My Pregnancy Journal: Week 38

38 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle Love:

Fetal development is nearly complete as baby tends to a few last-minute details like shedding the skin-protecting vernix and lanugo. She's also producing more surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs in her lungs from sticking to one another once she starts to breathe. Most of the changes this week are small but important: She’s continuing to add fat (so she can take advantage of all those photo ops by sporting a round, cute baby look!) and fine-tuning her brain and nervous system (so she can deal with all the stimulation that awaits her once she makes her entrance into the world).

My Symptoms: Acid reflux, fatigue, trouble sleeping (I have more energy at night than I do during the day), using the bathroom a lot, feeling huge... etc.

Maternity clothes?  I packed a lot of them up since the weather is getting warmer... I'm so ready to fit into summer clothing!! It'll be a while though, so here's to hoping I have clothes that I can fit into until then :)

Sleep? Horrendous! I wake up every hour or two because I have to switch positions. My hips and legs ache and it's just miserable. BUT every time I switch positions, I get up to use the bathroom so I get some relief  by walking it out a bit, at least.

Best moment last week? We picked up the crib this past weekend and put it together!! I don't have the linens or bumper yet (my mom and sister are sending those this week.... oh so nice of them!! Family making it easier for this first time mom... blessed.) so I won't post a picture, yet, but it's still very exciting!!

Movement? Not as much as last week, but I think it's because it's getting to be a little tight in there. However, there is nothing to be concerned about since she does still move a good deal... and it hurts when she moves.

Weight Gain: Not since last week... lovely :)

Cravings: Not really anything... I don't eat a lot nowadays because she cramps my stomach making it tough to eat a lot. 

What made me cry this week: Nothing.

Medical Stuff: All good to go! I am as healthy as a horse... a pregnant horse :) 

Something I am excited about: My sister (and also doula) is arriving tomorrow (Thursday) with my nephew and brother-in-law to spend some time with me and help me get ready for baby time!! It'll be wonderful having them here for a few days. AND she is also going to help me stock up on healthy postpartum meals :D I'm also excited because I have all of this little one's clothes washed and hung up in our closet and all her bath supplies (tub, tub liner, soap, lotion, cream, etc.) all good to go for cleaning time. I'm just all around excited for this little girl!!

My Pregnancy Journal: Week 37

37 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

Congratulations! You've got what is officially considered a full-term baby, even with three weeks to go. That doesn't mean she's finished growing — in fact, she's still packing on about a half pound a week (at this age, the average fetus weighs about 6.5 pounds). That makes it a little crowded in your uterus, so she’s probably not kicking as much, though she’s probably stretching, rolling a bit, and wiggling (all of which you’ll be able to feel!). Right now, the little superstar is busy rehearsing for her big debut, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid (to get the lungs ready for that first breath), sucking her thumb (to prepare for that first suckle of milk), blinking, and turning from side to side.

My Symptoms: I can't stand for a long time or walk that much without my feet and ankles swelling and feeling uncomfortable, fatigue and trouble sleeping at night, acid reflux hasn't been too too bad this week. Little cleaning urges, but not as bad as I think they will be when the "nesting" urge really comes.

Maternity clothes?  Nothing new... yoga pants and large t-shirts are comfortable when it's cold. When it's warm, I steal Paul's shorts and his work out sleeveless shirts (just for around the apartment) :P

Sleep? Sleep has gotten more difficult this week. My hips and legs are starting to ache when I sleep on my sides. I have to switch positions often (this coincides with my bathroom breaks, so I guess that's good). Naps help... I'm really not looking forward to giving those long ones up when baby comes :P

Best moment last week? Hearing about the birth of a family friend's little boy! She and I have been messaging these past nine months with our experiences, stories, worries, and research findings. It was awesome to hear that she and baby are healthy. She had to have a c-section but is recovering and doing well. So happy for them and looking forward to seeing them sometime in the next year :) Also, we got the car seat and stroller! I'm happy with it.

Movement? A lot!!! The doctor was very impressed and happy with how much she moves. I'm happy... but I also want a still stomach for when I'm trying to sleep :P

Weight Gain: 175 lbs... one pound gained from last week. 32 lbs gained from the beginning. 

