31 Weeks

We enjoyed Christmas sooo much and had a wonderful time seeing family & friends.  It sure is a different experience being pregnant with added perks.  I was laying on the couch and my dad told Addy to get up and help with something and Addy said what about me.  Dad said I needed to rest!! HAHAHAHA, I said I am fine and got up to help, but I think I will miss the pregnancy excuse :)  It felt weird coming back home to a quiet house in North Liberty after a crazy holiday.  My "nesting" kicked in right away with wanting to clean & organize.  I hope it stays this way because I love having everything be "perfect".  I am getting super anxious and excited for this little baby to come with less than 60 days now!  Oh and it is official that my sister is also expecting in June!!!  I am super excited to have little ones close in age.  they will be finding out the sex in early Feb. So I am sure we will be dying to find out even more.

How far along? 31 weeks

How big is baby?  Size  of a Coconut

Total weight gain/loss:   +28 not bad for the holiday feasting

Maternity clothes?  Of course

Sleep:  I slept pretty good at home in Dubuque in Addy's fluffy bed.  I usually love a firm mattress but now I am favoring a plush bed.

Best moment this week:  Christmas

Movement: Some days a lot & then others not much besides rolls

Food cravings:  Chocolate 

Food Aversions: Always be pickles, or anything pickled.

Gender:  ?? and not finding out ??

Labor Signs:  none besides the braxton hicks at night.

Pregnancy Symptoms:  Quack, Quack! I waddle A LOT!

Belly Button in or out?  In, and think it will stay in just getting wider/rounder

What I miss: Doing things with ease like putting shoes on.  I still can do it by myself it just takes a little longer

What I am looking forward to: New Years!

Upcoming appointments/events:   Jan. 6th 

Stretch Marks:  Doing Great :) 

30 Weeks

Almost everything I read about the Glucose drink is that it is awful, well I didn't think it was bad at all besides knowing I was consuming 50g of sugar in a matter of seconds. Went to the lab an hour later to get the blood draw and I PASSED!! WOOOHOOO. Jason was able to come to this appointment too and heard the heartbeat again along with the belly measure which was about 29, so maybe we won't have a HUGE baby?  Jason is hoping for a March baby for March madness, me on the other hand not so much.   I also got "the talking to"  about my weight gain :( she said I look great and can't tell I have gained that much but might want to consider changing diet and increasing intensity on workouts. She wants to see if I can only gain 1 pound over the next 2 weeks..... AHHHH the HOLIDAYS?!?  (going to the nice scale next time)  So instead of 10 cookies I will have 1 and make sure I get 60 min of cardio in a day :)  I am HOPING this works!  I thought I would be that healthy eating pregnant lady all the way through and that went out the door around umm week 16 & I don't feel ALL that bad I had my fun now it is back to health.  It will give me a good head start postpartum, I sure don't want to be carrying around the extra weight come June at my first triathlon post baby :)  Jason & I celebrated our 1 Year anniversary and went to Dinner at Fried Green in Galena, and had some cake :) I am so lucky to have a husband like Jason and can't wait for many more years together.  I love him too much!

How far along? 30 weeks

How big is baby?  Size  of a Large cabbage

Total weight gain/loss:   +27!?  this was my Drs. number but they used the mean scale so next time I am going to ask for the nice one. ( dead serious there really is a good one and a bad one)

Maternity clothes?  Loving my bigger items such as the new sweatshirt Jason bought me & the leggings.   for once stripes are my best friend is amazing what they can hide.

Sleep:  ehhh? those leg cramps are a killer.  I pretend it is what a strong contraction will be like and practice my breathing along with a few hits to Jason ;)

Best moment this week:   Hands down baby Shower!!!  Separate post for this :) :) 

Movement: lots, and those hiccups are too cute. 

Food cravings:  Milk, I was never a big milk drinker but Jason pointed out I have gone through 1/2 gallon in 2 days.

Food Aversions: Always be pickles, or anything pickled.

Gender:  ?? and not finding out ??

Labor Signs:  none besides the braxton hicks at night.

