30/31 weeks!!

31 weeks

30 weeks

How far along? I am almost 32 weeks pregnant! WHAT ON EARTH!!!? 

Elsie's 30 week update can be found here! Her 31 week update can be found here!

 Maternity clothes: Things probably aren't going to change from here on out

Stretch marks? Nope! 

Sleep: Sleep is good! My mind has sorta started being flooding with all kinds of stuff right around bedtime (go figure) but it hasn't affected me TOO much thus far. 

Best moment this week(s):  Well we celebrated my birthday and that was SO wonderful. Josh took the day off, it was a perfect SUNNY day, he brought me Chipotle (my favorite) and got me a kuerig!! It was such a nice day and totally unexpected! I also got my hair cut and colored and I just feel like a million bucks! OH and DUH we had an ultrasound to check on some measurements of the little gal, and we ALMOST didn't get to see her little face because she had her foot RIGHT in her face, but she moved it at the last second! She's such a cutie, and I think she looks a bit like her big sister! The tech said she could see her hair and everything! 

KISSY LIPS!!

Miss anything?: Not feeling claustrophobic 

Movement:  She moves A LOT. I guess I don't really know if it's dramatically different than it was with Elsie, but I think with the placenta placement being different it just makes it seem a lot more intense. 

Food cravings: Iced coffee, fruit, ice cream cones 

Anything making you queasy or sick?  When I eat a little bit too much, I literally feel like a gross bloated whale that can't move.   

Gender: little mama!  

Labor signs: Just braxton hicks 

Symptoms: Indigestion horribly! I guess she'll have lots of hair like Elsie! 

Belly button in or out? Level, poking out every once in awhile lol 

Happy or moody most of the time? Ummmm a little mix of both. Josh has been out of town a lot lately and that weighs sort of heavily on my heart when he's away. And it gives me entirely too much time to myself to stew about things that worry me. He's good at talking me off the cliff.   

Looking forward to: The TIME IS GOING TOO FAST!! I don't really want to look forward to anything honestly, I just want to live one day at a time. 

28/29 weeks!

How far along? I am 29 weeks!! Can't believe I'm nearly 30 weeks and I can hardly even stand it. Where does the time go???? 

Elsie's 28 week update is here   
29 week is here!

 Maternity clothes: Dresses and maternity pants galore!

Stretch marks? Not much to report but it suuuure is gettin tight! 

Sleep: We're finally (hush) working on getting Elsie to sleep in her crib and that's been tough for me. Not because she hasn't been sleeping well, but because I feel like I constantly want to be checking on her. So, i've been a little extra sleepy lately

Best moment this week(s):  Well I had a doctor's appointment recently with a doctor that delivers up here, much closer to home. I LOVED HER! It was really a breath of fresh air, so i'm very very happy about that!  

Miss anything?: Having my body back 

Movement:  Her movements are becoming more and more overwhelming at times! It just feels non stop!  And she's had the hiccups A LOT lately too.

Food cravings: Iced coffee like no ones business!!!   

Anything making you queasy or sick?  No I feel great  

Gender: little gal! 

Labor signs: Lots of braxton hicks...all within a safe limit though haha. 

Symptoms: Indigestion like a mofo, fatigue, some more headaches, a lot of anxiousness and nervousness relating to giving birth and having this baby.  

Belly button in or out? Level

Happy or moody most of the time? I've been pretty emotional lately. It comes in waves and it doesn't really affect my daily life. But I am just trying to come to grips with the fact that Elsie won't be an only child for very long, and I guess I would use the word "sad" to describe how I feel about that. It's just A LOT to take in.   

Looking forward to: I get to see the little one in an ultrasound this week, so that'll be neat! 

