Random 5 Pregnancy Things On This Friday!

 

SAY WHAT? No, I’m not pregnant. But I had to laugh this Friday as I was going through old drafts. Two of which were pregnancy related posts that I had started that I never got finished because Sam arrived! So on this Friday, I figured I would share a few of those pregnancy things!

1. I had started writing little notes about third trimester! It vividly brought back how it felt to have that big ol’ bellly! Here are some third trimester thoughts I had wanted to share:

- You calculate your every move! If I drop a pen…you better believe I need another reason to pick it up before I bend down to get it!

- Sign up for a Day care spot in the second trimester..

- Farts are unexpected. Really, they aren’t so embarrassing after a while.

- Nothing is sexier then a woman waddling around, sweating and trying not to pee your pants.

Ryan: Ya I am so sore from sledding all day. I’m waddling like you do now! – death stare

2. It was no secret that I didn’t LOVE being pregnant. I loved the outcome but I was never a huge fan of actually being pregnant. Somehow this morning I looked back on these photos and it made me smile and SORT OF KIND OF JUST A LITTLE BIT..made me miss the belly. It brought back the pre-Sam memories and it made me think how excited I was to learn if it was going to be a boy or girl!

3. As you may all remember from my birth story, the day before Sam’s birthday I had gone to get a pedicure! I jokingly insisted that they try to hit all those labor inducing pressure points! It obviously worked but what I didn’t mention was that was one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life (yes, labor included). Sam was so low it was SO hard to sit in that position for long and lifting my feet at that angle was so sore. I was a sweaty mess by the end of it.

4. The weekend before I had Sam I had to find something respectable to wear and go out in public as it was my nephew and godsons dedication day. I felt LARGE and in charge. My trusty black maternity shirt was stretching to the limit! As you can see by the white tank poking through! Again, another super uncomfortable day. I remember vividly getting up to use the bathroom every 15 minutes and actually fighting with my niece to let me pee first! Proud moment right there! ha ha! Right after the service we had a get together at my brothers but you better believe that as soon as it was acceptable, I was back into my husbands joggers and tee!

5. A couple people have mentioned how great I looked when Sam was born. Truth be told, I shared only the best one. In reality I was EXHAUSTED after 2 hours of pushing. In the picture you can’t see below my waist where the doctor spent another 2 hours stitching. The photo below also doesn’t show the makeup that I applied about 12 hours before (HA HA HA!). But it does show my dark bags under my eyes, pale face, sweaty hair, blood on my sports bra. The other thing it shows? The happiest moment of my life and the most beautiful baby boy I had ever got to finally meet.

Happy Friday!

xo

Cloth Diapering–The Why And Supplies

 

I wish that I could say that I started doing cloth diapers because of the environmental impact. I’m not 100% sure as to why I decided to buy some. Maybe it was my delicate state during pregnancy? The hormones? I had read a lot from other blogs that I follow about their experience with using CD. Some were good and others were bad.

I took a day one weekend and did a lot of research. I looked at costs, where to buy, up keep and tried to read more about people’s experiences online. With all that in hand, I sat down and talked to Ryan. He was VERY sceptical and said he thought it wasn’t a good idea. To him, it just didn’t make sense to spend the money on something I may not even do. He figured I would give up within the first few weeks and go to disposable. Realistically, it was a good possibility.

Despite Ryan’s opinion, I ordered our cloth diapers and was so excited when they arrived! I washed and got them all organized so that everything was ready whenever I decided to start.

The baskets where they are all stored!

Here is what I have in my stash:

- 6 Velcro all in ones by Bumgenius in gender neutral colors

- 6 Snap pocket diapers by Bumgenius in gender neutral colors

- 6 Fuzzibunz snap closure, pocket diapers in gender neutral colors

- 4 Blueberry snap closure, pocket diapers in Giraffe and Cow print! (made in Canada)

 

22 diapers in total! And so far, we have never run out. This number of diapers allows me to diaper Sam successfully and do laundry once every 3 days.

When Sam was first born it was important to me that we established a good breastfeeding bond and that I healed from birth. My mind was in so many other places (and fatigued) that the last thing I wanted to do was worry about learning how to use cloth diapers!

Like I have mentioned before, I kept Sam’s little bum in size Newborn diapers for about the first month. One day I realized that I had no more diapers and would have to take take the 30 minute trip (each way) to grab some. I decided to get us by a little longer, I would try a cloth! I mean, that’s what they were there for! Getting cloth diapers were one thing, using them was so much more intimidating!

After that first diaper, I realized how easy it was. There was literally no difference between a cloth diaper and a disposable for usage! From then on, we have been a cloth diapering family. We still use our fair share on disposables for trips away from the house and night, there are just some situations where disposables make more sense! But I never have to worry about running out of diapers and making a special trip to get some. They are easy, if not easier, then disposable! We have yet to have one explosion out of cloth (we have from disposable) or any diaper rash! Can’t say enough good things about our experience with cloth so far. 

