36 Week Survey

The 36 Week Survey

How far along?: 35 weeks and 6 days!

Total weight gain: 34 pounds.... I'm hoping to not exceed 40 pounds, but we'll see!

How big is baby?: About 6 pounds... one website compared the baby to a cantaloupe, hehe!

Maternity clothes?: Ahhh... yes. Even some medium t-shirts are looking tight!

Stretch marks?: Still none! Although we won't talk about my linea negra!

Sleep: I think God is trying to prepare me for baby. Or maybe my animals have some 6th sense where they are trying to do the same. The past week I have gotten up about 3 times per night. Once at 1:30am-ish, 3:30am-ish, and 5:30am-ish... then the alarm goes off quarter to 7. So, needless to say, I'm ready for those every 2 hour feedings! Just maybe not the staying awake for an hour during!

Best moment this week: Taking our maternity pictures with the amazing Britni! Seriously, our cousin is only 17 years old (just turned!) and she is a very talented photographer and photo-editor. Can't wait to share them! =) Also, getting the crib together and the nursery more put together with my dad and Maggie! It was so great to have them for a short visit!

Movement: I admit, I don't even do my kick counts. There is no need. He moves SO much! I really think he's starting to stretch out his arms about once every hour because I seriously get some sharp little elbows to the belly. Too low to be his feet, so they are definitely elbows! Yesterday I got kicked, HARD, in the ribs. That was not nice of baby boy!

Food cravings: This week's theme... ice cream! I bought ice cream for when my dad and Maggie came and I have had a bowl almost every night. Plus, after our birthing class on Monday I made Darren take me to Baskin Robbins. Those people probably KNEW it was a pregnancy craving!

Gender: Future Momma's Boy! ;-)

Labor Signs: None.... I'm beginning to wonder how to prepare myself for when contractions start. Besides leg cramps nothing in my pregnancy has been painful... so this should be interesting!

Belly Button in or out?: Still just hanging out at a flat-y! We won't talk about how much my belly button ring holes have stretched... =( Stupid college girl mistake! I only had that thing in for about a year! It's been out for almost 4 years and yet it's stretching like crazy. Boo.

What I miss: Uninterrupted sleep. I guess I should get used to that! hehe...

What I am looking forward to: March!!!!! Our due date month! There is only a month to go! I can't believe it!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't procrastinate your childbirth classes, if you're going to take them. You'll only look like the world's biggest procrastinator when you have to introduce yourself and say your due date in front of the whole class, who are all due in May or end of April. Oops! ;-) Guilty as charged!

Milestones: I think I'm starting to swell. I take my socks off and they leave imprints on my legs. Also, I can't get my wedding ring off. Oops! I bet if I tried hard enough I could, but I just don't care! From babycenter: Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement. At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.)

Still no growth.. hmm.

I feel rounder!

Sneak peak of the nursery!!!

 Fun(?) Facts:
- Waist at belly button: Still 40 1/2"
- Current weight: 147.8 pounds

Childbirth Education

Darren and I attended our second night of Childbirth Education classes last night. This one was technically the first class, but since we're the world's worst procrastinators (surprised? I'm not!) we had to do the last class of another groups two weeks ago. We went to the infant CPR and breastfeeding class that ends up our 6 week session with the other group since, well, our last class will be after our due date! ;-) It was pretty funny because our teacher had us all introduce ourselves, say whether we were having a boy or girl and then the due date. Yeah, I was definitely the only mom due in March, and even worse, the only mom due in the next 2 months! The girl next to me commented on how small I was still and said she was super jealous.... I guess I should take that as a good thing? ;-) We decided to do the 6 week session with the Midland hospital because we could never make the Saturday class in Big Spring. We learned a lot already, and are now even more anxious for the actual labor process to commence! haha! They taught us relaxation techniques, which we kinda laughed through. I told Darren if he sits there and tells me to "breathe" better, or slower, or whatever, that I'd slap him! Ok, that sounds harsh, but I really don't get into the whole "You're doing great, just keep breathing" thing like some women. We did enjoy the class just for the reassurance that we'll know when I'm in true labor or false labor... plus now we know when to jump in the car and head to the hospital! haha!