Birth Story

Since it's still fresh in my memory, I thought I would document and share our birth story! Also, be forewarned, it's going to be VERY long and well...TMI. ;)

It all started on Friday, August 22nd. I had gone to work as usual and I felt fine for the most part. I had actually started to come to terms with the fact that I was probably going to go all the way to 40 weeks and beyond potentially. I got home from work and just spent the rest of the evening relaxing and watched Mrs. Doubtfire. We went to bed and I noticed that I had to get up to use the bathroom a LOT more than usual. Also, every time I would use the bathroom and go lay back down I had some pretty bad cramps. It felt like those obnoxious aching cramps you get right before you get your period. I thought it was a little odd, but didn't think anything of it-just figured it was false labor or some painful braxton hicks. When I got up in the morning, I still felt a little off. Josh had to work and I planned to get up nice and early and go run some errands. We had planned to get EVERYTHING baby related done that we had left to do. Well I used the bathroom and noticed a little bit of blood. I just told myself it must be due to having my cervix checked at my most recent doctor appointment. (The denial begins...) But since I wasn't feeling the best, I thought it was probably a good idea to just wait for Josh to get home instead of going gallivanting all over town by myself.  As I was getting ready, I took a pic (which ended up being my last bump picture) because I wanted to see if maybe it was obvious that I had "dropped" or what the deal was. Maybe that would explain why I wasn't feeling the best.

Josh got home and we got ready and headed out. At that point I was still feeling really crampy, but we had SO much to do. It was our plan to go to Roseville and go to World Market and Babies R us. On the way we decided to stop at Planet thrift because we were looking for a piece of furniture to finish off the nursery. We ended up seeing Josh's aunt and her mom there, and she seemed to think I definitely looked like I had dropped since she had seen me at the shower the weekend before. Well as we are walking around the thrift store, I felt a small "leakage." Basically wasn't sure if I had randomly lost control of my bladder or what was going on. At that point Josh started feeling a little concerned but I was still brushing it off. (cramps are getting worse) We stopped at Dock 86 quick and then made our way onward to Roseville. We got to World Market and the cramps started picking up. To the point that Josh started getting REALLY annoyed at my insisting to call them cramps instead of contractions. He even whipped out his phone and tried to time them. I just kept telling him that I was fine, and nothing was happening. We got all that we needed there, and headed next door to Babies R Us.  Well as we are walking around there, another gush-this time a bit larger. Josh starts freaking out, I continue to be in denial but at that point it starts feeling a BIT more concerning and we decide we will call the doctor when we get home and see what she thinks we should do. I still hadn't packed a hospital bag or anything despite my doctor scolding me to do so at every appointment. We grab some things at Babies R Us, focusing on things we NEED in case we have a baby on the way. Josh rushes me out of there and we head home. If it were up to me, I probably would have tried to stop a couple more places to get some things. We get home and I get on the phone and spoke with the nurse and she tells me the doctor will get back to me. Well as i'm waiting for the call back, I go in the bathroom and all of a sudden I feel a big WHOOSH and at that point it's pretty clear that it's undeniably my water. OMG my water broke!! I wouldn't say it's like in the movies, but I think I definitely experienced about as close to that as it comes. I've heard most women don't really even have their water break, and more often gets broken during labor. So, I get a call back from the doctor and I tell her all that has just occurred and she basically tells me to get some things together, get something to eat, and get to the hospital.

So after a long drive  (aside from my request to stop at burger king first....denial still) sitting on a towel, and progressing contractions- we finally made it to the hospital. I step out of the car and it's like a flood, SUCH an uncomfortable feeling. Josh ended up having to push me in a wheelchair because I was NOT about to go walking through the hospital dripping everywhere. We make it up to labor and delivery at about 4 and we were initially told they wouldn't "room us" without me getting an exam first. Well, they took one look at my soaking wet shorts and it was CLEAR I wasn't leaving the hospital without this baby. Talk about a crazy feeling! So they brought us down to our room (We got the "big room" by the way) I got into my gown and started rolling with the contractions, which at this point were getting WORSE and worse. My midwife came in and checked me and I was at 3 centimeters, so it was left up to me to do what I wanted. I could get in the bath, sit on an exercise ball, or whatever really until I decided I wanted my epidural. I chose the exercise ball. I think I lasted about 45 minutes total before I was like OKAY that's enough, lets get this epidural process going. They had to give me an IV of fluids before they could give me the epidural so unfortunately I still had to wait a bit longer. Those contractions are NO joke. I truly applaud any woman that can make it through the whole way. Anyways, I get my fluids and the anesthesiologist comes in and works his magic. The process wasn't all that bad, just a little uncomfortable, but I knew what the result was going to be so I was all for it. The hardest part was staying completely still through my contractions as he's sticking the giant needle in my back. Once the meds started setting in, I was a HAPPY girl!

