Week 37: nesting in full affect

 

This week has been pretty uneventful with the exception of my company officially transitioning over to SanDisk yesterday. I had to drive over 2 hours in traffic to the Longmont office for all day meetings and paperwork. It wasn't as bad as it sounds though with a catered breakfast and lunch and the team seems really nice and welcoming. They gave us Swiss Army laptop bags, coffee mug and spiral bound notebook as well - the swag was appreciated!

 

 

 

I also received my free breastpump thanks to Obamacare as well as an "Itzbeen" timer/alarm. I need to clean the parts and read the instruction manual for the breastpump but it seems fairly easy/idiot proof (especially for those 3am feedings).

(clockwise from top left: changing station in our bedroom, sitting area in our bedroom with vintage cradle, recliner chair and elephant pattern boppy, my new Medela duel electric breastpump, a bouncer and gym for Zoe in our living room)

 

Finally we have finished packing our hospital bags for Marco, Zoe and myself. We also had Babies R Us inspect our car seat for proper installation. Interestingly only about 10% of car seats are installed properly and we were proud to be within that percentage.

 

We are also pretty much done with the nursery. We are still looking for a glider nursing chair to complete the room but it's not an urgent need at this time. I also took this week to wash a lot of her clothes. Since we don't know her size I decided not to wash and take the tags off everything until after she arrives. Here are some photos of the finished product:

Don't worry! The stuffed animals and blanket will be removed while Zoe is in the crib for safety reasons.

I need to put the wallpaper on the back of the changing table but it's pretty much done!

 

So thankful for all the things we received at our shower. That dresser is completely full of clothes thanks to everyone who attended. :)

 

How far along: 37 weeks 6 days (Watermelon: 19-22in, 6.5 lbs) Considered "full term" but still have about 2 weeks until my due date.

Symptoms: restless sleep every night, exhausted in the morning (last night I woke up around 2am and couldn't go back to sleep until 5:30am. Then up at 8:30am.) Bottom of feet hurt like I've been on them all day. Ligament pains when I roll or turn weird. Bleeding/swollen gums, swollen feet and having to urinate every 15-20 minutes. Very uncomfortable!!!

Aversions: none

Cravings: still milk

 

Wedding Rings: off

 

Belly button: out

 

Stretch marks: sadly yes. So much for it being hereditary. LIES!! They are very itchy lately too. I just keep putting lotion on them and hoping they fade after Zoe is here. Trying not to let it bother me too much.

Excited for: Maternity leave and holding Zoe for the first time! Also seeing how the dogs react to her :)

 

Fears: that I won't know when it's time to go to the hospital vs. just random contractions/false labor. And still delivery and recovery.

 

Mood: Annoyed at everything and everyone. haha

 

Missing: not being pregnant. It's pretty normal to feel this way at this stage but including the miscarriage I've been pregnant going on a year now. I'm just tired and feeling fat (along with all the side affects of carrying around the extra weight for a 5'2" frame). haha

 

Movement: She moves consistently still but less than previous weeks since she doesn't have too much room left. I can definitely tell she's lower because her feet typically don't kick my ribs anymore.

 

Exercise: sadly none this week. Once September 1st hits we will be walking daily since we want a September baby haha!

 

What the Dr says: Blood pressure is still good. Zoe's heart beat is nice and strong. 60% effaced, 1cm dilated, station -1. She's staying head down.

 

Pre-labor signs: Braxton Hicks or false labor contractions consistently yesterday. Not painful at all and with no pattern but just a tightening of the uterus. Once I got home and drank water and milk they eased up.

Our bassinet (thanks to Jen and Rich) and hand-crocheted chevron patterened blanket (thanks to John's mom) for Zoe next to our bed. This is where she will sleep until she's sleeping through the night.

 

Her bath set up. Thankfully our bathtub is large enough for Marco and I to both sit in there with her. Our sinks are a little too small for this baby bath.

 

Week 36: making progress

Just a quick update!

I had my breastfeeding class on Saturday. I learned a lot and am feeling more confident about the process. Doctor's appointments are now once a week until labor. On Monday I went in and all is well. I actually have some pre-labor progress (see "what the Dr. said" section).

Tuesday Marco and I had our second of four preparation classes. Lots of useful information here as well and we so appreciate how much they push for the husband to be a supportive coach and an active participant. Plus the instructor makes us laugh :)

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How far along: 36 weeks 5 days (Watermelon: 19-22in, 6.5 lbs) 2 days away from being considered full term. I can now safely deliver the baby at any time!

Symptoms: restless sleep every night, exhausted in the morning (last night I woke up at 3am and couldn't go back to sleep until 6am. Then up at 8:30am.) Bottom of feet hurt like I've been on them all day. Ligament pains when I roll or turn weird. Bleeding/swollen gums, colastrum leaking daily, swollen feet and having to urinate every 15-20 minutes.