35 Week Survey

The 35 Week Survey

How far along?: 34 weeks and 6 days!

Total weight gain: 32 pounds... I just don't know where it's going!

How big is baby?: Supposedly somewhere around 5 1/2 pounds.. holy moly... and anywhere between 19 and 22 inches. Basically he's fully grown, just gaining fat! (And so is Mommy.... hehe)

Maternity clothes?: Yes, in fact, I wore some regular shorts the other day and they made me laugh so hard. They were WAY below my belly so that they would fit (these were even those stretchy sophie shorts). All non-maternity t-shirts have to be mediums or else they don't cover my belly! ;-) It gives Darren a good laugh!

Stretch marks?: NOPE!!! And I asked my mom this weekend and she said that she didn't get any either! Isn't it supposed to be hereditary or something? Or at least you're more predisposed to get them if your mom got them? Either way, I still don't have them!

Sleep: Last night I got up around 2:30 because I thought I was going to pee the bed! haha... Note to self: Don't guzzle water right before bed! Other than that I think I am finally getting in to a comfort routine where I wedge myself up against a million pillows and it seems to work. Ha!


Best moment this week: My baby shower... having my mom here and doing fun baby stuff with her... seeing friends and family! 

Movement: Definitely. He's a mover! He likes to move at night..... almost all night. I think he has his days and nights backwards, which I've heard women say happened to them. Great! =/ However, I like it when he moves! The coolest thing is that Darren can seriously solicit a movement from little guy... he will put his hand on my belly and play around a little and baby will play back! It's so crazy! If there is ever a time when he hasn't moved in a while then I make Darren get a movement to make sure he's still doing ok! ;-) It's funny!

Food cravings: I bought yet another box of the persian rolls today. Seriously. Those things are like crack.

Gender: I cannot wait to meet our baby boy!!!!!!!! He has so many cute things now from the shower and I can't wait for him to get to use it all!

Labor Signs: Still none... not even a hint of a braxton hicks contraction. I don't quite understand it, but I'll take it!!!

Belly Button in or out?: No change. Still out no top but no turkey timer! Hooray!!!!

What I miss: My mommy!!! Having her here was so amazing. I can't wait til she comes back when the baby is born! 

What I am looking forward to: My dad is coming to help put together the crib and finish up a bunch of other nursery details! I can't wait to get it all together and ready for baby!

Weekly Wisdom: This is just a funny one since I can't come up with anything better... but, DON'T eat Mexican food if you've been suffering from bad pregnancy induced heartburn. That's just dumb. It'll only hurt you. ::Note to self: take own advice!:: Now for a real one... time to start packing the hospital bag! Since little guy could essentially decide to come at any time (let's hope not) then we need to be prepared ahead of time! Don't wait until it's too late to get all of your ducks in a row! I bought a new duffel bag today so that it can be packed and ready to go!

Milestones: Well, I'm supposed to be having a bunch of braxton hicks contractions, but they're not here... so here's what else they have to say! Kidneys are fully developed now and the liver can process waste! Almost all physical developments are complete so now it's just time to put on some more weight! There is now more baby than amniotic fluid, so that's why his movements HURT. Mommy also has to pee ALL of the time because there is no room for my bladder anymore, and little boy likes to push against it!

No growth this week!

Where is the weight going? hehe

Had to get one with my Pearly-Pearl!

Our Baby Shower

This past weekend we had an amazing baby shower thrown for us by our closest family and friends. It was nothing short of wonderful! I feel so incredibly blessed! I will admit, I was pretty nervous about how the turn out would be, seeing as it has been shower central around here lately! Wedding showers, baby showers, you name it! Our great community did not disappoint though! We received so many great things for our little guy, and can't wait until he is here to start using it all! My mom and Grandma were able to fly in for the shower which was the even better part. I was thrilled that they were able to be there and be a part of it. Some of my best friends from out of town were also able to come, and my Godmother!! It was so great to see everyone! My hat goes off to Carylon, Vicki, and Nancy because I know how hard they worked to get everything ready. It was a beautiful shower and, like I said, I am very blessed!