Next – Maintenance and Routine

Happy Wednesday!

xo

Part Time Hippy

 

Happy Wednesday everyone! We got drenched yesterday with a monsoon of a rain! Our basement hasn’t had a problem with rain since before we re-did the basement! Every spring the basement walls have been able to handle all the snow melting. Yesterday Sam and I were at a wake most of the day and Ryan joined us later. When we got home last night just after 9 we decided to check the basement after a few other people reported problems on Facebook. Sure enough, water all over the basement floor! Too much rain!

I was thinking the other day on some of my ecological decisions of my past, I was no David Suzuki. I only started recycling because our municipality made us, I always left the water running while brushing my teeth and would throw out perfectly good pieces of paper! That has seemed to have a slight change though. Now I’m a breastfeeding, baby wearing, sometimes co-sleeping and clothing diapering Momma.

I knew that breastfeeding was the most recommended form of nutrition for a little one. My doctor and the hospital that I delivered at are huge advocates to breastfeeding. I said from day one, I’ll give it a try and if it doesn’t work out then I’m O.K with formula feeding my baby. Thankfully, it came pretty easy to Sam and I and now I am passionate about continuing on. My mind revolves around how to keep my supply up, how to pump and making sure he gets what he needs. It’s not “so much easier” then formula feeding! It takes work, patience, pain tolerance and a lot of trial and error. While I love breastfeeding I will not be one of those people who allow my 3-4 year old to latch on for a snack! I’m giving my boy till he’s a year old and then I’m closed for business!

I love my son but before him and I was one of the least cuddly things on the planet. As a kid myself, I hated to snuggle and be held! I would even always rather play with an infant then sit and hold a newborn. That all changed when Sam was born. I love the closeness that I feel when he is snuggled up on my chest. I love that when he is a cranky pants, getting him snuggle up to me will instantly sooth him. Truthfully, there are times where the only way I can get something done is if I am wearing him. I knew that people used a carrier when they were out and about! What I didn’t realize was how many people wore their kids even around the house so that their hands would be free! There is this whole movement on social media for “baby wearing”. This is a little embarrassing to admit but I’ve even managed to use the bathroom while having Sam attached to me. As gross as it is, the risk of waking him was far worse then the loss of my dignity.

See that face? That is the face of a Momma whos baby is going through a growth spurt and only wants to be held!

Co-sleeping is said to “spoil” a baby and has it’s own risks if not done right. I swore up and down that my baby would never sleep in bed with me! But getting screamed at by your newborn for 2 hours straight…sometimes you just have to give. You will do anything at some point for 15 minutes of sleep and if that means baby sleeping with you, then so be it! After it becomes a luxury instead of a necessity! Sam doesn’t need to sleep in bed with me but I still find that I love cuddling up to him. Sam will easily sleep in his crib, playpen and will even sooth himself but I still lay down with him at times in bed. He’s also my “headache” because no one is going to get freaky with a baby lying between you!

When I was about 7 months pregnant I got the genius idea that we should buy some cloth diapers. Ryan thought I was losing my mind but I was insistent and purchased some. Of course for the first month of Sam’s life they sat and collected dust. One day we were almost out of size 1 diapers and needed to run to the store (which takes 30 minutes to get there) and neither of us wanted to do so. Out of necessity I started using the cloth diapers that evening and haven’t looked back! I’m a part time clother because there is NO WAY I am waking my kid in the middle of the night just to change his wet diaper. There is also no way I am going to let a cloth diaper fester in the bottom of my diaper bag either when we are out. But when we are at home? You better bet that Sam has a fluffy bum! It’s too easy now because breastmilk poop is water soluble so literally all I do is stick em’ in the wash. It’s a lazy woman’s guide to cloth diapers. So while I could sit hear and preach to you all how I’m not filling up landfills with my share of dirty diapers, in truth I’m just cheap and I don’t want to take that hour out of my day to pick some up.

Before I had a baby I thought that I had it all figured out. I knew what I wanted to do, how I wanted to do it and when I wanted to do it. You swear up and down that you aren’t going to be a certain way but when the baby comes that all gets thrown out the window! I never thought when I had a baby that the above things would become the norm for me. It’s easier to think about what kind of Mom you will be then execute that plan. In truth you need to figure out what works for you instead of trying to match up to the ideal in your head. While I wouldn’t fully throw myself into the “hippy” mom category, I am happy with the things that I do now and will probably continue to adjust as I learn more and more about the kind of Mom I am!

Happy Wednesday! 

xo

IT’S A BOY!

 

Ryan and I are overjoyed to announce the birth of our SON! Samuel Ryan William Woermke arrived safely on April 3rd, 2014 at 10:31 PM.

He weighed in at 8 lbs and 8 oz and measuring 20.5 inches long!

 

We are so in love and feeling so blessed to have this little man in our lives.

Please excuse the disorder of posts in the next little while as I adjust to life with a newborn!

xo

Baby W–37 Weeks

 

*Each bumpdate is from the week before. I am currently 38 weeks and 5 days pregnant *

37 Weeks as of March 21, 2014

This Week:

Considered full term! Woo hoo! The start of weekly doctors appointments and the start of my time at home!

