Full Term!

How far along? 37 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: I actually lost 2 lbs this week! So, 36 lbs.

Maternity clothes: Just jeans

Stretch marks? None

Sleep? I sleep great...after 5AM

Miss Anything? Just being able to move

Movement: Less & less, actually

Food cravings? Vanilla Coke & Cinnamon rolls...of which I have had both :)

Anything making you sick or queasy? LOTS of nausea. Making up for the "no nausea" from the first trimester! 

Gender: Girl

Symptoms: Google "pregnancy symptoms"...I have it all.

Labor signs? One case of back labor and lots of little contractions here and there. Nothing consistent or enough to send me to my knees. Just need to make it to Tuesday.

Belly button in or out? It's half flat/half out. Haha.

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time? Need.more.energy.

Worst moment this week: Sleeping. Also found out on Friday that my blood pressure was high. You can read about that down below.

Best moment this week: I bought the first outfit for Brooklynn. It only took 37 weeks but I bought one :)

Looking forward to: Getting her out of me!

Baby info: She's pretty much "complete" and Dr. says she thinks she's not going to get any bigger so the "chunkster" we thought we were going to have might not be such a chunkster, after all. 

The doctors are also running blood tests and starting tomorrow I have to do a 24-hr urine test (which is what it sounds like) to determine whether or not I have a case of preeclampsia. Obviously my case isn't severe because my weight gain has been where it needs to be but I have had some crazy swelling, which is a symptom of it. SO, if my blood pressure doesn't go down and my urine shows a high level of protein, then they will induce me sometime after my appointment on Tuesday. So, this could very well be my last pregnancy update...we will know Tuesday!! 

36 Weeks

 

Sunday = Bumday, welcome to the end! Haha!

How far along? Starting week 37! 3 more weeks. Holy Cannoli.  

Total weight gain/loss: 38 lbs...slow down, girl!

Maternity clothes: I live in pajamas

Stretch marks? None

Sleep? Depends on the day. Some are good some are bad!

Miss Anything? Not being huge

Movement: Not as much as usual. I don't know how she'd have any room to move anyways.

Food cravings? Bojangles ;-)

Anything making you sick or queasy? I get queasy occasionally throughout the day. Normally if I sit and stare and the TV too much or I get too hot.

Gender: Girl

Symptoms: Just a lot of lower abdomen pain and a lot of cramps. 

Labor signs? Whenever I walk, I hurt. 

Belly button in or out? Still flat

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy & tired

Worst moment this week: I had my strep test Friday and the Dr. checked to see if I had any labor progress. Let's just say my lower body hated me for the rest of the day. 

Best moment this week: Winter Retreat!!

Looking forward to: Um...Summer?

Baby info: Baby doesn't seem to have grown since last week so fingers crossed she won't be a 10 lb.-er! Her liver and kidneys are fully functioning. By Sunday she'll be full-time!

35 Weeks

How far along? Made it through 35 weeks! A little over 4 more weeks! 

Total weight gain/loss: 36 lbs. 

Maternity clothes: Still not wearing many!

Stretch marks? None

Sleep? Getting a little more challenging

Miss Anything? Lying on my stomach

Movement: She's a crazy one. Takes after her daddy I believe.

Food cravings? Coke & burgers!

Anything making you sick or queasy? Eating too fast or too much!

Gender: girl

Symptoms: The worst one has actually been my ears. They hurt when I eat anything and when I sleep on them. It's all the fluid that's keeping them clogged and sore! Let me tell you, it's the worst!! Way worse than the braxton hicks I've had!! Still struggling with carpal tunnel and few side pains here and there but other than that (LOL) I'm good to go!

Labor signs? Lots of Braxton Hicks but nothing unmanageable :)

Belly button in or out? Still flat...I don't think it's going to come out!

Wedding rings on or off? On & stuck...because I refused to take them off ;)

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy! I got "moody" once this weekend. I was hungry. What can I say.

Worst moment this week: We went out to eat Thursday night and walked around the mall. I thought I was gonna die from heartburn and cramps.

Best moment this week: We had an ultrasound (which was kinda pointless because she's so squished neither Husband nor I could tell what anything was only than all the squiggly marks was all her hair) But I was told B only weighs about 6 lbs. Which is average at this point. I was expecting a much bigger baby by this point so I was relieved! 

