Week 29: time is flying by.

Well I haven't received a phone call about my glucose results so "no news is good news". :) Marco and I signed up for some baby prep classes - Baby Safe, Breastfeeding and our 4 week long Preparation aka "Lamaze" classes. We hope to also sign up for a Daddy Boot Camp class too. My 30 week Dr Apt is this coming Wednesday and Tricia Mae will be here July 4th - I can't wait!!! As well as scheduled our maternity photoshoot with Kelsey Steindler Photography (she did our wedding and I've known her since high school.) We also started organizing Zoe's closet with some of the stuff we currently have.

 

Most baby items seen here are from my Uncle Rich and Aunt Jen. The dresser is mine from when I was a teen and the organizers and shelves are from Ikea. We also removed the closet doors and placed a curtain rod with my favorite curtains (Pier1 Imports) to open up the space a little more.

The two paintings are from my friend DeLia. I purchase them before I was pregnant and they ended up being perfect for our theme/color scheme and baby name. We hung the mirrors low for Zoe to look at herself and added the football nightlight which was one of our first purchases when we found out we were expecting!

 

Other than that we will be taking a road trip back to Cali from July 19th-27th and our baby shower is on the 20th! The biggest concern right now is my job. I'm currently contracted until August 30th with a good possibility of finding a position for me to stay on permanently (long story) but things aren't going as quickly as I had hoped. I know God is teaching me patience and constantly putting me in positions where I can learn to lean on Him but as always it's difficult to give up that control. I know whatever happens will be for the best but the unknown is scary.

 

I different angle of the belly. This is me looking down at it while sitting. She was moving a ton when I took this pic. Thank you to my mom for this comfy shirt from Downtown Disney. Marco and I love The Nightmare Before Christmas (where we got Zero's name and we also decorated our house last year for Christmas in "Nightmare" theme).

 

How far along: 29 weeks 5 days (Butternut Squash: 17in, 3.1 lbs)

Symptoms: Pretty much the same as last week. Stomach has been itching more recently and my feet aren't as swollen - been wearing flip flops a lot which seems to help.

Aversions: none

Cravings: milk and ice cream (it's been so dang hott!!)

Wedding Rings: took the final band off 2 nights ago. I was worried it might not come off if I didn't. I would like to get them re sized if possible; feels weird not wearing my rings.

Belly button: still slowly making it's way out. top half is out. It's sensitive around the naval which is typically a sign that it's pushing out.

Stretch marks: none

Sleep: Still on my right side. Any time I change position Zoe moves.

Excited for: Tricia Mae's visit and the Cali trip

Fears: Giving birth too early

Mood: calm, typically relaxed.

Missing: laying on my stomach with the dogs and as much coffee as I want.

Movement: Now anytime she moves I can see it from the outside. Marco sat with me yesterday just watching. He thinks it's the craziest thing ever. She's typically predictable too - when I wake up in the morning, lunch time, later in the afternoon and bedtime. I can easily count 10 kicks within 10 minutes or less (anything I've read says 10 kicks in 15 minutes or even 10 kicks in an hour.)

 

Exercise: trying to push myself to walk with Marco and the dogs. My lower back has been hurting a lot when I walk but I push through. It helps with circulation, swollen feet, and eventually with the birth.

 

Some random photos from the week:

 

Our kitchen. I realized I never shared this part of our house before! One of my favorite parts :)

Marco went on an early morning bike ride last Saturday so I made myself some breakfast (he usually cooks breakfast). Sauteed mushrooms and onions mixed with eggs and cheese, a side of fresh strawberries and orange juice. Easy, fresh and nutritious for baby and me.

 

Week 28: is my body supposed to do that?!

 

Week 28 day 5

 

Thursday night I saw Megan for cupcakes and milk at The Spectrum and Friday with Leanna in Laguna Beach. The laughs with those two are off the charts. I love hanging with them and miss them terribly when I'm gone. True friendship lasts regardless of distance though. I'm so grateful for them!

My swollen feet on Friday.