Baby This Week:

The baby is around 6.5 pounds now! Growth slows down at this point and Baby is practicing for life after birth. If born now, Baby would not need an incubator to keep warm because of the presence of sufficient fat stores. Lungs are fully developed, which means the baby would also be able to have no problems after birth to breath on it’s own. Right now (according to my App) baby is the size of Swiss chard.

Maternity Clothes:

If I could just get away with walking around naked, I would. Baby is sitting so low in my pelvis that I hate anything around my waist. Pants sitting on my hips just feels awkward now. Shirts kind of stick out at the bottom now! There are a few of my maternity clothes that just simply don’t work anymore. I am definitely starting to repeat lots of outfits now that some stuff just simply doesn’t fit

Stretch Marks/Weight: 

So I actually didn’t weight myself at home but at my 37/38 weeks doctor's appointment I was down 2 pounds which I wasn’t surprised about. My stomach capacity is so low now and after about 5 bite of something, I am full. I can EASILY get away with one meal a day.

The stretch marks on my lower belly are obviously still there and a little darker this week as Baby is putting pressure down there. I know a lot of people say that a baby “ruins” a woman’s body. And I totally get that and have even uttered those words myself. But, I’m making myself stop. Because the baby didn’t ruin my body. It has just changed it, altered it. I am still a very healthy and functioning woman and I feel blessed to have been able to carry a baby to full term!

Movement:

Yes! Surprisingly lots! Especially in the evenings! I know they say baby movements slow down right about now but it certainly wasn’t this week!

Food Cravings/Aversions:

Liquid diet is my friend! Smoothie’s, yum! Had a movie date this week and had a YUMMY movie theatre popcorn! So good! Always so thirsty and I am constantly downing loads of water! More water then I have ever consumed in my life. Still really loving fruit more then any other food category!

No real aversions this week. Just hate cooking right now because I don’t really want to eat anything big.

Symptoms:

Big ol’ belly and boobs! Baby dropping has far more perks then negative in my opinion. No more heartburn is the best part! It was like I woke up one morning and my boobs were no longer resting on my stomach which I haven’t seen happen in quite a few months! Pelvic pain has increased which makes the waddle worse. I also prefer sitting on my exercise ball then anywhere else to help relieve pain. I get very tired in the day too and I think it is just from trying to lug my large belly everywhere all day long. 

What I Miss:

This week I actually missed work. No I didn’t miss the early mornings or uncomfortable office chair but I missed being there. I hate not being up to date on what is going on. I miss the social time with my brother and bestie Jill. It’s a big adjustment that is going to be harder then I thought.

Labour Signs:

Low baby! Lightening is the biggest sign. Doctor said at my last appointment that baby is sitting at 0 station and is “locked and loaded”. It’s just a matter of patiently (ha!) waiting at this point.

Gender:

I think now that my belly is sitting lower it is causing some confusion. I have been hearing of people changing their girl vote to boy lately. Its one of the hardest things at the end to be patient about. I just keep day dreaming about the doctor announcing which gender we have. It makes me giddy just thinking about it.

Belly Button In or Out:

Non existent!

Wedding Rings On or Off:

Unfortunately off and stored away until after baby arrives.

What I’m Looking Forward To This Week:

I cannot wait till my next doctors appointment just to see if I have made any progress from my last check. Also want to make sure things are healthy as can be as we enter into the final stretch.

Looking forward to a movie date! Was really hoping baby would hold on so that I could go see Divergent in theatres! It’s amazing to think that it could be the last movie I see in theatres for some time.

Dedication service for our godson/nephew, Everett!

Daddy This Week:

Daddy is sick as a dog and has officially been kicked out and into the spare bedroom. His snoring has been OUT OF CONTROL and was causing Mommy to have no sleep at all!

We have a problem Baby! Daddy and I have conflicting tastes in hockey teams. Daddy got gifted this “lovely” jersey from his parents. Daddy will have to dress you himself if he ever wants to see you in it because Mommy refuses! ha ha!

 

Wisdom:

9 months pregnant + solo kingsize bed = PREGNANT LADY HEAVEN!

Best Moment Of The Week:

Being at the doctors is always the best! Hearing that everything is still normal is a relief as I was starting to notice myself swelling a bit and worried the doctor would say something was wrong. Doctor has always said how cooperative Baby is and this week was no different. The ONLY problem with this past appointment was that the doctor mentioned he would be away this coming weekend which made me worried in case we went into labour.

At the start of the week, I was able to get a HUGE load of groceries for post baby cooking! Ryan and I aren’t really casserole people so instead we planned out 6 weeks of suppers for after the baby arrived. We shopped for the stuff we needed and then I chopped and marinated everything before it headed to the freezer! We have meatballs, chopped chicken, BBQ pork chops and lots of other yummy (and easy meals) planned and ready! We will fill in the weekly fresh items with quick trips to the store but the majority of what we need is here.