Looking forward to: Getting in the last minute baby things we had to order! We should be all good to go by the end of next week! 

Baby info: For the most part, she's done cookin'. Just gotta get fatter ;)

34 Weeks & Showering Baby Hux

How far along? 34 weeks...5 more!

Total weight gain/loss: Who knows...I don't really wanna know!

Maternity clothes: Still able to just squeeze in my regular tops and my leggings and maternity jeans. Lots of tunics & dresses!

Stretch marks? Nope, thanks mom :)

Sleep? Still sleeping fine! Although, I never wake up to pee so when I do wake up in the morning it's painful to walk to the bathroom since I haven't "relieved" myself after 9 hours!

Miss Anything? Being able to bend over...and put my shoes on!!

Movement: She's going stir-crazy in there I'm sure! It makes me queasy most of the time!

Food cravings? No, not really, mainly anything bad for you!

Anything making you sick or queasy? Her movements & when I don't eat enough!

Gender: Pretty sure she's still a girl. Someone made the comment at my shower that she could come out a boy...and thunder shook the whole house.

Symptoms: Braxton hicks are in full force, normal rib and back aches, and heartburn!

Labor signs? No legit labor pains

Belly button in or out? It's complicated!

Wedding rings on or off? They aren't going anywhere!

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy

Worst moment this week: Just super tired! Knowing there's lots to do and being un-moti-vat-ed

Best moment this week: A super sweet shower for Baby Hux thrown by great friends!

Looking forward to: We have an ultrasound Friday to see how much this chunker weighs. We are thinking we have a big'un on our hands. My mom had 4 big babies and PCOS guarantees a big baby. I'm 0-2. 

Baby info: She pees a pint a day. Makes sense. Haha. 

I decided to skip out on the chalkboard post today and just go with pictures from my shower instead. Mainly because I'm lazy, let's be honest. But also because it was all just so cute. Ginny and Casey went way above and way beyond with this shower. When they first asked me if I wanted a shower I said, "um. no." Haha! I hate showers! Most people that know me know that I really don't care to be the center of attention and so opening gifts in front of people just makes me uncomfortable!! BUT knowing that I obviously couldn't just go out and buy all the stuff I needed, I was grateful to them and kindly accepted their wishes to throw a shower! So, thank you Casey and Ginny and thank you friends and family for coming out in the tornado and showing Brooklynn & I so much love!

Weeks 30 & 31

How far along? 31 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Almost 30 lbs :-**O

Maternity clothes: Lots of "dresses as shirts" lately :)

Stretch marks? None

Sleep? I toss and turn all night and once I get comfortable enough to fall asleep then I'm good!

Miss Anything? My breath, being able to sit or stand for longer than 10 minutes at a time, and laying on my stomach!

Movement: Yes she's hyper-active and it hurts! Maybe she'll get it all out before she makes her debut! The other day I saw what was either a butt or a head go right across my stomach which made me literally sick the rest of the night. I don't like that stuff. 

Food cravings? Actually, I'd much rather drink anything than eat something these days. I'm thirsty all.the.time.

Anything making you sick or queasy? All her movements tend to make me nauseous!!

Gender: girl

Symptoms: Heart.burn.to.the.extreme, ex-hau-sted, shortness of breath, and swollen/sore feet & hands!

Labor signs? No just very crampy!

Belly button in or out? It wants out...bad!

Wedding rings on or off? On & tight

Happy or moody most of the time? Too tired to be either!

Worst moment this week(s): Came home from "O Holy Goat" after being on my feet for 6 hours straight. Needless to say my body STILL is holding a grudge. 

Best moment this week(s): Finding out that little one is heads down! Hopefully she'll stay that way!

Looking forward to: Christmas!! & Baby Shower in January!

Baby info: She measures close to 16 inches long, and weighs about 4 lbs. Her eyelids open and close and she can track light inside of the womb as well as use all five senses. 

29 Weeks

How far along? 29 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 23 lbs

Maternity clothes: Here & there. 

Stretch marks? None

Sleep? What's that? Just getting practice for when she comes ;)

Miss Anything? Energy

Movement: She's never still. Hopefully not a sign of things to come. Must get that from her daddy!