After I got the epidural going, the doc came and checked me again and I was at a 5. She could feel another "water bag" that was still intact, so she went ahead and broke the rest. We were then left to chill out and the waiting began. We watched some tv and they told us to "get some rest" but it seemed like whenever we would doze off, the nurse would be coming in. I felt so bad for Josh because he had worked that morning, so he was really sleepy and only had a SUPER uncomfortable couch to try to rest on.

So a couple hours past (I think anyway) and the nurse came back in to empty my bladder with a catheter, since I was not able to get up to use the bathroom with the epidural. (FUN!) And she goes "ya know...I think i'm going to check you if you don't mind." So she does, and she goes "Oh! you're at a 10 and the baby is SUPER low now!" YIKES! So she says we're going to let your body work her way down some more with the contractions, that way you won't need to push as much. (which I was definitely a fan of) So it was about 12 at that point and they said I would start pushing at about 1. 

So 1 o clock rolls around and the midwife gets there and we get the show on the road! I was TERRIFIED!! Josh was such a good "coach" I really don't think I could have done it without him. So a contraction comes and they tell me to push and I do, and they basically tell me she's just about out already! I pushed 3-4 more times and she was out! I started pushing at about 1:05 and she was out at 1:23. It was the most insane thing I have EVER EVER experienced. Just to finally see her face, it was a really really surreal feeling. She was beautiful, it was absolutely love at first sight! She was 7lbs, 15oz and 20.5 inches long. She is absolutely a gift from God, and we can't imagine our lives without her now. It's like she's always been here! 

We love you Elsie Grace!!

37 weeks!!

I haven't added any pics of the bare belly and we are rapidly running out of opportunities for that!! And I threw in the front view because it really shows off the poppin out belly button! And if I look tired, it's because I AM!! :) 











How far along? I am 37 weeks pregnant!!! This baby could be in my arms ANY DAY NOW!!  

Maternity clothes: It ain't changing at this stage of the game!! And I don't think i'll be purchasing any more maternity clothes! SO CRAZY!! 

Stretch marks?  Nothin! Just have to make it a liiiiiitle while longer!  

Sleep:  I have to say I think i'm one of the lucky ones, the belly really doesn't disrupt my sleep too much. I get comfortable fairly easily and stay asleep other than the few trips to the bathroom obviously.

Best moment this week: My baby shower!! It was SUCH a good time and I was literally SHOWERED with gifts for this little one. She is so spoiled and loved already! I really can't thank Josh's family enough for making it so special for both of us!! :)  Oh, and just a little extra from the week, we took the tour of the birthplace and it really kind of hit me all at once! It's hard to explain, I had the goosebumps the entire time!! I think maybe it's a good idea to take the tour a little further in advance! To think I could be back there having this baby at ANY point is really a surreal feeling! 

Miss anything?:  Being able to bend over, it's getting more and more impossible every day!  

Movement:  She doesn't have a whole lot of room to do much anymore but I DEFINITELY still feel her in there ;) 

Food cravings:  Mainly fruit again!      

Anything making you queasy or sick?  Nothin! 

Gender: Baby girl!  

Labor signs: Nothing too significant, but I am progressing! (Any of you casual readers that may find some "details" a little TMI should stop reading now!) I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and she "checked me" and I am 1 centimeter dilated (which I know doesn't mean much cause I can technically sit there until i'm due) but I was 70% effaced, and my doctor seemed to be VERY pleased about that progress! And as far as her position goes, She is in position and she's pretty well engaged in my pelvis too! She is sitting at a -1 station, which is basically just the scale they use to measure how far the baby has dropped into the pelvis. When they are at a 0 they are considered to be fully engaged and ready for labor, so I was really REALLY happy about that too! So we shall see!! 

(Insert cheesy informational diagram here!) 