The remainder of my trip was mostly filled with family! Starting on Friday night I stayed at my Dad's for the weekend and caught up with him. Saturday was the memorial service for Debi. The service was beautiful and regardless of the unfortunate circumstances it was still nice to see my cousins and extended family that I don't see often. My cousins were very strong and in good spirits. I was glad they had their friends and their father to lean on. I can't imagine what they are going through and how overwhelming the whole experience was and is for them. They are in my daily prayers. Saturday night I spent a brief amount of time with Tricia Mae at her sister's wedding reception. I loved seeing her whole family together and sharing the joy of that night. Zoe enjoyed the loud music and cake! haha

Tricia Mae at her sister's wedding! So beautiful. She has pics with me in them but I'd prefer ones without me in them haha

Sunday my dad and I went up to Thousand Oaks to meet my grandparents, their friends, my sister and her boyfriend for Father's Day. It's always fun seeing the reaction of people who haven't seen me since I announced the pregnancy. They all were so excited to see the growing belly and ask how she was doing. There's always joy with pregnancy and I'm so fortunate to have such a loving and supportive family. In all the trip was great and went by too quickly. Marco and I will be back July 19th to the 27th to visit more!

This week has just been about settling back into the routine of things. On Monday evening when I got home my throat started hurting. Marco has been doctoring me up with tea and honey which seems to have done the trick! I've been more tired this week so we haven't done much. We did buy our stroller/baby carrier/car seat travel system and my mom surprised us with the matching pack n play set as well! They are set up and waiting to be filled. For now the dogs are getting used to the new items in the house and Zero will hopefully become used to the stroller in no time (he's a scaredy cat).

Our travel system.

The pack n play

 

Today I had my monthly doctor appointment and glucose test. I've gained a total of 21 lbs since I became pregnant so I'm right on track. I still need to be careful because I don't want to gain too much and with the baby growing .5lb a week from now on I could easily gain too much. The baby's heart beat was about 150bpm which is nice and strong and she moved a couple times while trying to take a reading. Marco saw my stomach move once while in the doctor's office which is a first for him. My blood pressure is in the normal range and everything is growing properly. From now on I have a doctor's appointment every 2 weeks and around 34 weeks the doctor will discuss our birth plan with us.

 

As far as the glucose test goes it was a peace of cake. Typically it's in a bottle but the nurse told us it looks like more than it really is so they poor it into a cup for the mommies. I'm given 4 minutes to drink it but I downed it in about 15 seconds. Flavor of choice: fruit punch. You then wait an hour and have them take your blood to check for gestational diabetes and anemia (iron deficiency). I'll have the results at my next appointment.

 

Belly comparison: Week 18 and week 28

 

How far along: 28 weeks 5 days (Small cabbage: 17in, 2.9 lbs)

Symptoms: hard to move, swollen feet, tired, feel like I have to pee all the time even after I go to the bathroom, and hot all the time. Woke up at 5:30am today for no reason. I couldn't sleep so I did a load of laundry, put the dishes away and made Marco coffee. Soar throat, stuffed up, and I've started lactating. I've been told it's early but might be a good sign of having a nice supply of milk for Zoe. It's a strange thing though and something I would rather ignore and wish it went away but I know it's a good thing for Zoe and that's more important than my comfort. Still so weird. Also started feeling Braxton Hicks. These are like contractions that start early on. You usually can't feel them until now but they are prepping your body for the real thing. They don't hurt at all, yet, but is just a tightening of my stomach where it's very stiff and hard for a few seconds and then it goes away. The human body is fascinating but strange.

Aversions: none

Cravings: milk and fruit punch

Wedding Rings: the one band

Belly button: I'd say about half of it is out or at least flat with my stomach. I'm getting used to it.

Stretch marks: none

Sleep: Right side feels better but I'm constantly switching throughout the night.

Excited for: Tricia Mae is coming out in 2 weeks and the baby shower. :)

Fears: labor and post labor. Too many horror stories plus I'm not a fan of the unknown. I've tried watching videos and those freak me out even more. Dr said she hopes with the next several appointments and info she will supply I will not feel so uneasy about it. Plus the ambilical chord getting wrapped around her neck. Dr explained that she doesn't breath as we do so it's actually not much of a concern right now. It's only when it's wrapped a few times and tight. In that case she wouldn't be moving as often as normal and I would need to report that.

Mood: happy but tired. Relaxed but anxious. haha

Missing: A full night's sleep laying however I want.

Movement: still constant. She wouldn't stop moving yesterday until I got home and laid on the floor with the dogs. She will have a ton of energy I just know it!

 

Exercise: just walking

Week 27: my third and final trimester!!

