Pregnancy Update (31 weeks)

(31 weeks)

How far along: 31 weeks today. 

Baby's size: She weighs around 3.3 pounds and is about 16 inches long (according to Babycenter).

Boy or girl: It's a girl!

How am I feeling: Tiredddddd.  Kevin and I have been so busy with classes and traveling that it feels like we haven't had a moment to catch our breath recently.  I also haven't been getting in bed till almost 11:30 every night, naughty naughty.  Thankfully we are taking our babymoon this weekend so we will have plenty of time to recharge before we plow through our busy September.  I am also feeling pretty achy these days.  My hips hurts, my sciatic nerve hurts, everything hurts, haha.  I am scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor to see if we can alleviate some of my discomfort and I am getting my first prenatal massage this weekend.  I can't wait!

Maternity clothes: Last night Kev took me to buy some maternity tops because all the t-shirts I have been getting away with have become a little too short in the front.  Except for my long stretchy tanks, I think that everything I wear these days is maternity.  I am definitely lucky that I got away with so many regular clothes till now.  It does seem silly to spend money on clothes at this point since I will only use for the next 2 months or so... then I have to buy some new nursing appropriate clothes, ugh.

Sleep: I have started sleeping only on my sides though sometimes I do wake up on my back.  I am trying to encourage Little Lady to turn 90 degrees.  Sleeping on my sides isn't too bad but it certainly hurts my hips.  Between all the bathroom trips and the constant flipping from side to side I am not sleeping very well.

Baby movement: She moves around all the time still.  Her movements have gone from distinct jabs to more rolling and pushing.  Sometimes I just wonder what on earth she is doing in there.  She has found a nice sensitive spot on the lower left side of my stomach to push on repeatedly and it hurts... it feels like she is bruising some internal organ.    

Food cravings: Still nothing at all, boo.

Food aversions: Still have no real appetite but no major food aversions.

What I miss: I still miss knowing what I feel like eating and feeling hungry.

Best moment(s): Definitely the two baby showers that this spoiled little munchkin has had so far.  She sends a HUGE thank you to both sets of grandparents!  I have been so overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and genuine excitement over this Little Lady, it has been so heartwarming.

We got a much better view of Little Lady at our 3D/4D re-do ultrasound.  I still can't get over how cute she is.  Kevin and I just can't wait to meet her and hold her and kiss her and love her.  It is crazy to think that she could be here in just two months, time is flying by! 

What I am looking forward to: BERMUDA!!!  Kevin and I leave tomorrow evening for a little babymoon in Bermuda.  I just cannot wait to sleep in and enjoy some alone time with my love.  

(31 weeks)

Dear Baby (30 weeks, 5 days)

Dear Little Lady,

This past weekend we went to St. Louis to visit your daddy's family and celebrate your second baby shower.  What a fun trip it was.  We got to spend lots of time with your G-Paw and Grandma.  G-Paw loved the card you made for him - you are so thoughtful.  We got to go to Ted Drewes for frozen custard TWICE!  It was so tasty.  I always get the All Shook Up with bananas and Reeses peanut butter cups... I'm sure you would like to have another one right now!  Of course we also had to stop at Carl's for cheeseburgers, they are your daddy's favorite.

We got to go to Busch Stadium for the Cardinals game on Friday night.  It was my first time at Busch Stadium... yours too.  Every time we go to a baseball game I can't help but picture your daddy taking you to your first game... hopefully your first game will be a Cardinals game.  I know he can't wait for that.  Obviously because we were there the Cardinals won!   

Your Grandma threw you the sweetest baby shower... there were even elephant cake pops!  I may or may not have eaten four of them. 

All the ladies at the shower are so excited to meet you!  You received so many wonderful and thoughtful gifts.  Your Grandma asked everyone to bring you a book for your library so we have lots of new books to read you.  Your daddy read you Harry the Dirty Dog last night.  Did you like that one?  We had so much fun at the baby shower, didn't we?  I know you loved your gifts because you kept kicking me while I was opening them.  I can't believe you still have one more baby shower, you sure are spoiled!  Where am I supposed to put all your things?

Thank you Grandma for throwing Little Lady such a sweet shower!

We are getting closer and closer to meeting you and we couldn't be more excited.  It's crazy to think that the next time we see your G-Paw and Grandma you will be here!