Symptoms: I still have really bad indigestion, and my stomach still falls asleep ALL the time. She needs to drop just a little bit more and that'd be GREAT!! I've also been pretty crampy lately, it feels like i'm on the verge of getting my period. My body is doin somethin, that's for sure!! AHH!  

Belly button in or out? Outie!   

Wedding rings on or off? On. I haven't had ANY swelling (knock on wood) 

Happy or moody most of the time? Honestly, I had a REALLY tough week emotionally. I wouldn't say I was really moody. It was more just like an overwhelmingly scared, anxious, stressed out feeling. I feel like I have the whole world on my shoulders and have SO much to do, and just nothing seems to be getting done. I'm not a big crier, and I had a couple days where it was just an endless flood and there was just nothing I could do! I can only assume it's totally normal-especially at this juncture, and it was fairly therapeutic I think (after the fact). It didn't help that Josh was gone the majority of the week.

Looking forward to:  Getting her nursery completely finished!!! 

35 weeks!

How far along? 35 weeks! OH MY! 

Maternity clothes: Same old same. Getting dressed has really become a chore though. Skinny jeans, even if they are maternity, are EXTREMELY difficult to get on and off. I depend on Josh for a lot of things, I figure he needs practice with dressing people who can't dress (or undress) themselves. hahahaha jk And strappy shoes? HA!!! fuhgettaboutit 

Stretch marks?  This belly is still rockin and rollin!! 

Sleep: I am still sleeping really well, however my poor bladder is in turmoil. I'm averaging about 2-3 times that I need to get up in the night. I fall right back to sleep though so it could definitely be worse! The only problem with me sleeping so well is that i'm not getting the adequate dose of reality that is soon to slap me in the face. I'm not complaining cause I appreciate every minute of sleep I get, just sayin. 

Best moment this week: It was a good week! I had a doctor appointment on Tuesday and everything is going fabulously! She said this little one is "head down" but she's sitting kind of sideways still. There is still plenty of time for her to align herself and get locked and loaded! The BEST moment of the week, however, was today when I had my maternity shots! My amazingly talented cousin took them for us and from the few samples we got already we can tell they turned out awesome!! Check out her website if you never have, she's seriously AMAZING>>>>> Shots by Bridge

Miss anything?:  Not waddling wherever I go, and being able to see all my body parts. TMI?  just sayin!!  

Movement:  Uh YEAH. At the moment she is curled up on my left side so my belly looks extremely contorted and weird. But yes the poor thing is constantly trying to adjust and she is just runnin outta room!! I even have a couple moments where I uncontrollably kind of shriek when she kicks or moves because it's getting SO strong and uncomfortable. 

Food cravings:  This week I haven't really had anything that really stands out. My ice cream obsession has sort of toned down a bit this week which is probably for the best.     

Anything making you queasy or sick?  Nothin comes to mind 

Gender: GIRL! 

Labor signs: Not yet! 

Symptoms: I had a couple REALLY rough days with just being uncomfortable. She hasn't dropped yet (as far as i'm concerned) so I just feel like she's sitting REALLY high up in my ribs and whatnot, and that makes my indigestion a lot worse. And I can't bend over for any amount of timewithout nearly suffocating. Otherwise just the usual mild complaints. I still feel pretty dang good for being so far along, I have just reached a point where I have a couple days mixed in that I am READY FOR HER TO GET OUTTA THERE! 

Belly button in or out? It's out more than it's in lately! Still varies though   

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time? Although my body is absolutely anything but my own anymore, i'm still really HAPPY! Getting more and more nervous, anxious, excited, etc etc as well!! 

Looking forward to:  Things are starting to come together more and more! My shower at work is this week and i'm really excited about that! My head is spinning with how LITTLE time we have left!! 

34 weeks!

How far along? 34 weeks! 

Maternity clothes: Same routine! Although this week I did spoil myself a little bit and got a pair of SUPER cute maternity jeans off of Zulily. They were on sale for 20 bucks so I didn't feel too guilty. Anyone in the market for maternity clothes I totally recommend Zulily and Hautelook. They regularly have super good sales for us mama's to be as well as baby stuff! 