For Christmas this year, Ryan got me a baby journal book and I have been slowly filling it out. Finally this week, I finished what I could but now have to wait until our little one arrives! Feels great to have it done!

xo

Baby W–33 Weeks

 

*Each bumpdate is from the week before. I am currently 34 weeks and 5 days pregnant!*

33 Weeks as of February 21, 2014

This Week:

Been an exciting week in baby world! Maternity pictures, trip to the U.S for last piece of nursery furniture and first “2 week” doctors appointment! I like having the lesser days in between appointments! I think I see that thing in the distance they call “light at the end of the tunnel”.

Baby This Week:

Right now baby’s skeleton is still hardening but the bones in its head won’t fuse together completely until later. Baby is keeping its eyes closed during sleep and open while awake. Because my uterine wall is becoming thinner, more light can penetrate the womb, so baby can tell the difference now between day and night! According to my pregnancy app on my phone the baby is the size a durian! The only reason I know what this is, is because I saw it on a eating challenge on Survivor and it was making everyone gag!

Maternity Clothes:

Yes and again, I refuse to buy anything new at this point. At this point in my pregnancy I am looking at nursing items like bras and tanks! Went to Target in the US (so much better then Canada’s!) and bought some nursing supplies at a great price in comparison to Thyme! 3 nursery bras and 3 nursing tanks!

Stretch Marks/Weight:

Weighed myself this week and up another pound to be at +12 from my pre-pregnancy weight. I swear my boobs weight 5-6 pounds alone!

Besides my new stretch mark friends on the right side of my tummy, I now have some faint squiggly lines around my belly button! Thankfully, they don’t hurt!

Movement:

Mover and a shaker this week! I’m not really good anymore at telling which body part is what, but at some point this week I think I felt the baby do a full 360 degree turn in my tummy!

At the doctors late this week, he took my hands and showed me which body part is where so that I would know! We felt the neck/head low in my pelvis, the back, the arms and the legs! It was pretty neat!

Food Cravings/Aversions:

Soup and sandwich was this week which is always one of my most favourite winter meals, yum! My most common craving is oddly enough, water! I just can’t get enough! One of my favourite snacks is a teaspoon full of peanut butter! Sometimes if I’m feeling crazy I’ll even spread that peanut butter on a banana…wild!

I still don’t eat a ton of meat. It’s defiantly not something that I look for! Or anything with too strong of a garlic flavour which is odd for me! 

Symptoms:

Tired by the end of the day and always SO ready for bed…more then usual! Belly feels very heavy in the afternoons too!

Belly has grown so big that I can almost not see my feet anymore when I walk which makes it difficult for a naturally clumsy person like myself.

Pelvic pain is back which is causing the beginnings of the traditional pregnancy waddle. 

The worst symptom so far has to be the heartburn! If the rumour is true that a lot of heartburn means that baby will have a lot of hair, then this child is going to be part monkey! I have even had to stop myself from being sick because the acid reflux is so bad!

What I Miss:

Bending!

Labour Signs:

Ryan and I officially graduated from our birthing classes! As much as I know that things never go as planned in labour, I am still SO glad to have some sort of guidance. I know where to go now, what to somewhat expect and Ryan knows what he is suppose to do as well. Things could go completely opposite to how we want but we have prepared for that as well! Feeling good about the whole process actually and slightly less terrified!

Gender:

No idea! But this week we while in the States shopping we bought one boy outfit and one girl outfit that the baby will wear before heading home from the hospital! We had a lot of fun doing it too! Ryan picked out the little boys outfit and I picked out the little girls one!

For a girl:

 

For a boy: 

(this is as similar as I could find. The one we have is more green and blue)

Belly Button In or Out:

Flat and non-existent!

Wedding Rings On or Off:

On but getting snug by the end of the a long day!

What I’m Looking Forward To This Week:

Getting the last piece of nursery furniture and finally being able to finalize placement in the room! It’s the final piece to the puzzle! Now I can really start to decorate and make the room feel cozy!

Maternity pictures!

Daddy This Week:

Daddy has been wonderful this week! He has hardly had to work any night shifts either which makes everyone happy! Daddy got LOTS of extra brownie points this weekend when he surprised Mommy with a hotel room with a big Jacuzzi tub to soak in! Daddy also felt horrible this week as Mommy took a fall on the ice in our driveway. Daddy hasn’t been wanting to sand it because he hates to sweep all the sand the next spring. After Mommy took her tumble, it got sanded! Daddy was very good during the maternity pictures. It’s not really Daddy’s thing to get his picture taken but he smiled and pretended to enjoy it which makes Mommy happy!

Wisdom:

Sometimes sleeping while sitting up is the only thing that will make the heartburn go away!

Best Moment Of The Week:

Too many amazing things to pick just one! Capturing this special time in our lives was wonderful when we got our maternity pictures taken!

Then spending the rest of the weekend away with Ryan was fun! It kind of felt like an impromptu Babymoon! Picking out the outfits was especially fun! When I gave Ryan the task of picking out a boy outfit he was so cute and took his job very seriously! When he found the perfect one he instantly knew it and was very proud when I liked it too!