Here are some photos from the day!

Carylon pinning on my corsage

Opening presents!

Lots of guests!

With the present hostesses!

Posing with my cool cake!

Close up of the cake!

Lots of presents!

Best friends since we were 7, and both preggers!

Monday Minute

Time for another Monday Minute! Happy Valentine's Everyone! I plan on spending the evening relaxing with my AMAZING husband on our LAST Valentine's without a little one! So exciting! =D

(1) What's your favorite kind of cake? (post a recipe if you have time)

Definitely this Reeses Peanut Butter Cake that Carylon made for Easter one year. I've since then tried the recipe twice and it did not disappoint! So good... if you love peanut butter and chocolate, and aren't afraid of calories!

1 devil’s food cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups chopped peanut butter cups (plus more for garnishing – I used 2 bags)
8 oz. dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup peanut butter

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat two 9-inch cake pans with non-stick cooking spray. Line with wax paper and coat paper.
• In a large bowl, beat cake mix, eggs, buttermilk and vegetable oil on low for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes. Scrape down sides after 1 minute. Fold in 2 cups of the chopped peanut butter cups.
• Pour batter into pans and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Cool cakes completely.
• Place chopped dark chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring cream just to a boil and then pour over chocolate. Whisk until chocolate melts. Add peanut butter and whisk until smooth.
• Trim each cake layer so the tops are flat. Place one layer on a cooling rack and pour 1 cup frosting on top. Spread evenly with a spatula. Add second layer and pour remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Smooth out with spatula.
• Allow frosting to set for a minute and gently press remaining chopped peanut butter cup pieces all over top and sides of cake. Place in refrigerator for about an hour to set. Remove and serve.

(2) Do you like getting massages?

Yes! I especially love them when they're coming from my wonderful husband! I wish I had the money to go out and get professional massages every now and then, but that's ok! We had a couples massage on our honeymoon and it was so awesome! We both loved it!

(3) Would you consider yourself Neat Nelly or Messy Bessy?
Can I be a combination of both? I am very organized at work, but at home not so much. I was always very organized with school also.... so, I don't know!

(4) Are you shy about going to the restroom in public places?
Nope, don't really care! Not shy about going at home either with the door open, haha! Well, only if Darren's the only one there!

(5) Did you have your dream wedding or would you redo it if  you had the chance?
I wouldn't redo anything! It was so amazing. We loved each and every moment of it! I guess the only thing I'd change is that I would win the lottery first, haha... not really, but I do wish we had more money so that we could have had everything we wanted... such as a live band. Regardless it still was the most amazing day of my life (for now, hehe), and I loved it so much!!!

What a wonderful wedding!

Happy to be Mr. and Mrs.!

34 Week Survey

Late because I was busy having a WONDERFUL weekend with my mom and Gramma. I had such a wonderful baby shower too! So, pretend this was Friday! 


The 34 Week Survey

How far along?: 33 weeks and 6 days!

Total weight gain:  30.4 pounds... hehe... and still have 6 weeks to go!

How big is baby?: At our appointment Wednesday he was 4 pounds 11 ounces!

Maternity clothes?: Duh.... by this point who wouldn't be wearing maternity clothes?!

Stretch marks?: Still none!!!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited?!

Sleep: Still difficult. Between peeing and not being very comfortable it's not very fun. I figure I'm getting myself used to being up in the middle of the night! ;-)

Best moment this week: Seeing our little guy again and hearing that he is doing AWESOME in the growth department!

Movement: His favorite time to move around (a lot) is at night, mostly right when I'm trying to go to sleep! He's also been stretching a lot lately and I can feel body parts, I swear! Such as elbows, feet, etc.... It's crazy how hard my stomach gets when he's stretching!