We love you little one, keep growing... and maybe think about turning vertical sometime in the next few weeks, no pressure.

Love,
Mom

(30 weeks, 5 days)

Dear Baby (29 weeks, 6 days)

(29 weeks, 6 days) 

Dear Little Lady,

Well well well someone has been in quite the mood the past 48 hours.  I feel like I am your personal punching bag and it kinda hurts!  Aren't you getting tired in there?  Do you need to take a nap?  I swear you have been moving around so much you haven't given yourself a chance to rest.  It has definitely made sleeping more uncomfortable for me.  Maybe you are trying to get comfortable in there.  Is that the problem?  Your daddy and I are going to try the rebozo technique tonight to see if we can shift you around a little.  Hopefully we can get you more comfortable and also find me a little relief.  Even though it has been uncomfortable I love feeling you move around all the time.  I got to feel hiccups for the first time the past weekend... so cute!

I am going to take it easy the next month or so because we have lots of traveling to do and you have lots of growing to do.  We are heading to St. Louis this weekend to see your daddy's family.  I cannot wait... especially for the large cup of Ted Drewes frozen custard that is calling my name!  We are going to take you to another baseball game too.  Your big job is to cheer up your G-Paw because he hasn't been feeling too well... maybe you can give him a good kick or two to let him know you are thinking about him!  I am so looking forward to sharing you with everyone.

Hopefully your dad and I can get you into a position that is more comfortable so we can both get some more rest.  We've gotta be well rested for our St. Louis adventure this weekend.

Your daddy and I love you so much!!!

Love,
Mom

(29 weeks, 6 days)

Who does she look like?

                                      (Me - 2 days)          (Little Lady - 28 weeks, 5 days)          (Kev - 2 days)

Who do you think she looks like?

Another comparison with a different photo of Kev...

                                      (Me - 2 days)           (Little Lady - 28 weeks, 5 days)          (Kev - 3 weeks)

Dear Baby (29 weeks)

Dear Little Lady,

We got to see you this week at our 3D/4D ultrasound redo!  It was absolutely incredible.  You are still folded up like a lawn chair but with a little encouragement you moved your feet and hands out of the way so we could see your face.  You were sucking on the umbilical cord and then on your big toe and then on your thumb.  I think someone is going to like pacifiers.  Hopefully that means you will be a rockstar at breastfeeding too!

(sucking on her thumb)

We tried tapping on my belly to get you to move your foot and hand from in front of your face and you definitely didn't like that.  You scrunched your face up and looked so grumpy.  I have to admit I thought it was really cute.

(little miss grumpy pants)

I tried talking to you to convince you to unveil your face and I coaxed a smile out of you.  That just about melted my mommy heart.  I know you will recognize my voice because you hear it everyday but seeing you smile when you heard my voice was so special.

I know your Dad absolutely loved getting a glimpse of you too.  Watching his eyes light up and hearing the excitement in his voice whenever you were moving around makes me so much more excited to watch him with you after you are born.  He is going to be the best dad... I am going to fall in love with him all over again.  I have said it before but you are so so so very lucky to have someone so fun and awesome as your dad, you will just love him!    

You have the most beautiful button nose and the most kissable lips.  We cannot wait to hold you and smother you with kisses.

Love,
Mom

Dear Baby (28 weeks, 6 days)

(28 weeks, 5 days)

 Dear Little Lady,

This past weekend was the first of your three baby showers... you sure are spoiled.  This time your dad and I traveled up to my parent's house in CT for a small family and friends gathering.  It was so nice and very relaxing... exactly what I wanted it to be.  Everyone is so so so excited to meet you!

Your Papa and Grammy (my parents - they are still deciding if that is what they want you to call them) went above and beyond and gifted you an incredible stroller.  I immediately burst into tears when they rolled it out. 

(Bugaboo Cameleon 3)

It is absolutely my dream stroller and I cannot wait to push you around in it.  You are going to look so teeny tiny curled up in there.  We got so many other thoughtful gifts - the incredible homemade gifts are especially meaningful (we are so thankful for everyone's generosity!).  The little bear cub hat that your Auntie Naomi crocheted for you is gonna make you look so cute and snugly!