Pregnancy Symptoms:  Hot, big, and slightly uncomfortable

Belly Button in or out?  In, and think it will stay in just getting wider/rounder

What I miss: stuffing my face ;0

What I am looking forward to: CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Upcoming appointments/events:   Jan. 6th every 2 weeks

Stretch Marks:  ok the bio oil- palmers combo is a miracle worker because I swear I barely can tell I have a stretch mark.  Not red or purple :)  I just stocked up on Amazon!  If you are Pregnant I say this is a MUST HAVE!

3rd Trimester Must-Haves

I searched the internet looking for 3rd trimester must-haves and a lot were paid reviewers, so I decided to give my list of must-haves.  If only there was something for sleep :)  What are things that helped you get through your last trimester?

1. Bio Oil- I love bio oil because it feels great on the skin and I really think it helps with stretch marks.  I started to see some sprout and this really helps them stop/fade.  Any stretch mark I have is very light or white and only can be seen in certain lighting.


2. Palmers stretch mark cream-  I use this right after I put the bio-oil on and gives it a nice thick/smooth coat.  I would recommend using these together.

3. Earth Mamma organic tea- Yum, Yum, Yum!  I bought this on Amazon because of the good reviews and I am not dissapointed.  I will drink 1 cup a day until 36-37 weeks and increase.  This will not induce labor but prepare the uterus


4. Leggings-  Well, pants in general are not too comfortable.  if I could be pant less all day I would!  These are super comfy and stretchy.  I also got size M maternity pants and they had plenty of room in the beginning but starting to get a little tight in the legs.

29 Weeks

Aches, and pains, oh my!  Well, I think I have entered the uncomfortable stage already!  My back is killing me as a lug around an extra 20-25 pounds already!  I am starting to retain a lot of water too, and found my first stretch mark!  Even though all of this sounds awful, I still enjoy being pregnant.  I continue to workout at the gym and do prenatal yoga at home.
Saturday was our birthing class at the University of Iowa and we really enjoyed it.  The best part was getting a tour of labor &delivery & learning about different relaxation techniques.  All the nurses compared to running a marathon... piece of cake, right?  I really liked their mental power approach which I am all about.  I honestly believe you can train the mind to do anything and the body will follow.  I wasn't too into writing a birth plan but after the experience I think we definitely will.  They recommended putting 5-7 things that you feel strongly about so they can really make sure to help you with those.  I already have my wish list and excited to put it together :)  With Ian it was such a whirlwind that I really was not in a good place to focus nor do I really remember what was going on.  The good thing is I know I can get to 5cm without an epidural ( perfect timing they recommend getting one)  The rooms are very spacious and the staff all seemed really great.  It was also great for me to get some interaction with other adults in the area since I am home constantly.  The only other class we are doing is the breastfeeding class at the end of Jan.  Starting to wonder if I will go early or late!

How far along? 29 weeks

How big is baby?  Size  of a butternut Squash

Total weight gain/loss:   +20-25 really been bouncing around all week. Swollen/not swollen

Maternity clothes?  Yep!  Don't laugh.... I have a hard time keeping jeans on for more than a few hours, makes my legs feel claustrophobic... ok it's kinda funny 

Sleep:  not great but I manage quite well, good practice I guess.

Best moment this week:   Birthing Class

Movement: Slowing down a bit, running out of room.  Still very active though

Food cravings:  French toast

Food Aversions: Still pickles

Gender:  ?? and not finding out ??

Labor Signs:  none besides the braxton hicks at night.

Pregnancy Symptoms:  Hot, aches & pain

Belly Button in or out?  In, and think it will stay in just getting wider/rounder

What I miss: wearing pants all day :)

What I am looking forward to: Dr. Appointment

Upcoming appointments/events:   December 18th and then every 2 weeks :)

Stretch Marks:  I found my first one sprout.  Yipppppeeeee.  It's not that bad

28 Weeks

This week I was pretty sick with bronchitis and then it wasn't getting any better so went back and got antibiotics for whooping cough + quarantined for 5 days.   The quarantine was no biggie because I am home all the time anyways.  I am finally not coughing constantly, and doing much better.  I felt awful for that little one who probably wasn't enjoying the coughs either.  My mom came to visit on Saturday and we went shopping, had lobster bisque soup for lunch, and went to dinner.  It was super fun to have my momma here and she brought Christmas cheer with live greenery, Christmas wreath, and lights!  Just in time for the little snow storm Sunday :)  Sunday morning we of course went to Bluebird cafe!  As we are now in the 3rd trimester I am starting to get super anxious and can't wait for the baby to get here.