Food cravings: Not really! Just like my food still! ;-)

Gender: One precious little boy!

Labor Signs: None yet! I hope he hangs out at least another 4 weeks!

Belly Button in or out?: Getting a little more poked out, but not bad. However, my belly button ring holes are now stretching like crazy and look horrible. Great.

What I miss: Not feeling tired.... not feeling overwhelmed...

What I am looking forward to: Starting our child birth classes, and finishing up the nursery! Hopefully we'll have it almost all the way done by next weekend!

Weekly Wisdom: Take everything one day at a time. Realize that God will take care of you and will provide you with everything that you need!

Milestones: From babycenter: Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling her out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies. 

Starting to gain weight in other areas... like my face!

6 weeks to go! Hooray!

Fun(?) Facts:
- Current weight: 144!!

Good News!

Well, we had another ultrasound at the clinic in Midland today, and it went really well! Despite having to wait on the doctor for 40 minutes (last time was 30 minutes)! Anyway, little boy looked GREAT the doc said! He was measuring really well, and in fact measured one day ahead of schedule! Woo hoo! He weighed in at 4 pounds, 11 ounces. I'll never understand how they figure that out, but ok! He finally moved his feet from next to his head to the normal fetal position, and they are nicely tucked up right under mom's ribs! ;-) We got some images from the ultrasound but they're not the greatest. He was NOT being shy about his boy parts, haha, but WAS being shy about showing us his beautiful face. So, we got some images of you know what, and not really much of anything else. HA! Because he is growing really well and my fluid levels were still really good I do not have to go back to Midland for another 4 weeks! The doc said "If you're still pregnant, then we'll have you come back in 4 weeks!". ;-) It's getting so close now!

In other news, we took an Infant CPR and Breastfeeding Course on Monday night in Midland and it was pretty informative! Although, I did remember how to do infant CPR from when I took a course in 6th grade to become a certified babysitter. No lie, I remember things like that! My appointment on Monday at Dr. Byerly's was my last regular appointment! I go back in two weeks and then after that they'll be every week. Next appointment will not be a fun one as they'll start to check my cervix. Oh joy! But hey, if that means that little man will be here before we know it, then I'm cool!

My shower is this weekend and I can't wait! I think I am more excited about seeing friends and family then about the presents! ;-) But, I am ready to get the nursery set-up with all of the goodies! My mom flies in tomorrow afternoon with my Grandma from Arizona, so I will be headed to pick them up! Eek! Can't wait to see them! It'll be a great weekend for sure!

Feeling blessed beyond all measure......

Monday Minute

I'm sitting in the waiting room waiting for my doctors appointment that was canceled last week thanks to the crazy weather! So while I wait with a million other women, I thought I'd indulge you in some Monday Minute questions from Cristina! Don't forget to click below and link up!

(1) Do you use shaving cream when you shave?

Nope, just my body wash. I've never had problems with razor burn on my legs, so this is easy!

(2) Name 2 things you consider yourself to be very bad at.

Hmm.. Definitely throwing things away! I am a definite pack rat. I always think I'll use it later, and 9 times out of 10 I'm wrong! Plus I hold sentimental value to dumb things. Like in high school I literally kept trash! If it reminded me of something then I wouldn't want to throw it away!! Other thing I'm bad at is being jealous. It is something that I often pray about... Just a bad thing to have to have towards others.

(3) What's your favorite song?

Of all times or currently? How about I answer both! I am a music LOVER. Seriously. So this is a little difficult. One of my all time favorite songs was our song for our first dance at our wedding. "Existentialism on Prom Night" by Straylight Run. I loved it because it was so personal to us, and come on.. how many times have you heard that used at a wedding?! 

Another all time favorite is "Praise you in this storm" by Casting Crowns. It has such an awesome message, and seriously, if you're ever having a bad day or you're sad... listen to the song and I promise you will feel better!

Lastly, all time favorite is "Fancy" by Reba McEntire. It reminds me of when I was younger and I'd sing Reba with my mom in the truck. Plus, Reba just kicks major butt!

