35 Weeks

A little late for this one, but with Danny's Mom, Nancy, coming to town and the big Thanksgiving holiday we were a little all over the place.  We had our Midwife appointment on Wednesday and things are looking pretty good, Braelyn seems to be measuring a little small, which is completely new for her as she has measured right on time or even a little ahead of schedule the entire time.  I am still gaining weight so our Midwife seems to think it's because she dropped and we aren't able to measure her fully.  We will see at this weeks appointment if that stands true.

What a wonderful Holiday, we had a lovely dinner at my parents house and then went to my Grandma's for dessert with the family.  This Holiday seemed really different for me and I just felt so unbelievably blessed.  Danny has been the most supporting, caring husband in the world during this pregnancy.  He always see's the bright side and pushes me to see the very best no matter how horrible I have felt.  He has cooked, cleaned, washed baby clothes and gotten just as excited about every minute as I have... I cannot wait to see the Father he will be to Braelyn!  I am also so thankful for my family, they have gotten so excited for us, been there 110% for every fun moment and more importantly every scary moment.  They have celebrated this little girl with us and lifted our spirits in the scary moments.  I couldn't ask for anything more!!  Our friends should be mentioned, even though they are really part of our extended family, but they have been just as amazing and supportive.  They always want updates on this little girl and on us, they have sent cards, texts and messages galore.  Danny and I also have our health, our beautiful home and our marriage - I really do not think I could ask for a single thing more (well maybe a new job come April ;))!!

Speaking of jobs, I officially turned down the NY and Chicago positions and am awaiting management to give me the next steps.  Turning the positions down wasn't half as hard as I thought it may be, knowing that this will give way to a brighter future for our family makes me excited, albeit a little nervous still!

Baby is measuring at the size of a (fatter) Honeydew Melon this week!
From now on, baby's growth is mostly in the plumping up department -- though she won't get much longer, she'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. (She's about 15 percent right now and will be about 30 percent by full-term.) Her hearing is totally developed, tip: baby responds best to higher pitches.

35 Weeks

Cheering on our Bears!

Danny wanted to get super close!

How far along? 35 weeks and 9 days.

Maternity clothes? Yep, still in 'em!

Stretch marks? Still no more but my tummy is tighter daily so I wouldn't be surprised if they start popping out of the woodwork.

Sleep? The holiday was good for sleep but when we have guests I don't really like to sleep in :)

Best moment this week? The best moment this week was having our family around and sharing the last moments of this pregnancy with them.

Food cravings: All I wanted was my leftover turkey sandwich and it did NOT disappoint, YUMMY!!

Movement? More pain this week, both in my ribs and pelvis.  I seem to be having lots of pressure radiating down my thighs - just another sign she is dropping!

What I miss? I am missing the ability to not be absolutely exhausted after folding a load of laundry, cooking a bagel, etc!

What I'm looking forward to: I am looking forward to this final month, I am not sure how in the world it got here so quickly but it's here and I am going to enjoy it!

Milestones: So after this week they will no longer stop labor, if little girl decides to come then she will be here!

34 Weeks

"And I lost my faith, in my darkest days,
But she makes me want to believe." - Parachute, She is Love


So this quote has summed up the past couple days for me and because this will be a part of Braelyn and our little families story I will blog about it.  I finalized all of my dates for maternity leave with HR this week only to be told yesterday by my boss and HR team that after my maternity leave I will not have a job unless we decide to pack this little family up and move back across the U.S. to Chicago or New York.  Talk about having the wind knocked right out of your sails...  The last thing I wanted to do was bring a newborn into the world feeling anything other than completely stable but what's a gal to do!  I will continue to update the situation as we go but as of now we are just processing and trying to stay calm so little girl will stay right where she is for another 5 (give or take) weeks!


We haven't done much else this week but we did take our baby class last weekend and are feeling lots more prepared for delivery.  We practiced not hyperventilating, lots of labor positions and found out all the wonderful risks/rewards for the medications I can be given.  If nothing else we are more informed than before, especially Danny who kept saying, "did you know that before" :)  


Baby is measuring at the size of a (fatter) Honeydew Melon this week!
"Baby can recognize and react to simple songs...time to start practicing your lullabies! In fact, baby will recognize frequently sung tunes after birth and probably find them soothing. Less cute news: She now urinates about one pint per day. Get the diapers ready"

How far along? 34 weeks and 5 days.

Maternity clothes? Yep, still in 'em!

Stretch marks? Still no worse, lots of cocoa butter lotion.  I know it doesn't really help but I smell yummy!

Sleep? This week hasn't been so great, but I used some PTO and have everyday next week but Monday off so I am going to try to sleep in and get some more sleep!

Best moment this week? Ha, wellllll ;)  The best moment of this week has been feeling the support from my husband and family.  Knowing that you have amazing people that care about, love you and are there to give you the support you need has made this week so much better!

Food cravings: I am boring in this category, still none.  Danny thinks apple juice may be, but I think I just like apple juice.

Movement? This is starting to get a little painful, we are having lots more twisting, turning and I am pretty sure she has some sharp weapons in there that she is using to try to escape!

What I miss? Well this week the only thing that even comes to mind is missing that security I had for little miss about 48 hours ago.