Being at my parent's house got me thinking about the years to come and being able to watch you run around in the yard chasing chickens and collecting veggies from the garden.  I also cannot wait to watch my parents blossom into grandparents and my brothers become uncles.  You are entering the most loving family I know.     

Thank you Papa and Grammy for throwing Little Lady such a special first baby shower!

Love,
Mom

(28 weeks, 5 days)

Pregnancy Update (28 weeks, 2 days)

(28 weeks, 2 days)

How far along: 28 weeks, 2 days today... we have officially entered the third trimester!

Baby's size: She weighs 2-1/4 pounds and is about 14.8 inches long (according to Babycenter).  I think she weighs less than that but what do I know.

Boy or girl: It's a girl!

How am I feeling: Feeling good these days.  I am going to try to re-start a more regular workout routine this week to get my muscles in shape for birth.  I have only worked out very sporadically over the past 2 months or so so it's time to kick my butt into gear again.  I am still focusing on resting which definitely helps with my exhaustion levels.  In our Hypnobabies class last night we were told that the last few weeks before the baby arrives we need to REST REST REST... no re-arranging furniture and cleaning every inch of the apartment every day.  I guess that means I have to fit in more of my baby prep before I stop working so I won't feel so inclined to do a ton of work in the last few weeks before baby.  That might be the hardest part of pregnancy for me... I just can't sit still when there are things I know should be done!

Maternity clothes: Still fitting into normal tees and tanks.  I fear regular t-shirts will only work for a little while longer since my belly will soon make them a tad too short.  My belly is definitely getting big enough to fill out more maternity clothes... I think the next few months will require buying more and more clothes for me to fit into.  Oh well.  I am wearing my first pair of maternity jeans today and honestly I kinda feel like a stuff sausage.  It isn't really comfortable to have my bump wrapped in fabric, the belly bands always feel too snug when I sit down.  If only it were appropriate to wear low-rise maternity leggings and tank tops every single day.

Sleep: Still taking multiple bathroom breaks.  I sleep either on my back with my right side propped up with a pillow (not flat on my back, don't worry) or on my left side with a pillow under my belly, a pillow between my knees and ankles and holding Marshmellow (my teddy bear, ha).  Sometimes I flop onto my right side if I am restless and can't fall asleep.  I miss sleeping flat on my back so much!  I know sleeping with my right side propped up is probably totally taking my back and hips out of alignment.  I plan to visit the chiropractor for some adjustments before birth to get everything back in alignment so Little Lady has enough room to get in the correct positioning.

Baby movement: She is still moving like a champ and her movements are still the highlights of my days.  At 4am last night she decided she needed to do some kickboxing practice which was pretty uncomfortable for me.  For a second I thought she might actually bust through my stomach.  I distinctly felt a foot (or maybe a hand?) jab out of my left side, it was kinda creepy.  If her activity is any indication of her post-birth schedule I better get ready to be awake with this silly little stinker at 4am and 11pm every day... I am gonna be one tired mama.   

Food cravings: Still nothing at all, boo.

Food aversions: Still have no real appetite but no major food aversions.

What I miss: I still miss knowing what I feel like eating and feeling hungry.

Best moment: This week's highlight was definitely the short glimpse we got of Little Lady at our 3D/4D ultrasound even if we did piss her off.  Even though she was covering her face it was so incredible to see her mouth moving... it is such a simple thing but it just warms my heart to see her already acting like a little baby. 

What I am looking forward to: Seeing family and friends at my parents house this weekend for a little baby shower.  Also really really looking forward to hopefully getting a better glimpse of Little Lady at our redo 3D/4D ultrasound on Monday (fingers crossed!).

(I can no longer see my feet)

Dear Baby (27 weeks, 6 days)

(27 weeks, 5 days)

Dear Little Lady,

Yesterday evening was our 3D/4D ultrasound and you were in quite a mood weren't you?  Over the weekend you kept me up for most of the wee hours of Sunday morning doing the craziest acrobatics I have felt so far.  Then Sunday and Monday you were more quiet than usual.  I still felt you moving a little bit but no more big kicks or flips.  Well at our ultrasound appointment we find out that all that crazy movement I felt was you folding yourself in half across my stomach.  So there you are with your legs and hands covering the one part we really wanted to see... your face!  Is that position even comfortable?  We did get to see you opening your mouth and sucking on your knee which was pretty cute.  It was pretty amazing to see you even if you were hiding. 