Ok, now my CURRENT favorite song, haha... I have two. Don't you love me. First, "Anything like me" by Brad Paisley. It makes me think of my little boy who will grace us with his presence in a matter of weeks! Plus my hubby can sing it so well.... so sexy!

My second favorite, current song, haha, is "When I say I do" by Matthew West. It is such a beautiful song. Wonderful lyrics, and reminds me of my amazing husband!

(4) If somebody asked you to sum yourself up in three words, what would they be?

Sum myself up... hmm...  I would say: "Ambitious", "Loving", and "Nerdy". I chose nerdy because of my love for all things Jeopardy and Band things. haha... ;-)

(5) Out of the following three, which do you hate most: pineapples, cantaloupe, or strawberries?

Easy one. Cantaloupe. Gross. Plus it makes my mouth break out in hives. No joke! It is a recent development food allergy.  I love pineapple, and like strawberries so long as there is chocolate to go with them!  

33 Week Survey

The 33 Week Survey

How far along?: 32 weeks and 6 days! 50 days to go!

Total weight gain:  29 pounds... seems ok to me! I figured I'd gain around 40 since I was underweight to start.

How big is baby?: Around 4 1/2 pounds, and somewhere between 17 and 19 inches long. I guess babies don't grow much longer from here on out, but now's time to put on the fat pounds!

Maternity clothes?: This week was tough as it was literally FREEZING every day. So I wore the same leggings, same pants, same boots, and lucked out enough to have 4 heavy sweaters to rotate through. Ah, the power of layers!

Stretch marks?: Still none... woo hoooo!!!!

Sleep: Very difficult. I get up about 3 times in the night to pee, and little  boy likes to move the most at night, so he keeps me up somewhat. Plus still battling leg cramps and heartburn. I gave up on the idea of only sleeping on my left side, you know, to help circulation, because I couldn't stay in one position all night!

Best moment this week: Darren's "play date" with Clayton, hehe.... Daddy got to feel him move a LOT, and strong movements at that, and he loved it... which naturally I loved!

Movement: Active. Active. Active. See my previous post! ;-)

Food cravings: I found these breakfast pastries at Walmart called "Persian Rolls". They're kinda like cinnamon rolls meets honey buns and they are HEAVENLY. I love them. However, this week when I went to buy a package this MAMMOTH of a lady cuts in front of me and takes the last box. I nearly had a throw down in the bakery section. hahaha... ok, not really, but she did take them and I did get really upset!

Gender: Sweet sweet boy!

Labor Signs: Nope! Not even fake labor..

Belly Button in or out?: Hey, I'm just glad it's not totally sticking out!

What I miss: Uninterrupted sleep. I guess I should get used to this, huh?

What I am looking forward to: My shower is less than a week away, which means my MOM is coming! Eek! So excited! She's going to help me with my art projects for the nursery! Also, we go to Dr. Blanco again on Wednesday and I'm interested to see how little guy's growth is progresing since I didn't gain much weight these past two weeks.

Weekly Wisdom: Plan your childbirth classes far in advance. Hehe... I procrastinated, or well, just thought it would fall together a little better than it did, but anyway, our classes start Feb 21st and go through March 28th. Haha, a little past my due date, but that's ok! ;-)

Milestones: His immune system is now developed! Hooray! That means if he had to come out now then he wouldn't get sick as easy! He's acting more and more like an actual infant. He swallows, opens and closes his eyes, and is practicing breathing (which explains all of the hiccups!). He is supposed to be moving less, but we all know that's a joke! ;-) His taste buds are also working now, which is crazy! So, I bet you he likes persian rolls too!

 Fun(?) Facts:
- Waist at belly button: Almost 40 1/2"
- Current weight: 142 and some!

Who needs kick counts?!

