40 week update: a humbling journey

Wow, 40 weeks! Somehow I just never expected to actually be full term. I was really kind of hoping the baby would come like...yesterday.

How does it feel being 40 weeks pregnant some of you might ask. It feels like... a lot of work! Its funny how even the simplest things take more time and effort than ever before; rolling over in bed, bending down to pick up a sock, washing my face at night! Both Jeff and I are so excited to meet our little baby boy, we fall asleep every night wondering if it will be "the" night. The excitement builds a little more each day and with each day also comes frustration and worry. Will I have to be induced? What if the house isn't clean? What if he isn't here by the time company starts arriving? What if there is a giant earthquake which sets off a volcanic eruption which leads to a tsunami and we can't make it to the birth center?? I know, I know, its scary. Crazy thoughts from the brain of a pregnant woman.

The most beautiful thing about the last few weeks has been seeing all of the ways that we have been blessed and also humbled. Pregnancy truly is a humbling journey. I have learned that I can't do it all. Physically it is impossible for me to do everything by myself at this point. I first started to understand this when my workouts began decreasing in duration and intensity. Now at 40 weeks my physical limitations are even greater (its hard to put on pants). Mentally and emotionally I can't do everything by myself. My hormones have been so crazy lately, I have no idea what's going on in there and if I did Im pretty sure I would be unable to control it. It is humbling knowing that, even now, although Im pretty much constantly on the brink of crazy, I have a husband who is loving and tender and understanding.

I think the most humbling thing about pregnancy thus far is learning to accept the generosity of others. We have been blessed with such a wonderful community here in Washington both friends and family. These past few weeks especially people have been making and bringing us meals, picking up things for us at the store, buying us flowers, throwing me showers, even inviting us over for the afternoon just to talk and eat delicious pie. I am astounded at the depth of people's kindness to us. I never realized how difficult it is for me to accept help and gifts until now. Accepting a meal from a friend is probably one of the hardest things I have ever done! Other's generosity has revealed the stinginess and thoughtlessness of my own heart and that my friends is humbling.

It is hard to wait for the baby to come but such a wonderful gift to have so many caring and loving people around us, supporting us during these last few days (weeks??). So, with all that we have been blessed with in mind, we wait in anticipation for the newest member of our family to arrive!

39 Week update

One week to go until my tentative due date on March 13th! Both Jeff and I definitely feel ready to meet our little boy. It is so exciting thinking about maybe getting to call Jeff at work to tell him Im in labor! This past week I spent a lot of time getting the apartment and nursery organized and ready to go just in case he decides to come early. Birth center bag is all packed with clothes and snacks for all of us. The nesting instinct is definitely running rampant right now. Almost every day I do a load of laundry and clean everything I can. It just feels so good to have everything in its proper place.

38 weeks

39 weeks

Im still feeling good this week. Definitely more aches and pains then normal. My arms have started falling asleep at night and I have carpel tunnel in my right wrist because of the high volume of blood in my body. I generally toss and turn most nights but feel pretty good throughout the day! My ankles are starting to look a little swollen. I just noticed them this past weekend so I am going to try and remember to put them up as often as I can. Workouts...I wouldn't really call them workouts at this point. I have been going to the gym every/every other day just to walk for a little while or ride the bike. I get tired so much more quickly so I want to keep up my strength for the big day!

The baby is doing great too! He is still head down which is awesome. Still moving throughout the day, poking his little arms and legs out all the time. It seems so strange that there is a full grown baby in there! He is probably around 7lbs or more and has most likely reached his full length. My next midwife appointment is on Thursday so, if he doesn't come before then we'll see if I've made any more progress. Such an exciting time!

37 Week update: Full Term baby!

Whew, finally made it to the 37 week mark. It feels so nice to be past the point of worrying about a complication arising and the baby needing to come early. At this point we are all cleared to have an out of hospital birth at the birth center like we have been planning. Of course we could always be transfered to the hospital if necessary but hopefully everything will go smoothly when labor kicks in. From here on out I will be seeing the midwives every week so that they can make sure everything is going smoothly.

disclaimer: I ran 10 miles before this picture was taken...

