{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

12 Weeks To Go (28 Weeks)

Only twelve weeks to go!  And only 20 days until my baby shower!  Things to do: pick out a paint color for the nursery, buy the paint, and paint.  Buy curtain rods and tiebacks, then hang the curtains.  Put the crib together!  Get my bedroom furniture from my parents and paint it white rather than cream.  Get necessary items that we don't receive from the shower i.e. rocking chair, car seat(s), high chair, diapers, etc.  Get a lamp, make a crib mobile, and decorate the nursery walls.


Cravings: Bad, bad things (like soda and chocolate).  Trying to eat more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and drinking a lot of water. 


Symptoms: Backaches, sleeping troubles, RLS, strange baby dreams.  That's about it.


Mood: I have been more emotional with things "hurting my feelings" or really bothering me and eating at me.


Excited for: My baby shower coming up!


Body changes: I have done a much better job resisting snacks and late night cravings, and I think I may have only gained about one or two pounds in three weeks!  My doctor will be so proud.


Sleep: Some nights I sleep so deep that I think I still get up to pee but I must do it half asleep because I hardly remember it.  And some days I ache from the way I slept.  I keep getting hot and kicking off my covers throughout the night, only to get cold again and cover back up.  I almost could not get out of bed last night and when I finally crawled out of bed, I literally waddled when I walked, then I could not fall back asleep.  My sleeping troubles are pathetic.


Movement: I think Farrah must have heard my concerns about her lack of movement, because this week she has been moving around and it has continued throughout much of this week...so much so that I can just watch my belly like waves.  I love feeling her move, and I hope she doesn't stop.  I also have a tightening at the top of my uterus occasionally, but only on the right side.  I am uncertain whether it is Braxton Hicks or round ligament pain.  It usually lasts awhile (10 minutes +/-) and it doesn't cause me pain.  I usually only feel Farrah's movements on my right side (and down low) as well.  Is my placenta still blocking movement on my left side, I wonder?

13 Weeks To Go (27 Weeks)

Every day I talk about, dream about, and get more and more anxious to meet Susie Crocodile...I mean, Farrah Oakley!  (Susie Crocodile is McCoy's latest choice of names for Farrah.)  I keep imagining life with her, and it excites me to no end.  I love seeing the light at the end of the tunnel -- only 13 weeks left until she arrives!! 

Cravings: All foods.  And water.


Aversions: None.


Symptoms: Leg cramps in the middle of the night.  I used to get these occasionally, I think from wearing heels at work.  This past week I have been getting them extremely severely in the middle of the night, usually when I wake up and stretch or move my legs.  I have to get out of bed, and if standing doesn't cure it, I have to walk it off, message it, and pray that it goes away.  When I can finally manage to walk like a normal person, I make it to the kitchen to chug a glass or two of water and take my prenatal vitamin.


Restless Leg Syndrome.  Frequent trips to the restroom.  Strong sense of smell.  Sleepiness.


Mood: This week I have been pretty sleepy, and it doesn't help the weather has been dreary.  I am feeling more lazy, and usually I like to go-go-go. 


Missing: I'm loving growing our baby inside me so I can't hardly say that I miss my body because this body is temporary and so worth it.  But I do miss things about my old body -- movement, clothes fitting normally, walking/bending/sitting with ease, etc.


Break-down: No break-downs surprisingly.  I mean, I cried during Grey's Anatomy which isn't usual of this non-crier, but these episodes lately have a lot to do with pregnancies, births, and newborns, and it's a really terrible time for those to be aired for this pregnant momma.


Excited for: I normally would have a doctor's appointment next Friday (28 weeks) but I had previously scheduled an appointment on a day that my mom and I could spend the day together, so I don't have an appointment until 29 weeks, and then I will be seeing my doctor every other week until 36 weeks, at which time it changes to weekly!  I'm excited to be this far along in my pregnancy...and that much closer to having our sweet baby!


I am also excited to start on Farrah's baby room.  We have a few nursery items, including the most important -- the crib!!  Next on my agenda...pick out a paint color, and transition the older kids to their temporarily shared bedroom.


Body changes: My belly button is still in.  My wedding ring still fits perfectly.  I don't have any stretch marks.


Sleep: This week I have been exhausted so I have been sleeping well, with several trips to the potty throughout the night, and the leg cramps I talked about.  Rolling over takes a lot of effort, as does "rolling" out of bed.


Movement: So...I hear and read a lot from other moms who are feeling a lot of movement by this time.  I feel movement often, but it's not extremely big movements for the most part.  I feel a lot of the "gurgling" feeling inside.  I, by no means, can feel certain body parts or have the baby respond to my movements.  I have also been reading a lot about Braxton Hicks contractions.  I am not complaining, but I haven't had anything like that yet.

14 Weeks To Go (26 Weeks)

Today is the first day of Spring!  Now that this beautiful weather has graced itself, we have been getting outside more, which is exciting in itself, and it has allowed me to walk and get more physical exercise.