Stretch marks? There's nothin yet! I feel like i'm being punked and a day before I give birth my stomach is going to be like "JUST KIDDING, here's your stretch marks!!" 

Sleep: I'm doing really well still, falling asleep easily and staying asleep besides the occasional trip to the bathroom. The only thing that has changed is i've noticed it is getting harder and harder to adjust sleeping positions throughout the night, this belly is hard to maneuver comfortably. I sorta feel like it would be easier to just get OUT of bed and start over instead of rolling over. haha  

Best moment this week: Well the majority of the past week was spent in Michigan still. We had such a fabulous time and the weather was gorgeous. Beach time, mini road trips to different places, Lake Superior, A zoo, Josh went golfing, the casino, and multiple bonfires. It was extremely hard to leave on Wednesday. I had my first real uncontrollable hormonal breakdown, I was SO sad! But we have gotten A LOT done since we've been home so I guess it's not all bad. 

Miss anything?: Maneuvering my body easily, bending over, etc. 

Movement:  Ohhh yes and boyyy is she runnin out of room! I've had a couple of times where she is clearly trying to stretch out and I can feel the sharp pressing feeling down on my bladder and kicking up in my ribs. Insanity. She's also had the hiccups a lot more lately too.

Food cravings: ICE CREAM!! SO not like me, but I just can't get enough    

Anything making you queasy or sick?  I had a moment while registering at Babies R Us where I felt like I was going to vomit out of nowhere, but I can't really pinpoint what caused it. Just extensive standing? Who knows 

Gender: Chicky poo 

Labor signs: Nope! 

Symptoms: All my usual, indigestion, back pain if I'm standing or walking for extended periods of time, getting more fatigued again, leg and foot cramps, and i've started having more and more braxton hicks. All in all though I feel very fortunate because I still feel REALLY good, sorta waiting for the downfall! 

Belly button in or out? Really depends upon the day, some days it's REALLY out, other times it's In and sometimes it switches throughout the day depending on what i'm doing. Silly little thing.   

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time? With the exception of coming home from vacation I've been really happy. If I can take a moment to gush a bit, (skip past this section if you can't stomach it) i've just been feeling so fortunate and overwhelmingly BLESSED lately. It's been a rough weekend with getting all kinds of things accomplished in the nursery, hours spent registering for upcoming showers, as well as a few "homestead hiccups." And no matter how overwhelmed or stressed out I started to feel, I just felt SO fortunate to have Josh by my side. He's really SO good about just being helpful and cooperative when he knows I need it. I know plenty of men would have gotten really fed up with my requests and overall annoying "nesting behaviors." I've just found that it's really easy for a woman to feel kind of "alone" throughout the pregnancy and sort of like it's ALL on you. I feel really lucky to have a man that tries REALLY hard to make me feel like we are in this together and that I don't ever need to feel like i'm doing anything on my own. He's also been working extremely hard to make it a possibility for me to stay home with the baby until she's a little older and that is just AMAZING! What can I say other than I really feel like I won the husband lottery (even if he drives me nuts sometimes....hey maybe I should remind myself to read this when he does! haha) <3 

Looking forward to:  I'm really looking forward to my showers because while we have most of the BIG stuff for the nursery, we have NOTHING else. I am so dang excited to meet this little one!  

31 weeks!

How far along? 31 weeks! 

Maternity clothes: I should just delete this question from the lineup because it's obviously not going to change in the last 2 months! 

Stretch marks? Remarkably I still have none to report! I swear every time I shower I inspect the belly expecting to see some cropping up. It's only a matter of time i'm sure!! 

Sleep: I'm still sleeping REALLY well considering. I do get stiff and sore/achy a lot easier and I do have to get up to use the bathroom at least once, but i'm not complaining! And I try to get an afternoon nap in every day during the work week. So I'd say i'm well rested! 

Best moment this week: I guess the best moment would be the whole weekend. It was the 4th of July on Friday, so I went up to my parents house and spent the afternoon out on the lake. Josh had to work so he met me up there and then we spent the night at my parents house. It was BEAUTIFUL on Saturday so it was nice to just wake up there and have the whole day ahead of us. We went out to breakfast and then up to the flea market and got some goodies. We spent the rest of the day boating and relaxing on the lake some more. It was SO nice, it was like a mini vacation! Makes it VERY hard to come back home to reality, painful almost. 

