9 Weeks to Go (31 Weeks)

I had my 31 week appointment today - I know, it's a week off from the typical 30 week appointments and it drives me insane, but in 5 short weeks we'll be beginning weekly appointments (and cervical checks)!  Everything went well - I had gained 3 pounds, my blood pressure was 119/79, and Farrah's heart rate was 154!  I forgot to ask my doctor what I was measuring, though.  We discussed not drinking an entire gallon of tea because of the caffeine (but she prefers a gallon of tea over one soda) and delayed cord clamping.  They delay the cord clamping for preemie babies, but for full-term babies, they typically wait a medial amount of time.  They will place the baby on my chest first thing (this thought literally just gave me butterflies) and when the cord begins to weaken, they will go ahead and clamp it.  They will do a few things with the baby and return her to me in "kangaroo care" where they place her inside my gown to have skin-on-skin contact and to breast feed.


Some friends of our are due with a boy two days after Farrah is due, and they have a two-year-old daughter.  They gave us about 5 boxes full of baby girl clothes and we couldn't be more blessed to have been given such nice and adorable clothes for Farrah!


Daddy picked Farrah her first flowers this past weekend, as well as bringing Mommy and Kylie some as well.  We are very lucky to have him and his love for us.

Cravings: Fruity pebbles (bought it but haven't indulged yet).  Cookies (check).  Ice cream (in a cone, with peanuts and chocolate syrup, or with the peach pie I made Keane last night).  Water - I'm always oh so thirsty.


Symptoms: Trouble catching my breath.  (I'm extremely text-book when it comes to symptoms - as soon as I experience something new, I seem to always read about it in my weekly updates.)  Heartburn.  Feeling much more tired and worn out.  Extra teeth-sensitivity.  Nesting has set in, especially because I have a living room full of baby items from my baby shower last weekend and nowhere to put it.  I think this weekend will be the beginning of Farrah's nursery project for this momma.


Mood: I am feeling extremely tired lately.  Falling asleep quickly and having trouble getting up in the mornings.  Anxious, ready, and excited to spend some time on the nursery.


Missing: Sleeping on my back and being able to get out of bed and off the couch easily.


Excited for: All the items we received at the baby shower and now starting on Farrah's baby room!


Body changes: So, my body is (has been) growing, everywhere.  From my face, my butt, my hips, my arms, my legs, and obviously my stomach and boobs, too.  Everyone says I look "all belly" but I can tell the other changes, too.  My feet and ankles are a little swollen after a full day.


Sleep: I've been sleeping well this week, I think due to being so tired.  I wake up about once a night to pee and usually fall right back to sleep.


Movement: The coolest thing ever.  I thought the thumps, kicks, and flutters were cool (they are too), but these "bulges" that move across my hand are amazing.  Sometimes there are kicks that are so hard it makes my stomach jolt.  This week has been a slower week on her movements but she'll still kick around up high on my right side, and tickle me very low.  Although, she seems to be timid when Daddy tries to feel her.  I haven't experienced Braxton Hicks or baby's hiccups (that I know of).

Farrah's Sweet Baby Shower

Farrah's baby shower was last weekend and it was beautiful and far exceeded my expectations.  Not that I didn't think my crafty mother and stylish sister would create the best baby shower ever, but I still couldn't have imagined it as wonderful as it turned out to be.

The color theme was pale pink, with gold and floral.  Perfect.  And most importantly, family and close friends were there to celebrate Farrah's upcoming arrival with me, and that means the world to me.

Those who attended were:

Mom, Kimberly, McCoy, myself (of course) & Kylie

Aunt Jan, Aunt Kathy, Kacie, Kara, Kelsey

Aunt Leonna, Tricia (and Matthew), Samantha, Danielle (who all had to leave early), Aunt Vian, Julie, Diana (who was only able to help set up)

Aunt Jean, Kim, Kelli, Rylee, Michelle, Emmi, Amy, Amanda, Sarah, Jake, Danielle, Deann

Melissa, Haley, Kayley, Annie, Ashten, Amber

Those who couldn't make it but sent gifts and/or congratulations and well-wishes: Karen, Melinda, Lisa, Angie, Kaitlyn, Jacky, Aunt Donna, Lindsay, Anna, Lynlee, Kelsey, Kynleigh, Anistyn, Katie, and Jamie!

Can you guess which photo is me and which is of Keane?