Yesterday was crazy. I'm not even exaggerating. I felt as if this little boy was going to bust out early! I've never felt so much movement in a single day, and I've definitely not been hurt as badly by the movements as I did yesterday. He squirmed, stretched, kicked, you name it! I know I may be a bit dramatic, but I feel as if my ribs are bruised! Ok, by a bit dramatic I meant a lot dramatic. ;-) Regardless, this little boy seriously gave me a run for my money yesterday. And, if this is any indication of how he'll be when he's here, then I'm pretty sure there will be no such thing as swaddling. haha! I got up to put the cat out last night and felt either an elbow or a knee. There was a protruding limb sticking out past my belly. Seriously.. we're talking one inch by one inch lump. So creepy! ha! I could have been on one of those alien abduction shows! I reached down and kind of nudged it back in... haha.... that sounds so weird, I know! I told Darren last night that he didn't even know what this felt like to have our little guy moving around so much! Night before last Darren got to "play" with our little tike too... haha... we were laying in bed and Darren would push on my belly a few times, and he'd get kicks and squirms in response! It was too funny! He loved every minute of it! Darren LOVES to feel our little guy move. He's such an awesome Daddy already! All I know is that our baby is head down, so from what I've heard from other mom's, his butt is probably what is constantly pushing on my ribs/lungs. Haha, oh joy! Thank you my sweet child... your momma realllly would like for you to stop hurting me now! Can't wait to meet you in 50 odd days!

Brain Dump

This tired soon-to-be-momma has a lot on her mind.... so I'm going to dump it all here! One lady's blog I read calls it "Stream of Consciousness"... but that's too fancy for me! Brain Dump it is! ;-)

- We are down to T minus 7 weeks and several days until little boy is due! We have yet to take any birthing classes, breast feeding classes, or tour our hospital. Yes, I realize that this is bad. Yes, I will make sure we get it done in the next week or two. Yes, I may be lying, but I sure am going to try!

- My mom will be here in 9 days and I can't hardly stand it! I am so ready for her to be here! Plus, she's going to help me with some of my art projects for the nursery since she's WAY more artistic than I am! Hooray for my mom! My baby shower would be incomplete without her, and I am so glad that she is going to be able to come!

- My grad school class this semester is horribly boring and horribly time consuming. I'm not sure how it's going to pan out when our little man is here, requiring all of my time and attention. I'm already sooo sooo tired. I don't see how reading out of the world's most boring textbook is going to help that matter any! But, gotta keep trucking! I made this decision after all to start grad school, fully aware that I would be having a baby in March!

- Work is becoming harder as it is difficult to sit for long periods of time without hurting, I'm so stinkin' tired (as mentioned previously), and staring at my computer doesn't help that! Thankfully I have the best job in the whole world, so I can rest if I need to rest, get a snack whenever, walk around, etc.... It was a little funny when my dentist asked me yesterday if I was going to be able to take the rest of the year off after having the baby - man he's dreaming! I'm still thinking I won't get a full fledged maternity leave, because, let's face it... money is important! haha... Plus, it's our busy season at work, so I really need to try to be helping out! Luckily, again, I can take the little guy to work with me if needed! Hooray!

- Our animals are super spoiled. SUPER spoiled. They sleep inside, are inside with us when we're home, and basically have the run of the house, including but not limited to - sleeping on the couches, being fed leftover milk from cereal, etc etc.. Here's a picture to prove my point. This was Pearl's one of many Christmas presents! ;-)

- My husband still is the best thing ever. He is so amazing! He made me a delicious dinner tonight, just so I could study! What an awesome hunny!

- I'm still scared sh*less about the finances of having this baby. Not only the medical bills, but paying for the baby after he is here. Plus, what if we don't get everything we need at the shower? Then that's more expense! Oye.... I'm nervous, but I just have to remember that God is in control, and we just need to do what we can to cut corners! For instance, I could have easily spent $100 this weekend at Kirklands, but I restrained myself... hehe... ok, more seriously though, we really are trying to be good!

Ok, I think that's about all I have for now. I'm going to go snuggle up to my amazing husband and get some gooood sleep! Well, if I don't get up and go pee 3 times like I did last night! Dang third trimester, lol! ;-)