  It was an overcast day, and I was afraid that the lighting would ruin the shoot.  It was quite the opposite, as Heather reassured me they would turn out beautiful.  Enjoy!

29 Weeks: Project Nursery

This past week was a great week!  Jeremy really wanted to get a smoker for Christmas, but somehow the back splash won out (this was not my decision btw!).  So Jeremy decided he wanted to try smoking a brisket on the grill. 
     We invited our friends Mike and Tanya over.  We test out all kinds of recipes on them.  Jeremy learned the hard way that he's allergic to pecan wood, so he won't be using pecan chips to smoke again any time soon. 
     We all thought it turned out great, although Jeremy was a bit more critical of it.  He thought the smoke ring could have been better (whatever that means).  So, his friend Bruce is on the look out for a good sale on one of those egg shaped smokers.

We also worked on the nursery this weekend.  We finished painting last weekend, and although our samples looked a bit blue, we went with a medium grey tone.  We will be keeping the rest of the furniture white, and add an accent color once the little one arrives. 

Here is Jeremy putting the crib together.  We picked it up at Ikea, and love the simplicity of it.  It will also transition into a toddler bed.  I'll take additional, more detailed pictures once we finish everything up.  Originally I thought I wanted a white dresser from Ikea as well, but  liked the thought of adding in a bit of character.  I had been searching on Craigslist for weeks, and finally found this little gem.  We both fell in love with the shape and details.  I think we'll also use this as our changing table.  I can't wait to start looking for some rustic accessories to fill the space.  I know it's going to be challenging to keep it gender neutral, but I'm always up for a challenge.

 

The cat's loved exploring our new additions.  Their new favorite place is hiding under the crib.

Last but not least, pregnancy update.  Now that I'm in my third trimester, I'm definitely starting to feel some new things.  Earlier in the week I was in quite a bit of pain in my low back and hips, making sleep very difficult.  I tried hot baths, but came to the conclusion that I needed to do a bit of strengthening and stretching to resolve the problem.

I started a 21 day challenge with a handful of girlfriends.  Not that I think I need to lose weight (obviously), but it takes 21 days to make a habit, and my muscles need some assistance carrying around this additional weight.  So I've been attempting to get in 30 minutes of some sort of physical activity every day.  I have a workout video by Tracy Anderson for strengthening, prenatal yoga videos from YouTube to stretch, and am walking around the neighborhood. 

This has definitely helped with my pain level.  I'm continuing to take baths as well, up to 4 a week.  It helps me relax as well as soak my sore muscles.  I put spa radio on Pandora, and light a few candles, and am in Heaven.

We also went hiking with our friends Bruce and Casey, and I think that's probably the last time we'll go.  I'm having to go to the bathroom so much more often these days, that I had to turn back early from the group and race back to the parking lot!  No fun :(  I've also experienced a bit of pelvic pain, pressure from this growing baby.  Hopefully that remains minimal through the next 10 weeks.

Baby update: Baby Rials is the size of an acorn squash, measuring in at 15-17 inches, and 2.5-3.5 pounds.  The baby will triple in body weight by the time he/she is born!  Baby is continuing to move a lot; kicks, jabs, and somersaults.  I didn't think I was feeling any hiccups, but now that I look back on the past week, I've been feeling these movements that I thought was just my heartbeat in my belly, because it was rhythmic that way, but just now I'm putting it together that it was more of a subtle movement and probably hiccups!  I'll have to pay more attention next time. 

That's it for this week!