Food cravings? Nah

Anything making you sick or queasy? I actually have been queasy lately (especially when she moves a lot...tends to make me not feel so great). I think my third trimester and first trimester have switched places on me. 

Gender: She :)

Symptoms: Exhausted & crampy!

Labor signs? No but I get crazy shooting pains in my sides and I just think to myself, if she were to come now...we'd be screwed. Haha.

Belly button in or out? Or flat

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy

Worst moment this week: Sick of doctor visits!

Best moment this week: I was quite the Martha Stewart wanna-be this week and made some things for the nursery!

Looking forward to: Christmas break!!

Baby info: She's the size of a squash. I'm glad people don't compare each other to food. That'd be weird. She's roughly 15 inches long and weighs close to 2 1/2 lbs. The doc told me Brooklynn was gonna be a chunk-ster (another "perk" of PCOS). I guess I'm okay with that, maybe she'll sleep better and I won't always be scared of breaking her. Her eyes can now move in the sockets. She may start settling into the proper birthing position soon which makes sense because every time I stand up I feel like she just shoots on down towards the bladder!

28 Weeks [3rd Trimester]

Check out that $40 dresser. Thank you, thank you!

How far along? 28 Weeks! Hello 3rd trimester!

Total weight gain/loss: Let ya know tomorrow. Somewhere in between 19-20 lbs. I'd assume

Maternity clothes: Still a few

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep? Sleeping good...propped up and all!

Miss Anything? Comfort

Movement: She's pretty crazy!

Food cravings? Whatever you'll give me :)

Anything making you sick or queasy? Nothing specific but I have had small spurts of queasiness. Who knows!

Gender: Girl :)

Symptoms: Mainly just sore ribs and back...and that obnoxious heartburn! And I have to lay down after I eat to breathe. Ha-ha!

Labor signs? Nope

Belly button in or out? Still flat as a pancake! Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons? (this was a dinner discussion...welcome to our family!)

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy

Worst moment this week: I had my three hour sugar test. Wasn't too fun & veins weren't too happy but I PASSED! Hallelujah!

Best moment this week: Spending so much time with my ENTIRE family. That never happens! The food wasn't too shabby either!

Looking forward to: Getting this child here!!

Baby info: She's the size of an eggplant. Starting to develop fat and her lungs are maturing! She can recognize our voices and muscle tone is developing.

Second Trimester Favorites

As the third trimester comes speeding in, thank goodness, I've rallied up some of the things that have helped get me through.

1. Clearasil Refreshing Superfruit Scrub: I'll start by saying for the first trimester and first half of the second trimester, my skin was...well, hellacious (for lack of a better word) Now I know, this has salicylic acid in it (which is a no-no during pregnancy) but it's fine to use as long as it doesn't sit on your face too long. Now normally I cannot use any kind of face wash/scrub unless it's natural or ultra gentle because my face doesn't like it. But, as everyone says, pregnancy turns the normal into the abnormal and vice versa. Basically, this has tremendously helped my skin!

2. Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia Lip Butter: Along with my skin, i've had crazy dry lips. I use this every day multiple times a day and I'm good to go!

3. Loreal Thickening Shampoo/Conditioner: As some of you know, my hair has decided to start falling out a little earlier than "normal". I picked this up and can already tell a huge difference. Whether it's all psychological or not, I don't care...I feel better! 

4. Bella Vida Maternity Jeans: Picked these babies up from Ross for like $10.00. If you ever see me in jeans, these are them. They get the job done!

5. Heating Pad: This isn't the exact heating pad I use. I stole my parents old heating pad and use it at night when my ribs begin to make popping noises. That's not an exaggeration. They pop.

6. Spring Valley Prenatal Gummies: I could eat these as candy. Enough said.

7. What to Expect When You're Expecting: "The pregnancy bible". I like reading this because I don't have to sit and read the whole thing. You just read as you go throughout your pregnancy because it's broken up into weeks. Light reading = that's me.

8. Pumpkin Spice: I don't think this has anything to do with pregnancy and everything to do with the season but anything Pumpkin is for me (creamer, cake, candle-scented, etc.). I'm not a Krispy Kreme girl either, I prefer the cake donuts from Dunkin but holy moly... the Pumpkin Spice donuts from KK will rock your life. Go get one, or a dozen.