 

THIRD TRIMESTER!!

 

27 weeks 1 day

 

This week has been really nice so far. On Sunday we went to church and spent some time painting and relaxing. Marco painted the "Z" in Zoe's room - which I absolultely LOVE! I made this lighthouse painting from a photo I liked online. This is going up in our guest room. We are getting it ready for the arrival of my best friend Tricia Mae. She arrives on July 4th. :)

I was very proud of my shading since I haven't painted in a while and didn't have high hopes. haha

Here Marco is starting the sketch. And the end result.

Tuesday I flew to California. This trip was already booked prior to Debi's passing so I had a tons of plans booked in advance. Tuesday night I met up with Tricia McCurry and her son Colt. We picked up In N Out and drove to Huntington Beach. At on the sand and walked around a bit catching up and laughing like old times. We then went back to her house and watched Up! together. I highly recommend that movie for all ages. It's one of our favorites. Then I drove to my friends Annabelle and Clay's house. They are graciously letting me stay with them until Friday. They have been so accomodating and kind with bagels and fruit waiting for me in the morning and their adorable puppy Toby to greet me. It's been a great stay and I'm so grateful for them and their hospitality.

Colt, Tricia and me at the beach. Tricia has a little head. haha

On Wednesday I worked a full day at the Irvine office and got to catch up with all  my old co-workers. It's been so nice joking with them like old times and having some noise in the background while I work. Very different from my office in Longmont. A couple of us found my favorite gourmet food truck, Dogzilla. I got my favorite chili cheese dog with grilled onion, served on a King's Hawaiian Hot Dog Bun. So so delicious. I've definitely been craving it since I left in March. The Irvine Company was also throwing an ice cream social for the business complex in the afternoon so we partook in the festivities, including a free photobooth with some of my coworkers. We are a bunch of dorks but this gives you a taste of the personalities here. :)

Dwayne, Chris, Denise and me (pimps and gangsters representing the OC haha.)

 I'm throwing up the peace sign with a duck face in the second photo and west side in the last. It's how I roll. haha.

Dogzilla food truck...try it if you ever see one! :)

At night I met up with Tricia Mae at Slaters 50/50 and enjoyed a mac n cheese baked potato. So delicious. (Zoe is enjoying my Cali diet for sure haha). I got see her mom and dad briefly which was really nice. I used to live with them when I was 23 so it's fun to have them see my progress through life. We then checked out an ice cream store in Costa Mesa called Confetti. It's always so fun chatting it up with Tricia and being silly. We can be so honest with each other and neither judges the other. Besties and sisters for life! We rounded out the night by dropping into Garf's to say hi to Eddie. Eddie is a dear friend of Marco's and I that helped us move to Colorado. He's the brother I never had. :)

Slater's 50/50 mac n cheese baked potato!

 

Today I met up with an old co-worker and friend, Carrie at CPK for lunch. Catching up on all her travels and home remodeling was so nice. She's so excited for Marco and I and staying up to date with my blog which means so much to me. (She's most likely reading this now haha). I hope to meet her in Colorado one of these trips and maybe do a hike! :) After work I'll be heading over to visit with Tara and then ice cream later in the evening with Megan Vest. Tomorrow I meet up with Leanna in Laguna Beach for dinner and then off to my Dad's. The funeral is Saturday morning/afternoon with Tricia Mae's sisters wedding reception in the evening and Father's Day fun with my dad, sister and grandparents on Sunday. Like I said it's jam packed but it's been so nice seeing all these people in such a short amount of time. Marco can't wait to come out with me in a month. We're planning for a longer visist (about 10 days) and will be sure to catch up with as many people as possible while we're here.

...and through all this Zoe has been such a trooper. Pretty calm through the day but the moment I sit or lay down she begins moving around and letting me know she's still doing well. Everyone is so excited to see the growing belly and eventually meet her. :)

How far along: 27 weeks 5 days (Head of cauliflower: 16in, 2.5 lbs)

Symptoms: back hurts, feet swelled up a bit from the flight and all the walking around. Out of breath when I talk. Other than that feeling great!

Aversions: none

Cravings: none

Wedding Rings: the one band

Belly button: more sensitive today. It's definitely working it's way out.

Sleep: Sleeping on my sides. On my back is just too uncomfortable now. The additional weight is not doing anything good for my back.