Of course doctors appointment this week is always a great moment of the week! Hearing that heartbeat never gets old! Plus, got my first cervical check! So weird to think we are at the point in this pregnancy process to begin discussing my cervix! Woah! Doctor asked if I was sure this was my first baby as I am further along then normal first time moms. I told him yes. Apparently I am 1.5-2 cm dilated, 75% effaced and –1 station. After seeing my cervical progress the doctor immediately gave me his pager number “just in case”. I keep reminding people not to worry about an early baby because I am holding on for an April child!

xo

Baby W–32 Weeks

 

* Each bumpdate is from the week before. I am currently 33 weeks and 5 days pregnant!*

32 Weeks as of February 14, 2014

This Week:

8 weeks and counting! Feeling like I am coasting along to the finish line! Had an amazing baby shower this week and have had so much fun delicately looking at each and every baby item! I can spend so much of my time imagining life with a baby and using these items.

Ended up having to go for the “dreaded” glucose test this week so that my paperwork could be properly submitted. I have to say it wasn’t at all as horrible as some people say it is! I actually enjoyed it the drink! I was getting thirsty and it was nice and cold and refreshing!

Baby This Week:

Baby is probably feeling pretty cramped now as it is getting so much bigger! According to How To Be A Dad if your computer is 17” long then that is how long the baby is! The baby is gaining about 1/2 pound a week and tipping the scales right now at over 4 pounds!  The lanugo hair is starting to shed and the digestive system is all ready to go! Baby has fingernails and toenails now too!

Maternity Clothes:

Yes! I am sure I will want to burn my work pants and shirts when this pregnancy is over as they will be SO worn out! They are all I wear! Finding a workout shirt that my stomach doesn’t stick out of is becoming an issue. I just have to wear Ryan’s for now as I hate moving around and then constantly tugging my shirt down. Some of my old zip up sweaters I can’t even wear now because they look so funny. My bust has gotten so big that the sweater sticks awkwardly out and doesn’t cover the front at all. 

Stretch Marks/Weight:

I remembered to weight myself this week (please hold your applause...) up 3 pounds in the last 2 weeks which brings me to +11.

I am starting to get use to my new stretch marks. They aren’t as sore this week which is a plus but still super ugly. Oh well, part of life I guess!

Movement:

Ouch! I can see why sometimes people say that baby movements can hurt! I think baby is getting so big that the knees or heel is so much stronger! This little sucker is strong!

Food Cravings/Aversions:

Mmm…shower food! Got to love all the yummy snacks that were at my baby shower! Seriously, I’ve said it before but my girlfriends know good food!

Ryan was away all weekend and so it was just me for the weekend. One supper included cheese, crackers, sliced banana with peanut butter and a cookie. The rest of the week though I have been trying to cook an actual meal for supper so that Ryan and I can sit down at the table together. 9 times out of 10 he usually finishes my plate because I can’t eat the rest. Then, 2 hours later I am hungry again!

Been loving on fruit like crazy lately! Any fruit and all fruit! This week in particular I have been enjoying fresh pineapple for “dessert” after supper! The belly table is just an added bonus..”Look Mom, no hands!”

Symptoms:

Big belly and boobs! Sometimes I can’t help but check myself out in the mirror in the morning and imagine what my body looked like pre-baby. I kind of forget but I know that the big speed bump in front wasn’t there.

Heartburn has been a nuisance this week! Having to try to find relief at least 3 times a day.

My skin has also seemed to change to SUPER dry and flaky. I don’t know if that is pregnancy related or if the weather is affecting it.

I am still super thirsty all the time and find myself getting up in the middle of the night just to have a sip of water! Which makes me have to get up an hour later to pee…vicious cycle! 

What I Miss:

Shaving my legs without it feeling like I’m doing an advance Yoga class.

Labour Signs:

Not yet! Ryan and I only have one more birth class to attend next week! This week we were practicing for the “transition” stage which seriously freaks me out! It sounds intense and difficult. I just keep repeating this mantra to myself, “you can do it…don’t be scared…lots of people before you have given birth”!

Gender:

At my baby shower the hosts had every guest write down their gender guess, a name suggestion and advice for Ryan and I. I tallied up the total and there were 11 girl votes and 7 boy votes!

Belly Button In or Out:

Kind of in but pretty much non-existent.

Wedding Rings On or Off:

ON! However, by the end of a long work day, after supper and cleaning up I notice them feeling a bit more snug! Here’s hoping for 8 more weeks!

What I’m Looking Forward To This Week:

I didn’t know it but my baby shower! It was such a blast! There was something so comforting about being with my girlfriends enjoying that time before I have a little one. I was just trying to soak it all in and create lots of memories.

The rest of the week I got to enjoy looking at all the wonderful baby stuff that is now invading our home!