Aversions: none

Cravings: caffeine (soda, coffee or chocolate) and sugar!!

Wedding Rings: off

Belly button: out

Stretch marks: some yes. They appear to be under the skin as they are not indented/I can't feel them when I run my fingers across my belly.

Excited for: Maternity leave and holding Zoe for the first time!

Fears: delivery and recovery

Mood: anxious but calm. Being tired makes me not want to think, talk or do anything that elevates my heart rate haha

Missing: feeling comfortable and being able to sit however I want.

Movement: still constant. Last night she was hiccuping for a good 15-20 minutes. She pushes against the wall of my uterus in such a way that it makes the top of my belly look flat like I table. Pretty funny.

Exercise: sadly none this week.

What the Dr says: Blood pressure is still good. Zoe's heart beat is nice and strong. I gained 1 pound in 2 weeks. 50% effaced, 1cm dilated, station -1. She's head down as well. Dr would be surprised if I went into labor after the due date. We went over the birth plan and she suggested I no longer commute to work as it's 2 hours away from the hospital. She gave me a note to give to my boss.

Pre-labor signs: Experience light contractions from time to time, she's dropped into place so I'm able to breath better but she's now pushing constantly on my bladder. 

Maternity Photo Shoot: Sneak Peek

Here a just a few pictures we were sent over of our little bump. We can't wait to get all of them back!! We love what Kelsey Steindler can do (she did our wedding photos as well)! Please check her out at http://kelseysteindler.blogspot.com/

Week 35: preparation is key

Marco took his daddy boot camp class and said he learned a lot about caring for me and the baby, emotionally and physically. He also got the chance to  hear from other soon-to-be dads and their experiences. He came home feeling very lucky that I am not as emotional or selfish as others and grateful that I've been including him in everything.

We had our first prep class (out of 4) and got to experience watching a DVD with a drug-free vaginal birth. OMG - give me the epidural!! haha. Future classes will include a video on C-section delivery and epidural vaginal delivery. We received a lot of good information that helped me to feel a little better about the process. With 11 other couples in the group all experiencing the same concerns is reassuring for me as well. We are the furthest along out of all the couples so it's kind of fun knowing I've gone through most of the pregnancy before others, or maybe that's scarier that I'll be delivering first. :/

Other than that things have been pretty calm around the house. Little by little I'm beginning to wash clothing, bedding etc. It seems like we have plenty of time but really only about 4 weeks left. SO Crazy!!!

Here are some pics I forgot to post from our Cali trip!

Zoe pushing on the right side making my stomach lopsided. She favors this side and does this often. It feels like it's her whole back and butt.

Sneak Peek of our Maternity Photo Shoot with Kelsey Steindler Photography. We chose several spots around downtown Laguna Beach

Another Sneak Peek (both were taken with my cell phone)

We were so excited to enjoy the Orange County Fair with Tricia McCurry, Tricia Mae and Marco. We thought that getting on the foot massage would be a good idea for my swollen feet. We found this was actually a great idea but I didn't want to do it alone. Tricia got on and could not stop hysterically laughing. It was a great memory and I'm sl glad I captured it! :) 

How far along: 35 weeks 5 days (Large cantaloupe: 19-22in, 6 lbs)

Symptoms: restless sleep every night, exhausted in the morning. Bottom of feet hurt like I've been on them all day. Ligament pains when I roll or turn weird. Pressure near ribs/lungs. Bleeding/swollen gums, colastrum leaking daily, shortness of breath, easily irritable and having to urinate every 20-30 minutes.

Aversions: none

Cravings: milk, especially chocolate milk and anything sweet. Yesterday, randomly, I decided to make banana pudding with vanilla wafers. I also saw a picture of a quesadilla and immediately craved one. Marco made me one for lunch :)

 

Wedding Rings: off (I miss them)

Belly button: out

 

Stretch marks: I see what look like faint small stretch marks under my belly button but they aren't indented like I usually see (like typical scars). I hope they will be faint or non-existant after delivery. Until then I'm putting the cocoa butter on 3 times a day and they don't seem to be getting any worse.

Sleep: horrible. Waking up often throughout the night and it's a very light sleep. I can't seem to find a comfortable position for long. I do have dreams every so often that always have to do with pregnancy. Nothing scary or concerning.

Excited for: Maternity leave and holding Zoe for the first time!

Fears: labor, delivery and recovery. :)

Mood: anxious. A little irritable this week but nothing I can't manage. Still excited for what's to come.

Missing: pre-preggers body, sleeping through the night and normal clothes.