How far along? 28 weeks

How big is baby?  Size  of a Large Eggplant

Total weight gain/loss:   +20!  I am guessing 35 pound total gain?  This would of devastated me a few months ago but right now I am enjoying the eating part because as soon as this baby comes it is back to healthy, healthy, healthy!

Maternity clothes?  Yep, and added 2 "bigger" tops to the collection from target.

Sleep:  Not too great anymore, but I don't feel exhausted.

Best moment this week:   Momma coming to town!

Movement: Super active & feel some pretty high kicks.

Food cravings:  Cereal, and everything bad for you.

Food Aversions: Still pickles

Gender:  ?? and not finding out ??

Labor Signs:  I have started to notice the Braxton hicks but don't really "feel" them 

Pregnancy Symptoms:  hot all the time, we still haven't turned on the heat & leg cramps at night

Belly Button in or out?  In, and think it will stay in just getting wider/rounder

What I miss: Not much :)

What I am looking forward to: Hopefully passing the gestational diabetes test next week.

Upcoming appointments/events:   December 18th and then every 2 weeks :)

Stretch Marks: None yet.

27 Weeks

Glowing Kitty!

What a fun week!  It was a short work week and then the Krivachek's came to North Liberty for Thanksgiving and we had dinner at the Iowa River & Power company.  The food was so good & no clean up needed :)  Now for the STUPID part we decided to go out shopping on Thursday night.  1st Walmart which was horrendous and filled with nothing but junk, stinky people, and grumps.  2nd was Younkers where I did find a nice comforter set but no King. 3rd we went to Target and the lines were so LONG and I lost my phone but some nice person returned it.  I left Thursday night not buying a thing! I realized you can buy all the deals online with free shipping so I ended up ordering the King Comforter set.  (pics below)  Rusty was so nice to put the crib together for us & which was so wonderful.  We also arranged the baby room just have to decorate now .

  

This pregnancy I have to been a total clean freak.  (big shocker!)  Saturday I organized the kitchen pantry, bathrooms, laundry,bedroom closets, donated old clothes, and scrubbed the  floors.  The house looks beautiful and getting everything ready for this little one in under 3 months :)

Here are the main purchases below. Couldn't include the gifts for family ;)

Younkers $139.99

Younkers $14.97

Target $20.99

Target $9

TJ Maxx $14.99

Best Buy $129

***********************************************************************

How far along? 27 weeks

How big is baby?  Size of head of  head of cauliflower

Total weight gain/loss:   +17

Maternity clothes?  Yes and loving maternity clothes

Sleep:  Pretty good still, I wake up early almost every morning

Best moment this week:   Thanksgiving with the Krivacheks, Shopping, and cleaning

Movement: Yep, very active 

Food cravings:  Cereal, and cookies

Food Aversions: Still pickles

Gender:  ?? and not finding out ??

Labor Signs:  nope.  

Pregnancy Symptoms:  hot all the time 

Belly Button in or out?  still in but stretching

What I miss: Not much :)

What I am looking forward to: My momma is coming this weekend!

Upcoming appointments/events:   December 18th and then every 2 weeks :)

Stretch Marks: had a scare but it was just a vein.  I am beyond shocked I am not covered in them.  I don't know why I care because I have some old ones already so whats some more going to hurt?  