Daddy This Week:

Was gone all weekend but when he got back I was so excited to show him all the awesome baby stuff. I thought he’d be a little more excited but I think he was a little confused as to what some of the stuff was! Ha ha! Mommy gave him a crash coarse in what the items are used for…this snot sucker made him gag! Ha ha

Wisdom:

Point the scissors far away from you when removing packaging…ouch!

Best Moment Of The Week:

Every night this week I have settled down in front of the television and gone through baby items one by one. I have really enjoyed the slow pace of going through each item so that I can closely examine it and get it properly placed in it’s new home! Life is going to be so hectic after baby arrives that I have enjoyed the slow and meticulous flow of organizing the new baby items.

xo

Linking up today with Mama and Mou for Baby Talk!

Baby W–31 Weeks

 

*Each bumpdate is from the week before. I am currently 32 weeks and 5 days pregnant!*

31 weeks as of February 7, 2014

This Week:

9 weeks and counting! Wow! It’s hard to believe that it is the single digits. February is kind of flying by already and I want it to slow down just a wee bit so that I can accomplish more on my list!

Baby This Week:

Baby is the size of a pineapple this week! Excuse me, but does that seem REALLY big to anyone else? All 5 senses are in working order this week! Baby’s skin is also going from red to pink this week…much cuter!

Maternity Clothes:

OH yes! Pretty much 100% in maternity clothes for every day wear. I still find myself easily finding an outfit. Because in reality, I only wear a non-uniform outfit 1-2 times a week. Basically my outfits consist of jeans, maternity shirt and cardigan overtop (like the outfit above)! As usual for this time of year, I am looking forward to chucking out the socks and breaking out the flip flops! 

Stretch Marks/Weight:

Ok…I suck at weighing myself. Forgot to again this week. By the time I think of it the week is almost over!

Stretch marks have expanded. I am officially a part of the stretch mark club! The two small ones by my appendix scar have expanded into about 3 more squiggly lines! And I still have give-or-take 9 weeks to go so I know they are here to stay and will get worse! 

Movement:

Baby is always on the move still. It definitely favours my right side still! The moves are very deliberate! The freakiest is when it feels like the baby is doing a flip flop from one side over.  

Food Cravings/Aversions:

Craving of the week was definitely the sweets! Valentine cookies and beavertail, yum! Had a BIG lunch/supper at a restaurant this week and regretted it afterwards! 5 hours later I was lying in bed trying to will the food to digest! It seriously felt like the food was just sitting in my throat not moving! Yuck!

Smoothies are one of my most favourite meals! It’s fresh and light!

Symptoms:

I am still missing the second trimester but I keep reminding myself that it’s not for that much longer. You have to go through the tougher parts to get to the end. Actually in reality, I really shouldn’t complain TOO much. It seems that compared to some preggers, I have had a pretty smooth journey, even at this point! Besides feeling slow, sore and very large in the evenings, I feel good. I am able to still work through the day fairly easily. My skin is still great, I have no swelling and I just feel very normal. I have been very lucky. I have even been able to keep up with my exercise. Monday yoga (at home now), Thursdays Zumba and then walks in between! Hoping to make it to 36 weeks doing this because I do feel better after a little moving around...*life with a desk job* 

I did notice that this week I am beginning to have some trouble sleeping. It’s not so much insomnia, it’s just after laying on one side for a certain length of time that hip gets sore. Plus at this point it’s a production to turn over in bed and get settled again. 

What I Miss:

Feeling like I don’t look like Humpty Dumpy. Since I didn’t gain much weight anywhere else except my upper half, I feel as though my legs look like twigs (like in the picture above) compared to the rest of my body. Sometimes I wonder how my legs don’t give out!

Labour Signs:

No and I keep wondering when I will start feeling regular Braxton Hicks contractions. Went to the doctors this week for my 32 week appointment and he said baby is head down. 

Gender:

According to an old wives tale, dangling a wedding ring on a string over a pregnant woman’s belly is another way to tell the gender of the unborn child. If it swings in a strong circular motion, then the baby is to be a girl. If it moves back and forth like a pendulum, then it is a boy. Ryan and I tried this out the other night and it read girl!

Belly Button In or Out:

Still a little bit of an innie but not much!

Wedding Rings On or Off:

ON and counting down!

What I’m Looking Forward To This Week:

Doctor’s appointment…last monthly one! From here on out I will be going every 2 weeks!

Last tradeshow of the 2013-2014 season! No more having to stand on a concrete pad all day chatting with clients! My back is especially thankful!

Daddy This Week:

Daddy has been spending (and planning) a lot of time away from home. Mommy doesn’t mind as she keeps thinking he is just trying to squeeze in some last “alone” time before everything changes. Mommy just hopes that Daddy realizes soon how much life is about to change and settles down a little more around home. She is getting worried that reality hasn’t quite set in yet for Daddy. Don’t get me wrong little one, he is excited for you. But I think he just doesn’t realize what his life is going to look like after you arrive and it scares Mommy to think Daddy might go through some “life withdrawals”.

Wisdom:

Eat lightly or die.

Best Moment Of The Week:

9 weeks (give-or-take) to go!