Miss anything?: Being able to do anything physical without my tailbone feeling like it's going to bust. 

Movement:  Moving a lot. But you can tell she's running out of room because it's less full kicks and more just adjusting positions. 

Food cravings: Hmmm it's really been salad more than anything!     

Anything making you queasy or sick?  Nothing! 

Gender: Sugarplum fairy! (it's becoming hard to come up with creative ways to say it's a girl) 

Labor signs: No! 

Symptoms: Tailbone pain, indigestion, shortness of breath, feeling sorta claustrophobic lately. My body is literally being taken over. 

Belly button in or out? Some days the little top fold sorta pokes out a bit, otherwise it's still hangin in there.  

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time? Majority of the time i'm really happy still. I've been on more of an emotional roller coaster lately though. 

Looking forward to:  Well my very best friend had her baby boy on Sunday, so just the sight of him and how much love he brings makes me SO very excited and eager to have OUR baby here too. We have officially ordered our crib though so we can get to work on getting things ready for her. I am SO excited, and she just kicked in agreement. :) 

28 weeks! HELLO 3rd Trimester!!

How far along? 28 weeks! HOLY crap I am officially in the 3rd trimester. PLEASE be good to me!   

Maternity clothes: Samesies  

Stretch marks? Pheww still doin well 

Sleep: I've been sleeping really well still, not even getting up too much to use the bathroom. The only thing that has changed is that I rarely wake up feeling refreshed anymore,I've been waking up SUPER groggy lately like maybe the sleep isn't as "restful" anymore. 

Best moment this week: Well Monday was my Birthday, so that was okay. I took the day off from work and slept in, lounged in bed reading and watching Netflix. It was really quite lovely. Then Josh and I went out for dinner, and went to Hobby lobby and I got all my supplies for my little project i'm working on! Also, it makes me shudder a bit to think THAT'S my idea of a good birthday now. lol. As for the rest of the week, it was pretty slow. Over the weekend, we packed up and went to Rice Lake,WI for Josh's softball tournament. The weather wasn't very ideal, but it's all about the people-so it was a good time nonetheless!  (Even though I had to drink sparkling water all weekend instead of adult beverages.) 

Miss anything?: Hmmm... I guess to follow up my last comment, at times I miss not having to be the sober cab. All completely worth it though of course, just if I HAD to pick something. ;)  

Movement: Had sort of a scare over the weekend in terms of movement. I just noticed that I BARELY felt her moving, when for awhile there It seemed like she was nonstop movin and shakin. I literally had to sit completely still and then she would fidget or something. And of course I was away from home and couldn't reassure myself with my doppler.(I used it as soon as I got home and her heart was thumpin away as usual) She's still moving around but it sort of seems like i've gone backwards in time back to when I JUST started feeling her. I have a doctor's appointment today, so i'm going to bring it up. I'm hoping she's just a REALLY chill baby. 

Food cravings: Nothing really different from the norm. In terms of SPECIFICS though, i've noticed since i've been pregnant i've craved Arby's Beef and Cheddar sandwiches. When before they have never even been a passing thought to me. I wouldn't have thought to order one even if I was AT Arby's, so that's kind of interesting.   

Anything making you queasy or sick?  Nothing 

Gender: GIRL! 

Labor signs: No! 

Symptoms: The usual, plus LOTS of round ligament pain. I just sneezed and nearly cried, OUCH! (and made me aware of my ever-weakening bladder heh heh....) 

Belly button in or out? Still hanging on!   

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time? I'm HAPPY! The only time I find that my mood gets the best of me is while i'm at work. I get pretty trigger happy in terms of letting things annoy me. But I revert back to bein a happy girl once I'm home. 

Looking forward to:  Well summer is already well underway and I feel like i've had little to no "sunny" time spent outside at the lake, etc. So i'm sure hoping there are MANY more ahead before this baby comes!!