We got some amazing gifts!!!!  I couldn't be more thankful for all the love, support, and giving we have received in honor of Farrah.  We now have a lot of the necessities to be prepared to bring Farrah into this world, although I know all she really needs is love, her family, and to be fed and cared for.  But now she also has: a video baby monitor, a diaper bag, diapers, wipes, a wipe warmer, a changing pad, crib, bouncy seat, play mat, high chair, baby gate, grocery cart cover, bumbo seat, boppy pillow, and a baby carrier/wrap.  She has bath products and health products for rashes and toothaches and such, bibs, burg rags, pacifiers, a scrapbook, a sippy cup, bottles, a bottle brush, extra nipples, teething rings, fresh fruit feeders, and a dishwashing safe box for little items.  She has many books that I cannot wait to read to her, so many adorable outfits, moccasins & handmade booties, blankets, a car seat cover, headbands/bows, an adorable peek-a-boo teddy bear, and a soft giraffe rattle.  For her nursery, we received a gold piggy bank, framed artwork, a floral "F," vases with flowers, and baskets.  We also received money for a rocking chair and some other gift cards and cash that will go towards the few things left that we need!

Farrah is such a lucky little lady to have been given all the wonderful things she has already received and to have such a loving family and great friends that I know cannot wait to meet her!

And of course, it rained on the day of the baby shower -- following suit after our rainy wedding.  My dad said it will probably rain on her birth day.  And that will be fine if it does, because late June may need a nice rain!

Thank you again to all my friends and family who showered Farrah and I with love and gifts, and a special thank you to my mom and sister for all their dedication, creativity, and hard work they put forth to give me such a special day that I will forever be grateful for!

{Only} 10 Weeks to Go (30 Weeks)

My doctor told me last week that every day I need to count four movements within 30 minutes during one of Farrah's active periods.  She also told me I need to be considering birthing classes (I don't think we will be doing this), finding a pediatrician, and getting a tetanus booster (which I got two years ago when I got stung by a wasp).  She said the slight tightening that I occasionally (not often) feel is not Braxton Hicks, but some other type of contraction - nothing to be concerned about.  Oh, and she reassured me that I can paint as long as I use water based latex paint.  Nursery, here momma comes -- soon.


The reading I've been doing says that Farrah will be plumping up in the next 11 weeks, and getting more snug in the uterus.  Her kicks and jabs are supposedly going to become less, and I'll feel more elbows and knees.  Well, whatever stage we are at currently, I am loving.  I feel her move all the time, whereas I struggled with not feeling her a lot throughout this pregnancy.  She moves down low and up high at the same time.  Cold water or food or anything really can get her moving.  She's still (and always has been) more active in the mornings, and calmer in the evenings.  We'll see if this pattern persists after she's born.  But child, please consider that your momma is not really a morning person.  Mornings shall soon be your bonding time with Daddy because he wakes up with the roosters.


I was looking back at old notes I had made for previous doctor's visits and there was one that mentioned the top of my uterus being about two finger-widths under my belly button.  (My uterus is now like 4 1/2 finger-widths above my belly button I think.)  Part of me feels like that was so long ago when my baby was only taking up such a small space in my belly, but at the same time, it wasn't that long ago either.  To all the moms who are anxious to be further along in your pregnancy journey (which I still am even at 30 weeks), it really does fly by.


There's a part of me that is already missing the days when Farrah is along with me every day, everywhere I go.  Cliché, I know.  How can it be that one day soon she will have a little life of her own, away from me during the days when I am working and she is at daycare?  When I let my mind go there, I completely and honestly embrace this time, growing Farrah safely in my womb, protected and snuggled safe, and near.  I am carrying her daily, and feeling her movements.  I never, ever want a day to go by that I don't get to be near her, hold her, feel her, and talk to her.  I know my life will be blessed when I can also see her, smell her, hear her, and touch her, but I am also happy to be right where we are at this moment in time, because it too is fleeting, and I will miss it.


Cravings: Morel mushrooms - not because of pregnancy, though, but because it is finally that time of the year again!  It is by far my favorite type of "hunting" and such a delectable treat!


Symptoms: RLS in the evenings (luckily only on the couch and not after we climb into bed), trouble maneuvering in bed or anywhere really (bending or turning is nearly impossible), low back pains occasionally, more frequent urges to pee, thirst for water, heartburn (especially when laying down at night), and getting exhausted much easier and quickly.


Mood: So very happy with my life, my family, and my pregnancy.


Missing: Feeling "cute."  The weather is changing and the outfits of choice for girls are shorts, rompers, dresses, and other cute summer.  Needless to say, these are not ideal for a 7-month pregnant body.


Excited for: My baby shower this weekend!!!!


Body changes: My pregnancy body is ever growing.  No stretch marks, no protruding belly button, and no complaints.


Sleep: Honestly, sleep has been good this past week.  I have been sleeping throughout the night, or with less bathroom trips, and being able to fall right back to sleep.  Though not always, but more than I have been experiencing.  It has done this momma some good.


Movement: I am feeling much more (bigger and stronger) movements often throughout each day.  Down low I am beginning to feel her slightly more on the left side, but up high it is still only on my right side.  Some days she bulges out of my upper stomach area, and it brings me great pleasure to be able to feel some body part of hers so near to my hand.