 

Movement: still constant. I love feeling her but sometimes the movements are a bit uncomfortable. All movement is a good thing though according to my doctor so keep it coming little one!

 

Exercise: went to the pool on Sunday and was able to swim a little and doing some stretching. Hoping to go to the pool again this weekend.

 

Pre-labor signs: I wouldn't say I'm full on "nesting" but I have been doing more cleaning, laundry and prepping the baby's room than normal. I don't know if it's just an increase in energy, bordom or nesting. None the less I'm getting things done slowly but surely. With having to go to the restroom constantly it's a good sign she's moving lower and getting into position. I think I've been experiencing more Braxton Hicks (practice contractions) but it could also just be her body pushing up against my stomach.

Watching the sun rise on our way back from Cali. I think this was in Utah

 I loved the clouds and colors

 

Back in Colorado about 2 hours outside of home

 

Week 34: back in the swing of things

I've been slacking on posts but part of it is because there's not really anything new to report. Marco and I have settled back into Colorado life and are putting the final touches on the nursery. We unpacked the car-full of goodies we took home from Cali and have been overwhelmed but appreciative of all the loot we were so blessed with. With the gift cards we were able to get a monitor, a mobile gym, a bouncer and a cloth diaper. :)

 

We had our baby safe class and learned a ton about infant CPR, installing the car seat (which we've already done) and things to be alert to. It was very informative and we're so glad we took it. Marco has his Daddy Boot Camp class next week and we begin our 4-week preparation (lamaze) classes as well.

 

How far along: 34 weeks 6 day (Honeydew melon 19-22 inches, 5.5lbs)

Symptoms: The Edema has somewhat subsided. I can still feel a little bit of swelling but nothing to write home about. The bottoms of my feet are always sore in the mornings. Waking up throughout the night whether it's just to adjust or go to the bathroom. Either way I'm uncomfortable and feeling the ligament pains often (it's normal - just your uterus expanding).

Dr says: 34 week appointment went well. heartbeat is between 130-150 depending on what she's doing. Dr says this is a great sign that the brain is developing properly. Keep an eye on the edema but other than that all is well. We didn't have time to go through the birth plan as Dr had to go delivery a baby but we will discuss at 36 weeks.

Aversions: none

Cravings: none really. Still enjoy Milk and anything with sugar!

Wedding Rings: off

Belly button: out

Stretch marks: none

 

Sleep: Still not sleeping through the night. This will continue until labor no doubt (and once baby arrives). I try to sneak in naps throughout the day when needed.

 

Excited for: maternity leave and finally getting to hold our little Zoe.

Fears: still the labor and delivery scares me as well as the recovery process. Praying that everything goes naturally and smoothly.

Mood: relaxed and calm. Enjoying these last few weeks.

Missing: my shoe collection. I really hope I'm able to fit back into them after pregnancy.

Movement: all the time. some big and some small movements all throughout the day until about 11pm.

Exercise: none this week. Been resting my feet. Hopefully next week.

Week 33: baby shower and cali trip

A little delayed on posting. Marco and I left Thursday night for California and have been go go go since then. We're having such a great time seeing everyone and catching up. We wish we had more time.

Since Thursday my feet and ankles have been swollen, like the Pillsberry Dough Boy. haha Marco has been so great icing them at nice, rubbing lotion on and massaging them. In the mornings they are definitely better but throughout the day they swell again. Besides that I've been getting more and more uncomfortable. The baby's growth spurt is obvious throughout the last several days and there's been a lot of discomfort, achyness and soreness. She's still moving around a ton, some more painful than others but I'm still so grateful for the experience and trying to make the best of it. With only 6-7 more weeks left time is flying by and we're getting more and more excited to finally meet her and hold her in our arms. :)

The baby shower was so great. We feel so blessed to have so  much love and support in our lives and it's aparant that everyone is just as excited for us and can't wait to meet her too. Below are some pics of the day. We have plenty more coming from professional cameras (hopefully I can put those up next week).

"Up!" Theme

Broncos jersey for Zoe (courtesy of her Mamma) and my Grandma in the back. She's so adorable.

My "Up!" diaper cake which I LOVED (courtesy of one of the hostesses and best friend Tara). Thanks Hunter for the photo bomb. haha

My aunt Ginger, the bump and I. She did all the appetizers for the shower. Thank you so much! They were delicious!