I have been feeling pretty good but my energy levels have definitely taken a nose dive in the past week or so. I workout every other day now so that I won't get too tired. Mostly I just ride the bike and walk, not very intense. I was getting so tired after workouts and then realized that it probably wouldn't be too awesome if I went into labor exhausted. I have been drinking red raspberry leaf tea which helps to prepare the body  for labor. That is probably the only thing (besides staying active) that I will do to encourage labor. I have a feeling everything is going to happen in its own time (haha, in 3 weeks I'll probably be singing a different tune). Im pretty sure that every first time mom thinks or at least wishes that her baby would come early. Its hard not to have thoughts like that when contractions start getting stronger, walking becomes more painful, mood swings become more frequent (and a little scary...). I have found that it is best to just try not to think about it at all and just focus on enjoying each day before he gets here.

Pregnancy is and has been so fun even though I am more exhausted then ever and pretty uncomfortable. Here are some things I am looking forward to being able to do after the baby is born!

• Sleeping on my back
• Spicy crunchy tuna rolls
• An alcoholic beverage with Jeff
• Tying my shoes without putting my foot on a chair
• Wearing jeans every day

I can think of a million little things that I need to do before the baby is born. Everything seems like a top priority and extremely urgent but I know that I probably won't get around to doing everything (making 50 meals to freeze). Here are the things I need to focus on getting done in the next few weeks/days:

• Find pediatrician
• Put car seat in car
• Pack birth center bag
• Borrow bassinet for the first few weeks

36 Week update

36 weeks yesterday!

The baby feels so heavy. This week he is just about 6 pounds and around 18.5 inches long. Its hard to believe all of that can fit in such a small space...

How Im feeling:

• Tired
• Hip and pelvic pain
• More contractions
• Forgetful
• Heavy

I have been SO tired these past couple of weeks. Yesterday I made myself take a nap and felt much better afterwards. Maybe naps are something that I should take advantage of...

My midwife appointment isn't until tomorrow so I don't know for sure but I think that the baby has dropped a little bit. I have much more pain in my pelvis which is making it harder to walk/get out of bed/get dressed, etc.

I have been having contractions for quite a while now but during the past week they have become more frequent and uncomfortable. Exciting for sure!

I have been so forgetful lately its not even funny. Frustrating actually. It feels like my head is so full of...well, of something, that I just don't have the ability to think or plan anymore (hence the late posting of this weeks meals). This has made life seem a tad bit overwhelming. Small things like going grocery shopping and doing laundry seem almost impossible. 

Definitely feeling the extra poundage, especially during the climb to our 3rd floor apartment. Going down is great, its the coming back up that I don't like. I've slowed down a lot this past week with my exercise routine so going up and down the stairs a few times a day is probably a good thing. I figure that if I tire myself out with a workout every day I might not be in the best condition going into labor. 

Despite all of these things I actually am still loving pregnancy. All of these aches and pains just feel normal to me, like I've always been 8 months pregnant. It will be so strange to not feel little kicks and punches in a few weeks. 

1 day until Chelsea gets here

1 week until Im full term

2 weeks until Sharon comes

4 weeks until due date

Belly Shot

Whoops! I meant to include a couple of belly shots for this week's update. Just in case you can't tell from these pictures I have been wearing my pre-pregnancy tanks for workouts and obviously they are getting a little obscene... haha.

The baby's back and butt are curled up on my right side, and yes, thats my belly button, it is a little point now instead of the innie that it once was. If you look really hard I'm pretty sure you can see some baby bump skin in this one too....

34 Week update

34 weeks today and the weeks continue to fly by.
The baby is putting on fat and his lungs will finish up developing this week. From now until he is born he will pretty much just be fattening up. He is getting big at almost 5 lbs and 18 inches long! He is definitely face down and his little back is facing out which is good. We have so much fun feeling him when he moves, trying to decide if its an arm or a leg poking out.
This morning especially I am having a lot of braxton hicks. They don't really hurt but they are definitely becoming more uncomfortable than they were when I first started getting them at 17 weeks. I am noticing that I am more tired, especially at night, but even so it has been difficult to fall asleep. Exercising still feels really good and I have been able to reintroduce some elliptical into my weekly routine. I haven't been working out with quite as much intensity but have thankfully managed to make it to the gym almost every day.
Jeff and I have been using these last few weeks to get everything set up and ready for the baby. Among other things we have set up his swing

and tested out his car seat

Most women are an average of 8 days late with their first baby. Even so its getting harder and harder to resist counting down the days until I'm full term and my tentative due date. Only 3 weeks until I'm full term ( and can have the baby out of hospital at the birth center) and 6 weeks until his due date!