Farrah is opening her eyes now!!  She weighs approximately 2 pounds.  This week has been teaching myself better food discipline, like saying no to the delicious blueberry waffles with butter and syrup and a glass of milk that was calling my name late in the evening.

Now, moving on to Week 27, the last week of my second trimester!

Cravings: Everything sounds really good, but I'm being more conscious of what I eat and drink.  Like I said, blueberry waffles were calling my name, as were instant mashed potatoes and brown gravy (which I did make those).  I have been experiencing with healthier snacks such as banana & oats cookies, and peanut butter & oats bars.

Symptoms: Peeing when sneezing.  Peeing all the time.  Heightened sense of smell.  A serious sharp pain in my back earlier this week, which has been feeling better after adjusting my sleeping position.  Being exhausted, tired, and worn out at the day's end.  Sleeplessness.  Heartburn.  RLS. 

Mood: Sleepy.  Good otherwise.  Maybe slightly anxious.

Excited for: All things baby.  I shopped in the baby section at Target the other day and had to force myself away from all of the adorable little outfits, headbands, bibs, etc.  How sweet it all is.  I ended up not getting anything yet, because I want to wait until after our shower to find out what we really need.  Then it's on because I can't hardly resist getting my hands on tiny baby girl things for Farrah!  Okay, so I did break down and buy her a few items I found on sale online...including this adorable onesie and some headbands.

Body changes: Trying to get used to my belly resting on my legs when sitting.  Trying to find things to wear that fit.  My belly button is still in.

Sleep: With a blanket (Farrah's baby blankets) under my belly and a pillow or Keane's legs in between my knees, I have been sleeping fairly comfortably.  But I tell you, it's a chore in itself to roll over or roll out of bed.  Some nights I experience insomnia -- I just lay there wide awake.  I'm convinced that these sleepless nights are what will keep the baby waking up throughout the night after she is born because she will be so used to Mommy waking up several times each night, ha.  Last night I had two, separate, leg/foot cramps that brought me to the floor.

Movement: My doctor said I should start feeling her more and more.  If I had to guess, I might say that my placenta may be moving to my left side, because I seem to feel movements more on my right side.  The movements this week feel like large thumps that make my whole belly move.  I love any movement in there that I feel.  If what I feel sometimes is her doing a flip or turning around, it's the weirdest feeling ever.  I feel like I need to help her flip, but there's nothing that I can do but sit and wait.  Overall, I wish I felt her move and kick more.  I think I'm limited in feeling a lot of those movements still.  However, by this week's end, the movements have been more often.  Thursday morning while still laying in bed, she was kicking hard so I had Keane feel her and he laughed out loud.  Oh, sweet Farrah, we love you already.  Her most active times are mid-morning and when laying in bed at night and first thing in the morning.

Baby Room Planning: I have the entire room planned out in my head and I cannot wait to get started!  Light grey walls and this grey crib that Lindsay has lovingly purchased for Farrah (and it's already been shipped, eek!).

I ordered and received these curtains (in petal) because they were on sale (although these would have been my first choice).  In person they are adorable and of such a great quality.

Baby Items: Our first real baby item came in the mail yesterday - this lamb edition Rock 'n Play from Lindsay!  I cannot wait to put it together and have something ready for Baby Farrah!

A few weeks ago, we also received some beautiful, homemade burp rags from Jean, a grandmother to one of the boys on Kaden's basketball team.  I have felt so very blessed since receiving such a special gift.  It really warms my heart to know people who are so kind and generous in nature, who took the time to make our baby something by hand.  Those will be cherished.

25 Weeks

Your daddy says he hopes you look like me. This means everything to me. I hope you do too but I can't wait to see what traits of your daddy you have too. I picture you having his brown eyes.

You know what...pregnancy is weird.  I love it, don't get me wrong.  I am definitely one that would fit in the "love being pregnant" category.  But I'm growing a baby.  And not only that, but I'm wearing it.  I'm wearing a baby.  I'm carrying a baby in my belly for nine months.  I know it hasn't always been the size of a baby, and right now at 25 weeks my baby is about 1 1/2 pounds, but she will be 5 pounds, 6 pounds, 7 pounds, and some babies even get to 8 pounds, 9 pounds... before birth!


There are so many weird things that happen that I don't even put on my blog.  Things like leaking colostrum, feeling baby kicks right in the butt hole (I'm not even kidding), the skin around my belly button hurting at times, constantly finding dropped food or toothpaste on my belly.  Things concerning our unborn baby are constantly on our minds, and at the same time, it has all became our new norm.


Although it's weird, it's also amazing.  Kylie said, "Dad, isn't it crazy that your wife has a baby in her belly?!"