Had a really great doctors appointment this week! Last monthly one! Belly is measuring exactly where it is suppose to, blood pressure is good, no protein in urine, not even a little swelling and to hear a strong heart beat was the icing on the cake! After inspecting the belly and checking where the heart beat was, Doctor confirmed that baby seems to have settled into the head-down position in preparation for birth!  I follow a “Canadian Mommies-To-Be” group of Facebook and reading their stories of problems later in their pregnancies is worrisome. I kind of went into this appointment expecting something to be wrong but was VERY relieved to hear that everything is perfect.

Linking up today with Mama and Mou for baby talk!

xo

Baby W–30 Weeks

 

*Each bumpdate is from the week before. I am currently 31 weeks and 5 days pregnant!*

30 Weeks as of January 31, 2014

This Week:

30 weeks was another milestone I was waiting for. It’s the 10 week countdown! I feel as though the days are creeping by slowly right now. I am sure they will for the next 10 weeks as well. But, it’s 10 weeks (give or take) which seems SO soon!

Baby This Week:

Baby is the size of a cucumber meaning its length is about 15.2” to 16.7” and could weigh 3-3.8 pounds! Whoa baby! Baby should now be strong enough to grasp a finger and will just continue to get stronger till D-Day! As baby is getting bigger it will put increased pressure on my digestive system (Noooo…you don’t say?!).

 

Maternity Clothes:

With give-or-take 10 weeks lefts, I refuse to buy anything unless it is a necessity! I found one of my pre-pregnancy dresses that worked this weekend for a wedding reception which was a huge relief. I don’t wear a lot of dresses in the winter time so not to have to spend money on a new “one time use” one was great. The above outfit is my every day work outfit (alternating between green and black shirt). I am noticing that the shirts are certainly getting smaller but I am hoping they will do me for another 7 weeks (which is my last day of work!). After that, I’ll probably break out the muumuu!  

Stretch Marks/Weight:

Remembered to actually weight myself this week and I am up another 2 pounds so that’s +8 since the beginning of the pregnancy.

Had an interesting moment with my stretch marks this week. I had never noticed them before but this weekend the 2 on my stomach were aching and sore to the touch. I was sure that meant they were growing but so far they haven’t.

Movement:

Oh yes! Baby is moving like crazy but I find that there are squirms and then pokes! Not much in between. It’s like the baby is deliberately sticking certain body parts out trying to stretch as much as possible. Baby moves the most around 7 PM every day. 

Food Cravings/Aversions:

Chocolate pudding craving was back this week! Yum! Also had a random craving for All-Dressed chips this week because I saw someone else eating some.

Tried to eat some spare ribs this week and my tummy did not like them AT all!

Symptoms:

As I mentioned last week, honeymoon phase is over. Besides the bigger boobs and belly, heart burn has returned in full force! While I was easily able to make it go away in the second trimester, it likes to stick around more now. 

I have much more energy in the morning and move more freely. In the afternoons I feel slow, tired and big. Bed feels good at night time! 

What I Miss:

Not being so “noticeable” when I am out in public. People can’t help but stare at a big pregnant belly.  

Labour Signs:

No but we are practicing pain management techniques in preparation!

Gender:

Not too sure! Mom brought some photo albums to the office this week and this is her pregnant with my brother. Everyone was trying to analyze if our bellies are similar. I can’t tell.

Belly Button In or Out:

In and almost flat.

Wedding Rings On or Off:

On and hoping it stays that way! 10 weeks left! 

What I’m Looking Forward To This Week:

When I was about 20 weeks pregnant, I called our local CLSC to find out more information about their prenatal classes, as recommended by my doctor. They informed me that at that time there were not enough pregnant ladies to have the class.

I was super bummed out because I thought it would not only be good for me but I was hoping it would help Ryan as a first time daddy!

For my birthday this year, my brother and SIL gave me a gift card to a birthing coach they used for each of their kids. She is a certified Lamaze instructor and they said she helped them a lot to prepare for pain management during labour.

This week, Ryan and I had our first session with the birth coach and it was VERY helpful. While I had done a ton of research about the birth process (before and after) Ryan still didn’t have a lot of information. She went through so much information and Ryan was very good about taking it all in. I think he has a better idea about what to expect when D-Day comes and I have better trust in him being the person to help me during the labouring process.

Daddy This Week:

Daddy was so good this week at birthing class! He really took in all the information and was so supportive. I actually think he might have even found it kind of interesting! I thought some of the “gory” details might freak him out but he didn’t even flinch! I think it might have actually made him more excited about your debut! I think he is feeling confident in what he needs to do and Mommy is feeling better knowing that when she is in extreme pain, Daddy knows how to try to help her.  

Wisdom:

Try to not to be without access to heartburn relief! It is needed to be on hand at all times now!

Don’t stay up till 2 AM, you’ll be sorry the next day!

Best Moment Of The Week:

Oh I feel like there was lots this week!

Wearing (and fitting into) a non-maternity winter dress to wear to a wedding reception and rocking heels all night too!