Cravings: I haven't really been hungry this past week. 

What made me cry this week: Nothing.

Medical Stuff: I do not have Group B Strep! Yippee! We are healthy! My next doctor's appointment is on Wednesday.

Something I am excited about: Picking up and setting up the crib this weekend! Also I'm excited about a gift we received at Christmas. Since we live in Missouri and my husband and his family are big Cardinals baseball fans, my sister (and doula) got us some really cute Cardinals baby gear, one of which was a diaper bag! However, upon further review, I noticed that the bird, although it is a cardinal, looked a little too angry and I wondered wear I'd seen it before... Well, this should have been a premonition to us because it is actually the University of Louisville mascot. Even though I didn't pick them to win it all (dang-it!), I'm glad they did, because now I can tote around an NCAA Mens Basketball Champions diaper bag for a year :D

(Yeah, we're cool!)

My Pregnancy Journal: Week 36

• 36 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

  
  *I swear I'll post a picture next week!*

  
  

  • Forget your aching back (and everything else!) by trying to focus on your baby  with soft bones and cartilage to allow a safer journey through the exit door. Most of her systems (from circulatory to musculoskeletal) are ready for prime time, though her digestion system — which has done only practice runs so far — will kick into gear as she takes her first suckle at the breast or bottle.She's getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on her own. Her skin is getting smooth and soft and her gums are rigid. Her liver and kidneys are in working order. Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too. She's still in the 17.2- to 18.7-inch and 4.2- to 5.8-pound range and continues to beef up.

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  My Symptoms: Waddling like a penguin (it's just so much more comfortable than trying to walk normal :P), fatigue and trouble sleeping (but I do get naps, thank the Lord!), acid reflux... duh, swelling of my hands and feet (Oh! My wedding and engagement rings fit now!... the only good thing that's come from fat fingers), and I just feel overall fat!
  
  
  Maternity clothes?  Oh do I! I keep eyeing those cute summer shorts and tops packed away in my clear plastic bins and it's almost torture. One of these days, though... one of these days... 
  
  Sleep? When Paul doesn't take up the whole bed (he likes to sleep in a diagonally), I get about 2-3 hrs of "uninterrupted by bathroom breaks or acid reflux" sleep :) 
  
  Best moment last week? Easter!! It was a lovely weekend and one that involved family, chocolate, and yummy food (cooked by family). 

  
  
  Movement? This girl makes my stomach dance... it's so weird seeing this and I feel so self conscious as church sometimes because it's just that noticeable!
  
  Weight Gain: 174 lbs... this is getting really depressing. 
  
  Cravings: Easter really tackled that chocolate craving! It was a good weekend :) Nothing interesting to report on the craving front. I'm glad we purchased that big tub of vanilla ice cream just in case, though!
  
  What made me cry this week: "There's no crying in baseball!" I always think of that quote when I answer this question, lol. But honestly, nothing has made me cry... except that Budweiser commercial when the clydesdale runs to his previous owner after a parade (gets me every time!!). I don't know if it's because of the sentiment or the fact that I haven't had a beer in 9 months...
  
  
  Medical Stuff: I do not have preeclampsia! Yippee! My results for the Group B Strep have not come in yet. Other than that, things look normal, I think :)
  
  Something I am excited about: Having everything ready in the next few weeks for baby :D Also, we have friends expecting their first son, like now, so I am super duper excited for them and cannot wait to see pictures! They are a wonderful couple and will be wonderful parents.

My Pregnancy Journal: Week 35

35 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

Baby is standing tall (so to speak) this week at about 20 inches and continues her steady weight gain (she’s about 5.5 pounds). While she won't get much longer, she will continue to pack on the pounds — including large amounts of baby fat — right up 'til delivery day. Something else that's moving at a mind-boggling pace these day: fetal brain development! There’s a lot going on inside that tiny head, which is, by the way, still soft to allow an easier exit through the birth canal. Now, her hearing is fully developed, and she responds best to high-pitched noises. She's now about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds, and he'll put on a pound or more of 

baby fat before birth.