My baby is kind of like a fish right now -- Farrah is breathing and eating fluid (amniotic fluid).  What does she do all day, every day, besides nap, and wiggle?  Is she thinking about anything?  Does she like it when I talk, play music for her, and sing to her?  Or does she prefer when it's quiet and I'm sleeping?  Can she feel me when I rub my belly, or when I sway back and forth?  I know she can taste the things I eat now, but what does she like to taste?


Today I had a doctor's appointment and my doctor is a little concerned or surprised with my weight gain in the last month.  I have gained a total of 22 pounds, 11 in the last month.  My blood pressure was 130/75 and Farrah's heart rate was 154.


Cravings: Nothing in particular this week.


Symptoms: Backaches, being sleepy again, RLS, peeing often.


Mood: I've been tired, and maybe a little irritable when I'm ready for bed.  This may be due to the time change.


Missing: I'm not really missing alcohol - which is surprising and good.  Although Keane said Budlight has three new flavors: cinnamon, fruit punch, and another.  I miss being able to sip on something fun, especially this week now that the sun is out and the feeling of spring is in the air.  Sitting on the deck while Keane sips on a beer, or making supper while Keane sips on red wine that he added into steak fajitas....these are times I wish I could sip on something.  But grape juice and frozen virgin daiquiris will definitely suffice.


Excited for: The baby shower next month!  And baby items -- Keane purchased these adorable shorts for Farrah this week!

Body changes: No changes really, besides growing a bigger, rounder belly.  My belly button is still in, although I think it's on it's way out.


Sleep: Sleep is always interesting.  It usually ends up with me waking a few times throughout the night to pee, and unfortunately, I only have two safe sleeping positions: my left side and my right side.  Not that on my back and on my stomach add that many more options, but it kind of does.  Then there's our cat, who feels the need to cuddle next to our legs, as in always touching us.


I have been sick with a cold this past week, so that hasn't helped my sleeping either, but I think that is finally on the uphill.


The other night I had a lengthy dream about Farrah.  In my dream I gave birth to her (in our bed, easily, without even a push - ha).  She was so soft and gorgeous.  And smily.  I took so many pictures of her in my dream.  And I held her so much.  Right after she was born, I said to her, "Farrah, you're over there and I'm over here."  It was a strange concept for me since right now she is always with me.  Then in my dream I couldn't find her and I started to freak out and Keane laughed and said "She's right here," and he had our tiny baby in his arms.  I loved the dream, and I love our baby girl.  I am so excited to meet her in 3 1/2 months!


Movement: For about a week, she was on my right side and we could feel and see her kick every time I laid on my side.  She has since repositioned and I feel her sometimes in the middle, yet still very low and not as often.  My doctor said I will begin to feel her more, and that I should be feeling her at least once every day.  At 28 weeks, I will begin to monitor her movements, so she better pick up her kicking game to help her momma out.

24 Weeks

Dear Farrah,


You are growing, I am growing.  And something amazing has really developed this week.  Your daddy and I can FEEL you!  You are bigger and stronger now.  I used to feel a "thumping" and I thought that as I felt you more and more, it would just be a stronger or bigger "thump."  Instead, it's completely different.  You're in a particular spot and you push out, just as if we would push in and poke you!  And you move again, and again, and again in the same spot.  And then sometimes you move and we can follow your movements.  It's amazing.  I decided the other day that during this pregnancy, feeling you is the next best thing to seeing you in the ultrasounds.


Then I realized I can see you now, too.  I see you in the beautiful, perfectly round belly I carry with me.  I can look at my belly when you are moving, and I can see you moving.  It's beautiful to me.  You're so beautiful to me.


This week I keep feeling like my body is trying to fight off a cold/sickness.  I would love to have a nap each morning around 10:00, and I like snacks every couple of hours.


Cravings: Chocolate milk, brownies, chocolate cake.


Aversions: None.


Symptoms: Raised body temperature (I'm always warm and kicking off blankets and keeping the heat turned lower than what's normal for me), back aches (lumbar support is a necessity), trouble sleeping, occasional heartburn.


Mood: My mood is much more stable this week.


Missing: Being limber, flexible, and able to move more easily.


Excited for: My doctor's appointment next week.


Body changes: I can still fit in some jeans, although I obviously can't button them, at all, but I wear them with a belly band.  I don't have any stretch marks, and my belly button is still an "innie," and can stay that way if it is up to me.


Sleep: My sleeping experience isn't the best.  I usually wake up to pee a couple times each night.  Luckily my side of the bed is directly next to our bathroom.  I can't roll over and cuddle with Keane like I used to do, and I wake up often with insomnia.  "Why am I not tired right now when I know I will not want to get up in a couple hours?!"


Movement: Oh, she's moving and I love it!  I was beginning to question how I would be able to go the next four months anxiously awaiting her arrival, but now I know.  It's like she went from little thumps to big movement! Pretty much anytime I want to feel her, I can.  And so can Daddy!  It's my favorite when I can feel her move from one spot to another.