31 week update

Wow! Already 31 weeks. I can't believe it has been a week since the last update. This week I am feeling:

*Tired
*Hungry
*Excited
*Lots of movement

The baby is almost 4 pounds (my update says about 4 navel oranges) and 16 inches long. He is pretty much just fattening up at this point. He can move his head and arms and legs which we are able to see constantly. Most of the time his movements don't make me uncomfortable but occasionally it feels like his whole body moves to the other side of my stomach which is very strange. He is definitely going through a growth spurt. Just in the past couple of days I have noticed an increase in my appetite and have been having to eat a snack after dinner.
My food preferences have kind of changed in general I think. I have been loving peanut butter. During my second trimester I was gulping down the green shakes and this trimester I feel a little more like I did for the first twelve weeks: a little more tired and wanting more toast and comfort foods rather than a ton of veggies.

We are going to start setting up his little nursery soon and are so excited to get everything organized for him!

Only 9 weeks until my due date and only 6 weeks until I am considered full term

Baby Shower!

During our stay in Colorado my sister - in - law Sharon threw me an awesome baby shower. She went all out with the decorations making banners and table runners and adding sweet touches everywhere.

 She also had some help from Tara and Jess

Hannah couldn't be with us so Tara and I saved a spot for her in this picture :)

Tara prepared all of the food, it was amazing!

Cake pops, chocolate covered pretzels, cheesecake filled strawberries were a few of the things we got to eat

Jess covered the games which were so fun!

There was lots of time spent unwrapping presents. The baby has so many sweet little clothes, blankets, and toys! I can't wait to meet him soon. 

It was so nice to catch up with family and friends

with my sweet sister-in-law Amber

Tara and Tabbi (and the baby)

Random belly shot

I was so happy that my mom was able to be there for the shower! They drove all the way from Arizona and it was so good to see her.

30 Week Update: Midwife appointment and Birth Center tour

Its good to be home again. It was so fun to be in Colorado with family for Christmas but traveling is definitely not as fun when you are pregnant. I didn't think I would notice the altitude and lack of moisture as much as I did. Washington is such a gentle place to live :)

30 weeks this past Tuesday and feeling pretty good. I've been staving off a cold since we got back from our travels so that hasn't been fun. The baby is 3lbs and 15.5 inches long! Its so neat being able to feel his little body moving around all day. I would say that his most active times are in the morning and afternoons. Its hard to believe that in only 10 weeks he will be at least doubling in size. Exercise still feels great. I definitely noticed a decline in my energy levels, circulation, and overall mood while we were traveling due to lack of exercise. I have been loving the stationary bike and try to do a combination of that and elliptical and or walking at least 4 times a week. Intensity has dropped off a little and I expect to be walking more in the near future.

At my midwife appointment last week she felt my stomach and said that it felt like the baby was head down which is great for obvious reasons. We went over all of the signs of early labor that I should start watching out for in the  next several weeks just in case he decides to come early.

On Monday we drove to Kirkland to tour the Puget Sound Birth Center where I will be having the baby! It was extremely surreal walking around and looking at each of the rooms. So weird knowing that any time in the next 2 1/2 months we will be there again to meet our baby boy.

27 Week Update

27 weeks yesterday and feeling sleepy. I have definitely been noticing a difference in my energy levels over the past few days. I think its because the little guy is nearly 2 pounds and 14 1/2 inches long! In just three weeks he has grown 2.5 inches and has gained a pound. I have been getting tired much earlier at night and haven't been getting up as early as usual.
He is moving all over the place. We can feel him moving on one side of my stomach and on the other simultaneously, its pretty neat! He has also had the hiccups a few times in the past couple of weeks. It feels like very soft rhythmic kicks. He has more scheduled times of movement now. He moves all throughout the day but he is most active first thing in the morning and at night.
Exercise is still the same. I was having too many braxton hicks contractions during my workouts so my midwife suggested I start drinking coconut water. It has tons of magnesium and potassium in it and works so well to keep me hydrated. Contractions have definitely decreased since I started drinking it which is great!

No pictures of the baby bump this week. We want to surprise family this weekend when we fly back to Colorado:)

Babymoon

Last Friday at about this time Jeff and I were boarding a bus into Seattle for a little getaway!

We chose to take the bus because it is extremely cheap. Parking for two days downtown would have cost us a fortune.

It was black Friday which meant that there were hoards of people Christmas shopping and watching the Macy's day parade. We spent the morning walking around the mall, window shopping, people watching, and exploring. I even picked out my first pair of maternity pants (jeans) from Gap, so comfortable. 