27 Weeks

How far along? 27 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 18-19 lbs.

Maternity clothes: Most of my regular clothes still are working for me! A few maternity things here and there!

Stretch marks? None yet!

Sleep? I have to sleep propped up but other than that sleeping pretty well!

Miss Anything? Just feeling "normal"

Movement: I'm getting used to the jabs and kicks but that rolling around business is not my favorite.

Food cravings? Bread (which I have to steer clear of) and sweets (which I also have to stay clear of) What is this life!?

Anything making you sick or queasy? Trying to get ready while I'm burning up!!

Gender: baby girl :)

Symptoms: Ready for my list? Haha just kidding. Achy ribs and back, gas (which I'm sure you wanted to know, right?) Short of breath and crampy legs.

Labor signs? Not legit labor but I have had those braxton hicks things. I used to like the name Braxton. Not anymore. Haha. They are pretty uncomfortable but still don't compare to kidney stones. Bring it on, braxton hicks. Haha!

Belly button in or out? Still hangin' in there. Pun intended.

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy

Worst moment this week: Ready for this one? Failed my one-hour sugar test. Which was no shocker to me. The doctor basically said it'd be a miracle if I passed. Another thing to thank PCOS for. My sugar levels have nothing to do with my diet and everything to do with PCOS and genetics. 

Best moment this week: We scored a huge white dresser in perfect condition for $40 at Goodwill for the nursery. Cha-ching!

Looking forward to: My 3-hour sugar test in the morning. #saidnooneever. Thanksgiving for us starts Tuesday night and a little sugar issue won't be stopping me from pumpkin pie. Better believe that.

Baby Info: She's inhaling and exhaling with her developing lungs and she's showing brain activity. 

26 Weeks

How far along? 26 weeks! 3 more months!

Total weight gain/loss: 17 lbs

Maternity clothes: Have still only bought one pair of jeans for myself. Wearing a few hand-me-downs!

Stretch marks? None

Sleep? Still sleeping pretty good! I haven't had to wake up during the night to pee...once...the whole time I've been pregnant...crazy, I know!

Miss Anything? Not having to watch my sugar!

Movement: Hence, the picture!

Food cravings? Stuff I can't have

Anything making you sick or queasy? Nope

Gender: Girl

Symptoms: Ribs, headaches are back, can't make it through one worship song without feeling DEAD!

Labor signs? No!

Belly button in or out? Flat as a pancake!

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy this week :)

Worst moment this week: Being paranoid to take my glucose test tomorrow :-/

Best moment this week: We had a student raising money for his Jamaica missions trip take our maternity pics...I will share those soon! Thanks, Parks :)

Looking forward to: Eating every single thing at Thanksgiving. Judge me hard.

Baby info: She's now the size of an eggplant! She's soaking up antibodies, getting her immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and she'll soon be practicing the blink...perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes! (hopefully inheriting from her daddy!)

25 weeks

Excuse the weird lighting and rough appearance. It was a long weekend!! Haha!

How far along? 25 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 17 lbs. {insert the "deer-in-headlights" look}

Maternity clothes: A few... I'll need a few more just basic tanks 'n such!

Stretch marks? No

Sleep? Sleeping good lately!

Miss Anything? Feeling normal and not caring what I eat

Movement: Yes. She doesn't like me to fall asleep easily.

Food cravings? Just the things I can't have. Haha!

Anything making you sick or queasy? No

Gender: girl :)

Symptoms: Still just achy! 

Labor signs? No

Belly button in or out? How about just "weird". 

Wedding rings on or off? On. Hopefully they'll stay there!

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy

Worst moment this week: Just feeling out of breath all the time and feeling like I can't do the things I want for being tired!

Best moment this week: My sis is a Mrs!!

Looking forward to: Putting up Christmas decorations...yes, I'm one of "those"! They're going up 

soon!

Baby info: Brooklynn measures about 13.6 inches to 14.8 inches and weighs about 1.5 to 2.5 pound. She's enjoying her new sense of equilibrium (at the expense of mine. I can't stay on my feet...haha) She now knows which way is up and which is down. She's growing more fat and hair (which, if she's anything like her parents, she will be quite hairy)