What I'm looking forward to: I am really trying to look at this in a positive light, so for this I will answer with that side.  I am really looking forward to the maternity leave and getting to know my little girl, I am also very excited to get a change to release the familiar and look inside at where it is I really want and need to be.  I am also looking forward to THANKSGIVING with our family!

Milestones: After this week they won't stop labor if that should happen, but I am crossing my legs and my fingers that she will stay in till her due date :)

33 Weeks

We had our 33/34 week appointment this week and came out of it with an A+, after the past couple crazy ones that was a huge relief.  Our little one is measuring right on track, her heartbeat was still at 140 and little to no Braxton Hicks this time!  We also talked about birthing classes (check- doing them Saturday), Infant First Aid/CPR classes (check- Dec. 10th class) and Pediatricians (check - I already interviewed and decided on Brae's Dr), so we were all set and ahead of schedule! 

We also put everything from the baby shower away in her room, started washing clothes and set up the travel system.  We are planning on getting the car seat installed after the Holidays and the hospital bags are being packed, just about finished just some last minute things to pick up.  I started on my birth plan but I go back and forth on what's really important to include when all I really want is my little girl out safe and sound.  The lists are getting smaller and smaller, YAY!

Baby is measuring at the size of a Honeydew Melon this week!
"Things are heating up inside as well: Baby may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and her brain is developing like crazy. Pretty soon, she'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Also, her bones are hardening, and she's started to keep his eyes open when she's awake"

How far along? 33 weeks and 5 days.

Maternity clothes? Still squeezing into the ones I bought before, on a more fun clothing note - we have started washing teeny tiny baby clothes!

Stretch marks? We haven't gotten any worse on this but no better either, hoping to stick with the small hip marks. 

Sleep? Getting a little worse with the bouts of insomnia, I just cannot shut my brain off!

Best moment this week? My shower was the best, but since I am devoting an entire post to this soon I won't give anything away.  The second best was going to Babies R Us with Danny and picking up the rest of the necessary supplies to bring our little girl home!  

Food cravings: Still none, my Midwife suggested some tea (I was trying to go caffeine free, I wasn't thrilled) to curb the headaches so I have been having a glass most mornings. 

Movement? Her little limbs are getting bigger and bigger and I can feel them pushing harder.  She is still head down, YAY, and hopefully won't move before the big day.  Her back is around my left side and her little feet are up near my ribs (ouch!), or so says Wendy the midwife :)

What I miss? I have been really missing sushi and wine again this week, I blame it on Danny because he keeps talking about sushi!
 
What I'm looking forward to: I have been thinking more and more about actual life with her and I think this week I have been getting more excited than nervous.  Don't get me wrong, still pretty terrified, but I just imagine all the little moments we will have together as a family and it makes me feel way better!

Milestones: I just found out that they won't stop labor after the 34th week but since she isn't considered full term yet that milestone almost makes me more nervous that excited!

32 Weeks

It has been a pretty slow week so I can update you on last weeks midwife appointment.  Braelyn is measuring right on schedule, no more false labor pains, heartbeat was perfect and we talked labor for a bit.  Our perfect little girl checked out right on track for 32 weeks, YAY!

We had a lovely dinner with Alex and Diana on Sunday at the Melting Pot, we went for a 1920's murder mystery dinner.  We had a great time and decided we are for sure doing it next year!  After that it has been a lot of relaxing, cleaning the house, finishing things up around the house and getting very excited about Braelyn's shower this weekend!  I am sure there will be lots of pictures for that so I will try to make that its own post, I also promise to do a nursery post as soon as we have a few more things done in there.

Baby is measuring at the size of a (fatter) Squash this week!
"Ready or not, baby's getting ready to emerge. She's probably in the head-down position by now, with her bottom facing up. This is the comfiest way for her body to fit in your increasingly cramped womb and will make her eventual exit (only a couple months away now!) much easier."

32 weeks at The Melting Pot

How far along? 32 weeks and 6 days.

Maternity clothes? Now I am starting to pick up nursing and hospital clothes.

Stretch marks? Well we have crossed over to the inevitable, unfortunately I have two on each side by my hips (which are killing me).  Stocking up on bio oil and cocoa butter lotion but I think I lost this battle.  

Sleep? Still moving in the direction of some long nights but I am getting some rest.

Best moment this week? She has been pushing body parts against my tummy and seems to REALLY be growing, I think her knee (or tush) is getting much bigger ;)  I love knowing she is growing big and strong!

Food cravings: I think I am a lost cause here, I do still really like sweets but they make my tummy hurt so I don't eat many.

Movement? Her kicks, pokes and jabs have turned into full rolls and shifts.  We are adjusting to this routine but my tummy is hard almost all the time now from her pushing.

What I miss? Still missing the comforts that once were, last night we went on a walk and I tried to put a bulky coat on.. it zipped but sure was snug and uncomfortable.

What I'm looking forward to: The countdown is on, 8 more weekends (give or take) without our little girl.  Every day gets more exciting and Danny says the cutest things, my favorite is when he woke me up with, she will be here NEXT month!  His big smiles and constant support make me look forward to seeing him be the best Daddy to our little girl!!

Milestones: The next milestone I am looking forward to is 37 (FULL TERM) weeks, I can't believe that is only 4 weeks away!