That afternoon we walked to the water for the progressive oyster happy hour at Elliot's Oyster House. The place was PACKED but luckily, with a little persistence, we managed to get a table right at the bar pretty quickly. Jeff got a dozen oysters and a martini and I got a delicious salmon slider. Yum!

It was so much fun watching each oyster being shucked. Most people were ordering 3 dozen at a time!

After our delicious snack we walked back to our hotel to check in. We stayed at the Sheraton right downtown and had an amazing view of the city from our window

After resting our feet for a while we headed to dinner at Wild ginger and had some incredible duck. 

On Saturday after stopping by our beloved mini donut stand we headed over to Key Arena to watch the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. It was an amazing show and we had so much fun!

It was such a wonderful trip and we had so much fun exploring in the city. Next time maybe we will have our little one with us!

24 week update

 Technically Im not actually 6 months along today but this is the last week before Im a full 6 months pregnant. Its pretty crazy thinking about how quickly time is passing. In just 3 weeks we will be heading back to Colorado for Christmas (Yay!!). When we get home it will already be nearly January and we will just have a couple of months until our baby boy makes his appearance. We still have so much to do!

 Today the baby is as big as an ear of corn! Thats about 12 inches in length and just over one pound in weight. His brain and his lungs are developing a lot this week, preparing him for the outside world. Feeling and seeing more and more kicks and rolls. It is so relaxing sitting with my hand on my stomach feeling the little guy swim around in there.  As far as bodily changes go I would say that everything is normal. My stomach definitely gets a little bigger every week and Im always surprised when I see it in the mirror! I have still been exercising almost every day but will probably decrease the intensity soon as I tend to have quite a few braxton hicks contractions when I do a lot of cardio. They aren't painful just kind of uncomfortable.

 I have been enjoying working on little projects and further solidifying my "vision" for his nursery. Its already so fun being a mother and getting to prepare the baby's space for him. 

22 week update: Baby

The baby is as long as a spaghetti squash today which, for those of you who don't know, is 11 inches! He also weighs almost a pound. wow! It definitely feels like there is a pound of baby in there. His lips, eyes, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct this week. Apparently he already looks like a tiny newborn but without the much needed weight that he will gain in the next several months.

Changes:

• I never thought it would happen but my belly button is more outtie than innie now
• poor nights sleep - I have tried everything from pillows to drinking a large cup of sleepy time tea right before bed (which doesn't work for obvious reasons) but a good nights sleep is pretty hard to come by these days. 
• less intense workouts - My muscles get tired much more quickly than they used to. I have been doing fewer elliptical workouts and more walking
• stronger kicks from the baby - Jeff and I can both feel punches and kicks all the time now. Apparently I woke Jeff up in the middle of the night a few days ago to feel the baby kick...I can't remember because I was sleeping. 
• Cranky - Im not sure if its the process of getting ready for bed or the time of night that puts me in a bad mood but every night, as soon as I start getting ready for bed, my mood takes a turn for the worse (poor Jeff). It doesn't matter how how much we were laughing and carrying on earlier in the evening, I always get into bed cranky. yuck!

2 weeks until the 6 month mark

5 weeks until my third trimester 

18 weeks until the baby is born

22 week update: Strange happenings

22 weeks and strange things are happening over here. Last night I had the best idea ever: square eggs. So, as you can imagine I spent the entire night thinking about how to make my eggs square. I even had a dream about Jeff cooking me square eggs. Finally I decided to use our griddle...as it is the only square pan we have. The process was just as easy as I had dreamed. I only used 2 eggs so they were a tad thin (paper thin really). However, I was surprised by how easy it was to flip them! It was just like flipping over a hot, thin, egg blanket.

I found that our regular sized plates aren't big enough for square eggs so to remedy the situation I made a few well placed folds (square eggs fold like a dream).

Pros: quick cooking, square, easy to fold, never undercooked

Cons: extremely thin in some areas, not very much flavor, dry...

Am I deranged in my advanced pregnant state? Perhaps. What I've learned to say at times like these is: "The baby made me do it". 

Pregnancy impulse buy #2

Cinnamon Broom!!

The second I walked into Trader Joe's I knew I had to have whatever it was that was making the store smell so amazing. It wasn't even a decision really. This cinnamon scented decorative broom makes the whole apartment smell like fall and the holidays! Thank you Trader Joes