26 Weeks

(selfie this week!)
This week Jason & I both felt icky.  We had cold/flu like symptoms and feeling much better now.  No Iowa game for me this week but Jason braved the cold!  Jason & I decided this year instead of buying gifts for each other we adopted a family with 3 little girls to buy for & help make their Christmas special.  We have been so blessed and fortunate that wanted to help a family that needed a little extra hope during this holiday season.  I went shopping Saturday and it was probably the most joyful shopping experience.  We also got the crib ordered on Target that went on sale and I was SO excited!  My momma & daddy wanted to buy the crib their grand baby will be sleeping in.  How sweet :)

How far along? 26 weeks

How big is baby?  Size of head of lettuce

Total weight gain/loss:   +15.5  

Maternity clothes?  Yes

Sleep:  Getting used to the side sleeping but starting to get those leg cramps and restless legs if I don't drink a full bottle of water right before bed.

Best moment this week:   Shopping for our Christmas family

Movement: Yep, very active 

Food cravings:  Cereals, milk shakes, milk

Food Aversions: Still pickles

Gender:  ?? and not finding out ??

Labor Signs:  nope.  

Pregnancy Symptoms:  restless legs, leg cramps 

Belly Button in or out?  still in but stretching

What I miss: Not much :)

What I am looking forward to: Thanksgiving!!

Upcoming appointments/events:   December 18th and then every 2 weeks :)

Stretch Marks: Nope

25 Weeks

Had my 25 week appointment and was a little quesy but fluids helped a lot on Wednesday.  Everything is good baby is estimated to be about 2 pounds, and my belly is measuring on track.  We set an induction date for March.11th OH please OH please come before then.  I would be 42+weeks... Yikes!  I still think I will go a few days early.  Friday went back to Dubuque and celebrated Graham's 2nd birthday!!!  We had soo much fun :) I also added a new question each week of how many miles walked/ran.  Goal is 15-20 miles per week all the way to due date.  Also I am doing the push-up challenge from Pinterest found below. I am getting interested to see what everyone thinks the baby is, please comment below!

How far along? 25 weeks

How big is baby?  Size of an squash

Total weight gain/loss:   -1 this week +15 total 

Maternity clothes?  Yes

Sleep:  Well, not so amazing but still okay.  

Best moment this week:   Graham Turns 2!  PARTY!!!!

Movement: ALL the time & love it!  For the first time I woke up in the middle of night thinking jason was poking me.  Nope it was the baby :)  

Food cravings:  Hot teas, Apricots (weird one for me) oh and those darn little debbie cream pies that I used to hate. (Jason had the craving)

Food Aversions: Pickles are DISGUSTING! Don't get them near me

Gender:  ?? and not finding out ??

Labor Signs:  nope.  I do have have some painless braxton hicks that I can feel stomach tighten but nothing else.

Pregnancy Symptoms:  Much better this week not as emotional.  

Belly Button in or out?  in

What I miss: This week was being able to ride my tri bike.  Went to the garage and is just waiting to be used.  But then I thought of it being put away for the winter & when April arrives I can ride again!! yay!!!

What I am looking forward to: Holiday shopping!

Upcoming appointments/events:   December 18th and then every 2 weeks :)

Stretch Marks: Happy to report a NO still. 

24 Weeks

This has been a challenging week mentally for me.  I am just feeling super huge and the scale has shown it!  I am keeping active but it doesn't seem to matter.  The scale has held steady for the past 3 days but earlier in the week I had a big jump.  Baby is getting stronger and feel the little ones kicks all the time which make me smile :)  I know I probably obsess over my weight gain but seriously thought I would gain maybe 20 pounds..... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Spent the weekend trying to enjoy the nice weather, and went for several long walks which was nice.  We had a pretty low key weekend which was nice, sure is going to get busy the next few weeks. 

How far along? 24 weeks

How big is baby?  Length of ear of corn

Total weight gain/loss:  +16

Maternity clothes?  Yes

Sleep:  Pretty good, I toss and turn a lot.

Best moment this week:   Being in the office

Movement: Big mover

Food cravings:  Cereal still & M&M's

Food Aversions: none this week

Gender:  ?? and not finding out ??

Labor Signs:  nope

Pregnancy Symptoms:  Feeling fat & huge

Belly Button in or out?  in

What I miss:  being at my normal weight

What I am looking forward to: Doctors Apt. on Wed.

Upcoming appointments/events:   November 13th

Stretch Marks: Nope