I tried emptying my bladder, doing some toe touches, flipping from side to side, eating candy, poking you and tapping my belly but you just wouldn't budge.  Apparently you were not at all amused by our efforts because you decided the flip us off!  That's right, the only photo we left with was of you flipping us the bird.  Oh well. 

(someone was in no mood to have her picture taken!)

We did get to see your face in pieces and we have to admit that you look pretty darn cute.  The upside of the appointment (aside from the epic baby picture) is that you weren't shy about showing us your lady parts so we 100% know that you are a girl.  Phew, it would have been quite the shock if you ended up being a little boy instead. 

Since we left the ultrasound appointment you have been extremely active.  You were roundhouse kicking me all through my hypnosis practice and most of last night while I was trying to sleep.  I feel like you are just laughing at me in there... I guess we know who runs the show here.  Do you think that next Monday at our redo ultrasound appointment you could be a little more cooperative and show us that cute face of yours?  You dad and I would really appreciate it!  

We love you so much (even if you are a little stinker)!

Love,
Mom

(27 weeks, 5 days)

This baby is a Belieber!

(27 weeks, 2 days and ready for Bieber!)

(Marissa and I)

Last Friday night Auntie Marissa and I took Little Lady to her first Justin Bieber concert!  It may or may not have been Marissa and my second time seeing the Biebs on his Believe Tour.  This concert was definitely the loudest environment Little Lady has been in so far.  Nothing rivals the volume of pre-teen/teenage girls when Justin Bieber is involved.  There were a couple times I wished I could have put little ear muffs on her because the screaming was so loud even I wanted to plug my ears.  I hope she had fun.  I felt her grooving in there a little bit.   

(The Biebs' grand entrance with badass angel wings)

Obviously there were a lot of parents there with their young children so it got me thinking about taking Little Lady to her first concert when she is old enough.  There were a lot of dads... do you think Kev will bring her to a Justin Bieber concert if she begs him to?  Maybe One Direction?  Who knows who the popular pop stars will be at that point.

The crowd at the concert was just about as entertaining as the Bieber himself.  So many girls hyperventilating, waving at the Biebs (like he was gonna see them specifically and wave back) and just generally geeking out over being in the same room as him.  Marissa and I spent a lot of time laughing at our surroundings and how ridiculous the whole experience was.      

(Catching Feelings)

(27 weeks, 2 days)

Thank you Kevin for getting me the awesome tickets as my birthday present, the seats were perfect!  We love you!

Dear Baby (27 weeks, 1 day)

(27 weeks)

Dear Little Lady,

Your dad and I had our first Hypnobabies class last night.  It is a hypnobirthing and childbirth education class.  We are learning how to relax, relax, relax and quiet our minds.  Easier said than done!  We are both struggling a little bit with the quieting our minds parts.  I definitely have a lot of practicing to do.  I will put in all the time and practice necessary to make your arrival easier and calmer for both of us.  I would prefer to have our entry into this world be as peaceful as possible so that you aren't too scared.  It is going to be quite an adjustment for you!

I have to admit that I have been worrying lately.  Bad mommy.  I am just worried about you gaining enough weight in there.  I don't seem to be gaining much weight at all.  We just never feel hungry or know what we want to eat, do we?  Eating has been the hardest part of pregnancy for me so far.  I never in a million years thought this would be my pregnancy problem.  It's not that any foods make me sick it's just that I don't feel hungry and can never decide what I feel like eating... I never feel like eating anything!!!  It is driving me crazy and making me kinda miserable.  Are you sure there isn't anything you want to eat?  Would you tell me if you weren't getting enough?  It is hard being a first time mama and getting to know my pregnant body.  It's hard to not compare myself to other pregnant woman and wonder why I still look so small.  Hopefully my hypnobirthing practice will help me let go of these worries.

I take comfort in how active you are.  Keep checking in with me little lovie, it makes mommy feel better.  Please keep fattening up in there too!  Your daddy and I get to see your face on Monday at our 3D/4D ultrasound.  We couldn't be more excited to see how cute and chubby you are!

Love,
Mom

(27 weeks)