My Symptoms: Sleeping is so hard now!! Acid reflux got worse again :( It's also hard to get anywhere (up from bed, up from the couch, up from a chair, up from anything...). I waddle now :(

Maternity clothes?  My life. 

Sleep? Acid reflux sucks!! I have to sleep upright... and it hurts my back and neck.

Best moment last week? I was just able to relax and sleep a lot last week. It was very nice :)

Movement? She moves around a lot. Before we go to bed every night, Paul and I say night prayer and whenever he puts his hand on my stomach for our "Family Prayer", she goes crazy, it's funny and so cute. But, her movements are getting more painful. I was telling Paul how weird it'll be not feeling her inside me when she is finally out.

Weight Gain: This next Monday will be another weigh in, so we will see next week...

Cravings: Vanilla ice cream... my tummy is so original. 

What made me cry this week: No clue, but I did cry. And then I saw a dish in the sink and cried more because I had asked Paul to put it in the dish washer the night before... how dare he! :P (and now I know how my parents felt when I would just plop the dishes in the sink instead of the dishwasher)

Medical Stuff: Group B Strep test on Monday and other tests to prove I don't have preeclampsia.

Something I am excited about: Getting the crib, car seat, and stroller. Getting my hospital bag ready. Cooking and freezing postpartum meals. Having everything ready in the next few weeks for baby :D

My Pregnancy Journal: Week 34

34 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

At less than two months to go, she weighs in at about 4.2 pounds to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches.Curious baby is listening in to your conversations at 34 weeks -- and might enjoy a lullaby or two -- so go ahead and sing to her. Some say that baby will recognize songs mom sings while she’s in the womb, and may even be more easily soothed by them if she’s used to them once she’s on the “outside.” At week 34, you might breathe a little easier, since baby may descend lower into your pelvis and give your lungs some space. (Ahh!) Of course, some babies don’t do this until the day they’re born, so we’re not making any guarantees. The pitfall of this descent, of course, is even more pressure on your bladder, so be prepared to make even more trips to the ladies room over the coming weeks.  She's also urinating about a pint a day. In other baby-related developments, those tiny fingernails have probably reached the tips of his fingers by now — and getting ready for that first postpartum manicure.

My Symptoms: Difficulty sleeping, fatigue, swollen ankles and feet... and hands, too (my rings fit now!). I also go to the bathroom a lot! 

Maternity clothes?  I'm trying to figure out an outfit for Easter... that kept me up for two hours last night because I suddenly became so worried about the weather and how I'd dress for Easter mass.

Sleep? Acid reflux sucks!! It's not just with sleep anymore, either. When I sleep, it's no upright because of the uncomfortable heartburn/ acid reflux. I take naps during the day which help, but it seems like I can only sleep a couple of hours at a time (even at night).

Best moment last week? I received a box stuffed with baby clothes, a monitor, changing pad, little girl CROCS, toys, pacifiers, a plate and utensils, a bathing cushion, towels and blankets, and even a pair of socks for me... all from my two best friends from college. It was unbelievable and I teared up. They really know how to make this pregnant mama feel special :) This little girl is going to look fabulous with all the clothes she's been getting from my family, Paul's family, and from our friends.

My two besties (Kelly and Joirdan).

Movement? She moves around a lot. Before we go to bed every night, Paul and I say night prayer and whenever he puts his hand on my stomach for our "Family Prayer", she goes crazy, it's funny and so cute. But, her movements are getting more painful. I was telling Paul how weird it'll be not feeling her inside me when she is finally out.

Weight Gain: I weighed in at 169 lbs. this past visit. I've gained 26 lbs. from when I first weighed in in August.

Cravings: I've had chocolate cravings this week. I ate cookie dough (I know, bad me!) and I made brownies.