Excited for: the baby shower and coming back to visit with Marco. Although we will miss our dogs terribly.

Fears: Still concerned about her being born premature. Although in speaking with Tricia Mae (NICU nurse), Zoe should be just fine if born early from here on out. Saying daily prayers. :)

Mood: Happy and upbeat during the day. As it gets into night I'm more tired and sluggish but still enjoying company.

Missing: wearing whatever shoes I want.

Movement: constant and her movements are becoming bigger and more easily felt.

 

Exercise: does walking Denver International count? :)
 

So excited about these stamps. Just a little hint into our baby shower theme! :)

 

Week 26: boombox of her heartbeat

I'll start this one off with some sad news...Debi passed away on Sunday, June 2nd at 9:20am. From what I hear it was peaceful. Her 17 year old daughter was by her side. Her memorial service will be held Saturday, June 15th and she will be buried near her mother. I'll be in Cali during that time so am very grateful that I will be able to pay my respects with my family. The family is holding up but still in shock from how sudden and unexpected her passing was. You're never fully prepared but in this case we were all blindsided by the news of her even going into the hospital. We continue to pray for strength and understanding as well as for her two beautiful daughters.

While we may pause for a moment, life still moves on with or without us. For Marco and I it's easy to distract ourselves knowing we have the little one on the way. She's been moving more and more. So much so that Marco can now feel distinct, swift movements from her. Every movement you hear, "Oh my gosh" and "Woah that was big" from Marco. We laugh and enjoy the calm before the storm. haha. He can now hear the fuzzy boombox of her heartbeat when he puts his ear to my belly which is amazing. Now I have something I can be jealous of him for. :)

This week I had a distinct dream about her being born early at 35 weeks. She was only 4 lbs but reached up and touched my face and hugged me. Very strange but still comforting in a way. My daily prayers now include asking that she go to full term before delivery. haha

I was in an artsy mood and made a couple things for Zoe's room:

This is from a poem I had to memorize in junior high. "The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost"

I felt it fitting for not only wanting her to be adventurous but also a mentality of making your own path and not following the crowd just because it's easier. The painting will hang in her room and goes quite well with a couple other paintings we have in there already from a friend of mine.

Before and after. This was more out of boredom. We had left over scrapbook paper and Mod Podge so I ripped them up and decoupaged the box. I will most likely use this to hide baby wipes or creams in the changing table.

How far along: 26 weeks 5 days (Cucumber: 15in, 2.2 lbs)

Symptoms: Feeling uncomfortable and awkward now. I feel huge but look in the mirror and it's still the same as yesterday. haha. Starting to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Haven't been getting continuous sleep; wake up still tired. Without going into details some bathroom trips are difficult. LOL. The things your body goes through with a baby sitting on your bladder and internal organs is weird. It's all apart of it though and will be worth it when she's in my arms.

 

Aversions: none

 

Cravings: none

 

Wedding Rings: still wearing the one band.

 

Belly button: top of my belly button is protruding now. The rest is right on the surface and ready to pop at any moment. I give it another 2-3 weeks.

 

Sleep: I'm having a hard time falling asleep/feeling comfortable this week. The body pillow is coming in handy now. Start on my left side and turn to my right. It isn't the most comfortable feeling rolling over like that. Laying on my back is no longer comfortable at all.

 

Excited for: The Cali trip and the baby shower. Can't believe it's in 6 weeks already. :)

Fears: She will be born premature. I haven't had any signs of an issue but with the dream I had and a recent magazine article I read it's now something that concerns me. Also, having a C-section and recovery being difficult. A friend of mine just had one because she wasn't dialating on her own and had a really hard recovery period. I just pray my body does what it needs to when it needs to and heels quickly.

 

Mood: Typically calm and content. We laugh a lot but have been more tired as well.

 

Missing: restful night sleep and painless feet

 

Movement: constant. Loving it all.

 

Exercise: haven't done too much walking this week. I've been so tired when I get home I have been falling asleep on the couch plus Marco has been working a lot of OT.

 

Readings/Research: a free baby magazine I got in the mail (I forget the name of it). Articles about "going green" and basically how unnecessary it is for babies, another about Whooping Cough (makes me more of a germ-aphobe) and another about premature babies and the effects.

We had some thunder storms this last week and while raining I saw a double rainbow. Had to capture and share. Just made me smile :)