Getting some baby things purchased including the glider that will be shipped very soon! It’s the final piece of “furniture” for the nursery and I can start assembling the little details that will make the room complete!

First birthing class has put me at ease about the whole labour and delivery process! I was even able to ask the “stupid” questions. But those questions were on my mind and I am glad to have an answer. It’s so nice having it be a private class!

Oh and actually hitting 30 weeks! The 10 weeks countdown begins! It’s amazing to look back on this pregnancy journey so far and see how baby and I have grown!

xo

Baby W–29 Weeks

 

*Each bumpdate is from the week before. I am currently 30 weeks and 5 days pregnant!

29 weeks as of January 24, 2014

This Week:

This week has felt SLOW and not just in the usual every day life stuff. I’ve felt slower this week. The honeymoon phase of pregnancy is officially over!

Baby This Week:

Baby is the size of an acorn squash! I actually picked one up at the grocery store this week to check it out! The skin of the baby is really smoothing out this week because it is gaining more weight. The buds of permanent teeth are forming underneath the gums!

Maternity Clothes:

I refuse to buy anything more at this point in my pregnancy. Actually, besides the shopping trip I took in October, I really haven’t bought anything in months. Considering I have give or take 11 weeks left, it feels like a waste to spend money on clothes to wear for such a short time.

I have to admit that I am loving being pregnant in the winter. I have a lot of flowy sweaters that I can pair with a basic maternity tee underneath. The above outfit is an example. Maternity skinny jeans (Old Navy), maternity white tee (thyme) and a non-maternity cardigan sweater. So comfy!

Stretch Marks/Weight:

I actually forgot to weight myself again this week! Woops! I guess at this point I just don’t really care! ha ha! Well, I do care for curiosity sake but it’s definitely something I am not overly obsessive over.

Same stretch marks including the two small ones that are on my belly that are here to stay!

Movement:

My pregnancy app on my phone tells me it is around this time that I should be monitoring kicks to make sure there is enough movement. Baby's movement is certainly not a problem at this point as it is non-stop! The baby really does prefer kicking my right side over the left! I NEVER feel the baby kick on the left side.

Food Cravings/Aversions:

Small meals are key but I am loving food! Had supper on Tuesday night (bacon and egg on English muffins) at 5 PM and then I was starving again at 7:30 PM and had to eat something else! So I grabbed a banana with peanut butter! It’s rare that I get hunger pains these days but when I do, look out because there is no stopping me!

Still hating anything tomato related. I can usually have 1 slice of pizza but I always regret it at the end.

Symptoms:

Oh Man! Like I said above, the honeymoon phase is officially over and symptoms are rearing their ugly head! I am feeling slow and tired again. I am also finding I have to walk slower! The pain in my pelvic bone is back and I am pretty sure it might be here to stay!

I have to say I have been super lucky with little to no back pain (I am thanking Yoga for that!) and I haven’t had any more leg cramps! *Knock on wood!*

I am getting the occasional headache again but they are pretty manageable.

But wait for it, the newest symptom that I discovered this week that required a quick trip to Wal-Mart to pick up this…

Talk about putting the F – U in “FUN”!

What I Miss:

I miss second trimester energy. Mostly the feeling of going all day without getting super tired!

Labour Signs:

None. But I am hoping the return of the pelvic bone pain means that baby is head down!

Gender:

Team Green! It really is getting SO hard to not know what the baby is. I could wake up one day convinced it’s a boy and then change my mind the next day and be convinced it’s a girl! I think whatever the baby turns out to be I will be very shocked on D-Day because I haven’t had a strong feeling for either gender the whole time. No mother’s instinct at all.

Belly Button In or Out:

Ever wonder what the inside of a belly button looks like? Ask me to lift up my shirt! Ha ha!

Wedding Rings On or Off:

On and still loose! 11 more weeks with being “on” hopefully!

What I’m Looking Forward To This Week:

A day in the city early this week to meet a client for lunch at one of my favourite restaurants! But, the best part is that while I am in the city, I am going to do some running around for more nursery stuff! I am picking up fabric for a little project and baskets for under the crib and change table!

I was also able to pick up some post-pregnancy items too! Nursing bras, post partum undies…you know, fun stuff! But, I was glad to cross those few items off my list! 

Daddy This Week:

Daddy was a little surprised at the price of stuff but he kept quiet as he knows it is all for a good cause, you!

Wisdom:

Just because your back doesn’t hurt doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pretend it does so that your husband rubs it! Milk it, girl!

Best Moment Of The Week:

That’s easy! Was suppose to go for the dreaded Glucose test this week! Got to the hospital bright and early only to be told that the doctor signed the wrong part of my form! They had me wait while they called him for confirmation and a new requisition. Once they got a hold of him they told me that I wasn’t actually doing the Glucose test. The doctor had decided it didn’t seem needed anymore and to not bother doing it. So they just did regular blood work, said if there was a problem they would call and I got to leave! No yucky orange drink for me, woo hoo!

Getting some baby (pre and post baby) supplies crossed off the list was a huge highlight this week too!

xo