What made me cry this week: Nothing... goodness, I think I may be in for a good cry sometime soon :P

Medical Stuff: Next visit (in 2 weeks), they will check my urine and blood pressure again because I might have preeclampsia due to my urine test last visit. My doctor says it doesn't look like I have it, but they need to make extra sure. Also, next visit is the Group B Strep test... yippee :/

Something I am excited about: I'm excited to purchase the car seat, stroller, and crib for this little girl!!! I'm also excited to set everything up!! :D

My Pregnancy Journal: Week 33

33 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

Baby is keeping her eyes open while awake. She's also starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Her bones are hardening and she going through (more) major brain development -- that's one smart baby! Baby is still gaining weight (about half a pound a week), and she could grow up to another full inch this week. With that much baby inside your uterus, your amniotic-fluid level has maxed out, which explains why some of her pokes and kicks feel pretty sharp these days. (There's less fluid to cushion the blows.) Antibodies are being passed from you to your little one as she continues to develop her own fetal immune system, which will come in handy once she's outside the womb and fending off all sorts of germs.

My Symptoms: Helloooooo KANKLES!! I haven't had swelling this bad since I sprained them in soccer. Mostly trouble sleeping and heartburn/ acid reflux, which leaves me uncomfortable and completely exhausted. Oh, and my abdomen has been a little more itchy.

Maternity clothes?  I'm ready to not be in maternity clothes!! Only 7 more weeks *fingers crossed*!!! :D

Sleep? The acid reflux doesn't help, but sleep is getting better. This week, I've felt a little more comfortable at night so that's been a pleasant surprise :)

Best moment last week? Last weekend Paul and I went to Saint Louis for a few events over the weekend, one being our friend's bridal shower. The groom's parents live there so his mom threw a shower for the bride. It was lovely. They were even able to come visit us at our home for a night before going back to Texas (where they both live). It was a fun night!

Movement? She moves around a lot and her kicks are getting a bit more painful.

Weight Gain: I will know next Monday at my next appointment :)

Cravings: I've had no cravings this week!

What made me cry this week: Nothing... it's been a good week!

Medical Stuff: Nothing to report. 

Something I am excited about: I'm excited about getting the car seat and crib!

My Pregnancy Journal: Week 32

32 weeks in. This is what is happening with My Little Loodle:

She's getting ready for her descent -- she's likely in the head-down position now. And she's probably feeling even more cramped. She's starting to get ready for her big debut, tipping the scales at almost four pounds and topping out at just about 19 inches. In these past few weeks, it's all about practice, practice, practice as she hones the skills she'll need to thrive outside the womb — from swallowing and breathing to kicking and sucking. And speaking of sucking, your little one has been able to suck her thumb for a while now. Something else to note: As more and more fat accumulates under your baby's skin, she's becoming less transparent and more opaque.

My Symptoms: Mostly trouble sleeping and heartburn/ acid reflux, which leaves me uncomfortable and completely exhausted. Oh, and my abdomen has been a little more itchy. Oh and one more thing: PREGNANCY BRAIN!!! Hello forgetfulness! I thought this symptom was a load of pants but this is a real thing. Paul is being so patient, too... sometimes :P

Maternity clothes?  I've really gotten into wearing sweatpants/yoga pants and big shirts all of the time. It helps me feel a little more comfortable in an otherwise very uncomfortable time.

Sleep? I wake up a lot during the night, but I get to return to sleep and get lots of rest during the day so I am not complaining one bit... although the sleeping positioning is getting way worse. I sleep so much better on my back but it's just not possible to do now.

Best moment last week? The whole week was wonderful. I cant point out a specific time. Paul didn't work as much so he was home a little more and I was able to get a lot of stuff done around the apartment.

Movement? A LOT... during the night... oh boy-- I mean girl* (I'm so so tired!)

Weight Gain: I feel big... and I look big... and I'd rather not be big anymore :P

Cravings: I craved some juice this past week... but nothing too strong. Paul still hasn't needed to go out and make a special trip for me. :) I'm proud.

What made me cry this week: Not that much.

Medical Stuff: I haven't had an appointment in a month, and won't for another 2 more weeks. I don't think that's normal for someone supposedly starting their 9th month of pregnancy before they reach full term. However, if my doctor is confident, then okay :)

Something I am excited about: Sleep... I just want a good night's sleep. I realize that that will not happen now for a few years, but it's getting to the point where I ache all over (neck, back, hips, legs, feet) and I can't stay conscious for a whole day. And I realize I am going to laugh at this post once the baby comes because I know nothing about sleep deprivation ;)