11 Weeks to Go (29 Weeks)

I've spent a lot of time trying to grasp and comprehend the amazing magnitude of this little life forming inside of me, created by mine and my husband's bodies.  It has nearly driven me crazy trying to wrap my head around how all of it happens.  And then I read this: "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things."  Ecclesiastes 11:5


This makes sense to me - the fact that we are not to know how the body is formed in the womb.  It's something that is beyond our understanding.  Science has done a wonderful job explaining how the cells develop and what happens week to week throughout pregnancy, but it was deeper than that that I wanted to understand.  But now I just trust God that he's creating Farrah perfectly and flawlessly in my womb. 


I purchased a gold robe to wear to the hospital after delivery, and I wore it the other night after my bath.  It made me look huge, I admit.  As I was sitting next to Keane on the couch, he was looking at me smirking, and he said that I reminded him of Buddha.  He googled a picture of a gold Buddha statue and called the kids in to come look at it.  They laughed and laughed and laughed.  Yep, this Buddha picture to be exact. This is me, in my robe. 

I haven't started packing any kind of hospital bag, because I would obviously be jumping ahead on that one, but I do have a list prepared of things that I want in my hospital bag:

(For Baby)

Baby Blanket, Baby book for footprints, Take home outfit, Diapers, wipes, extra baby outfits, hat


(For Comfort)

Chapstick, Socks/Sandles, Snacks for Keane (cereal bars, sandwiches, drinks, Gatorade), Cash for vending machines, Chargers, Pillows, Clothes to wear/robe/pjs/outfit for home, Outfits for Kaden and Kylie, back massager, shower stuff (Shampoo, conditioner, soap, razor, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, Qtips, makeup), Brush, hair ties, Underwear, bra (nursing bra)


(For Healing/Medical)

Dermoplast (antibacterial pain reliever spray), Nipple cream - Lanolin, Nipple shields, Breast pump, Ibroprofin, Prenatals, Colace (stool softener), Witch hazel pads or Tucks pads, Always pads.


I had my 29 week appointment on Friday.  I knew what my scale at home said, and I was nearly jumping for joy for the lack of weight gain since my last appointment, and I was just hoping the scale at my doctor's office would be similar.  It was.  I only gained 1 pound in the last month.  I was hoping I would get some congratulations or "Well Done" from my doctor about that.  I didn't.  But I'm very proud of myself. 


I also had my glucose test on Friday, which consisted of me drinking a clear lime flavored (actually very delicious) drink an hour before arriving at my doctor's office, and me having two vials of blood taken.  I heard back from my doctor's office Monday and the news was great, my glucose test came back "normal" which means I do not have gestational diabetes.  My doctor has been measuring my stomach and said I measured 28 weeks, which she said two weeks smaller or larger than the actual week is considered normal.


Cravings: Chocolate.  Sweets.  I just can't stop wanting sweets.  I made some delicious chocolate chip cookies last weekend and the Easter Bunny brought chocolate candy and mini chocolate cupcakes.  Then I made some brownies.


Symptoms: Severe sleepiness.  Very strong sense of smell.  Being warmer than usual with nightly sweats.  RLS.  Insomnia.  Sharp tailbone pain.  Occasional heartburn.  Frequent trips to the restroom (see photo sent by my father, haha). 

Mood: Great - happy - excited!

Missing: My slender body.

Excited for: Doctor appointments every two weeks.  The thought that May is next month, and the month after that we'll be having our baby!

Body changes: Weight gain of 23 pounds total.  I'm having a much harder time fitting into my normal clothes, which is expected of course.  My belly button is still in and now I'm hoping it will just stay in.

Sleep: Sleep is hit or miss nightly.  Some nights I'll wake up constantly, lay there sleeplessly, kick off the covers because I'm hot just to wake up again because my leg outside the covers is cold, suffer leg cramps, or have to cough or pee or anything except sleep.  Some nights I am so tired I sleep through the whole night and when I awake, I feel like I just witnessed a miracle.

Movement: I'm loving how much Farrah is moving around where I can feel her now.  She's very active all morning, kicking around at the top of my belly, so much that you can see my belly moving.  I also feel little movements down low.  Articles say that she should be getting into position now so I assume her head is down low, sometimes pushing on my bladder, and her feet are up high.  I keep hearing that she'll soon be in my rib cage making me uncomfortable, but she hasn't gotten there yet.

7 Weeks, 3 Days - 0 lb weight gain, heart rate 168 bpm

11 Weeks, 6 Days - 4 lb weight gain,  heart rate 148 bpm

15 Weeks, 6 Days - 5 lb weight gain, heart rate 152 bpm

20 Weeks, 3 Days - 11 lb weight gain, heart rate 152 bpm

25 Weeks, 0 Days - 22 lb weight gain, heart rate 154 bpm

29 Weeks, 0 Days - 23 lb weight gain, 144 bpm