Tara (aka Tay Tay), the bump and I. She did a lot of the organizing and announcing. I appreciate everything you did Tay! :)

My with Tara and Ginger. <3

Today we look forward to our Maternity Photo Shoot with Kelsey Steindler Photography (check her out she's awesome!), tomorrow is dinner with Matt, Megan and Tricia and Friday we'll be at the OC Fair!! :)

How far along: 33 weeks 4 day (Pineapple 19-22 inches, 4.9lbs)

Symptoms: Edema (swelling of feet and ankles). As long as the swelling is even and not in my face then I'm okay. I'm just trying to keep my feet elevated and not on them too much/off them too much. Getting back to being overly tired again. Not sleeping through the night anymore.

Dr says: At 32 week appointment everything was on track and looking good/healthy. Heart beat is 140-150's, nice and strong. Next appointment is at 34 weeks where we discuss our birth plans :)

Aversions: none

Cravings: none really. Still enjoy Milk! 

Wedding Rings: off

Belly button: I think it's as "out" as it's going to get. It's more flush with my stomach than anything but still no longer an inny.

Stretch marks: none

Sleep: Not sleeping well anymore. I wake up throughout the night to readjust or go to the restroom. My aunt Jen did just give me her body pillow which helps with comfort tremendously. I'm very grateful for that!

Excited for: Our baby classes coming up, setting up the nursery with all the amazing gifts we received. And of course, meeting the little one :)

Fears: still the labor and delivery scares me as well as the recovery process. Praying that everything goes naturally and smoothly.
 

Mood: anxious. Being tired makes me a little cranky or short but still feeling happy.
 

Missing: my pre pregger feet, ankles and legs. This swelling is out of control. haha

Movement: constant still. They are becoming more obvious from the outside. Marco will notice movement from the corner of his eye, not even trying to look at my stomach. She is very active all day. I hope she's getting enough sleep haha

Exercise: Walking a lot. I'm hoping I can get down to the pool one of these nights after work for some laps.

 

 

Week 31: hot and itchy with 8 weeks to go!

This week has been pretty mellow. It's our last of nothing before we head off on our road trip to CA and once we get back baby classes, dr appointments and preparing for Zoe's arrival really begins. Here are some pics of random things I captured this week as well as a bump pic!

31 weeks 6 days! <3 



Our silly and entertaining dogs. Zero just decided to put his nose in Luna's eye and Luna found it funny too I guess.

How far along: 31 weeks 6 day (Head of Lettuce 19in 3.9lbs)

Symptoms: After all that walking and sight seeing we did my feet were swollen and began to itch like crazy. It looked like broken blood vessels on the tops and sides of my feet with some little raised bumps. After chatting with some friends that have been through pregnancy before they stated it was normal when hot and walking a lot. Wednesday morning it subsided and while they still itch a little they look way better and aren't nearly as bad as they were Sunday-Tuesday. Besides that I'm really hot and still uncomfortable when laying down and getting up. I'm also hungry about every two hours and try to snack on dried fruit, smoothies and apple sauce (with the occasional chocolate brownie). I'm also easily out of breath. I was at work the other day and found myslef out of breath talking on the phone. I think Zoe pushes against my lungs every now and then because the smallest movement will make me winded.

Aversions: none

Cravings: anything cold. Still milk but we had a mishap with the milk this week. Bought 3 gallons from Albertsons, drank 1 no problem, opened the second one to find that it was obviously expired (even though it had a future date on it) and opened the third one to find that after one day it was going bad (even though it had a future date on it). Drinking bad milk makes you not crave it so much. haha

Wedding Rings: off

Belly button: 3 quarters out. doesn't feel good having it rub against clothing (very sensitive). Zoe will move under my belly button sometimes and it changes shape. Very weird but cool to watch.

Stretch marks: none

Sleep: Still on my sides but because it's so hot I will wake up on my back spread out. Have to reposition to the side again for proper blood and air flow.

Excited for: The baby shower and Cali trip. I can't believe it's already next week! We're very excited and can't wait to see everyone.

Fears: labor - just the whole thing. haha

Mood: calm and content

Missing: anything you can do with your body that involves moving, bending, laying, walking etc is quite a challenge these days. While I will miss feeling her move, I'm looking forward to being able to move around normally again. I also can't wait until I don't have to go to a doctor's appointment except once a year again (for myself at least).

Movement: She's still moving all over the place quite often. Can physically see her movements most of the time and some have even been uncomfortable for me (i.e. kicking my rib or moving on/against an organ).

Exercise: Because of my swollen/itchy feet I took this week off. We will be back to go go go next week when we arrive in Cali.

We got our propane tank so we made some amazing hamburgers this week. Marco added bacon to the patties and we includes avocado and sauteed onions on Kings Hawaiian buns. Delicious

We kept with the BBQ summer theme and made bacon wrapped hot dogs with sauteed onions in a Kings Hawaiian bun. Definitely not healthy but so good!

Made some healthy turkey tacos with avocado (cheaper here than in Cali if you can believe it). I love food with color!