Growth

Beyond continued

Before our doctor left our room, she asked if she could pray with us. She prayed a blessing over our new family. It was a powerful moment!
After an hour or so of marveling at our baby girl, Mike went to get our parents. We also took a few minutes to text some friends our big news!
The grandparents couldn't wait to see Summer. They all got a chance to hold her. Everyone was instantly in love!
After a couple hours, they left (begrudgingly) so we could get a little rest. Then Great Grandma came to visit.
They finally took Summer away for a few minutes (though it seemed like forever) to bathe her. They brought her back all swaddled up and wearing a pink knit hat.
Jen and Tyler came to visit after dinner. And surprise, so did Nate! Summer's aunt and uncles were smitten too!
Finally, our visitors left and we were left as a family of 3. Our night was exhausting as every sound Summer made woke us up. We didn't know what was normal and what wasn't (everything was normal!) or what her cries meant. We were able to get some sleep though.
Tuesday morning my parents came back...Tracy and Rich came too! Our day was filled with sporadic visitors: Jodi, Brett & Rachel, Jen & Tyler, Mark, Jen, Kaylyn, & Libby.
Mike asked if we could send Summer to the nursery on Tuesday night so we could get a little more sleep. I agreed, as long as the nurses would bring her back to eat--no formula and no pacifier. We still didn't get much sleep as she was back a few times to eat!
Nursing was taking us a bit of getting used to. But we had an "angel" nurse that night. She told us we should have been waking Summer up every 2-3 hours during the day to eat. We had previously been told that as long as she at twice in the first 24 hours, she was fine. Turns out she wasn't getting enough practice nursing, so that was probably why she wasn't wanting to latch on. Our nurse was so patient and showed me various positions and techniques to help both Summer and I. The sugar water really helped! We were so thankful for that nurse!
Wednesday afternoon we finally were discharged and got to go home. It was so nice to be in the comfort of our own home, but at the same time felt so odd to have a baby in the house.
We had a rough night, but it was more the dog's fault then Summer's! Every time she made a noise, he would whine or bark or scratch his cage. It was a long night for all of us!
Friday, we had Summer's 1 week Dr appointment. They were a little worried that she had lost too much weight, she was down to 7 pounds 4 ounces. They suggested that we supplement with formula to get her weight back up. They also said that her bilirubin levels were too high, so we had to go down to the lab to have it checked.
She was at a 17, and normal is 10 or below. We were told she needed to be on a biliblanket to bring her levels down. We also needed to have her levels tested every day. She peaked at 18 before slowly going down, and so she was in the biliblanket for 2 weeks. It was an inconvenience for us to have to have her constantly laying on the blanket, but it was important for us to get those levels down! Since she needed to be on the blanket as much as possible, we had her sleep in her Moses basket in the living room. The tubes and wires would be a pain to put in the crib, and her basket was easier. I slept on the couch next to her every night to keep an eye on her and the blanket.
For the first 2 weeks of Summer's life, we were at the hospital or doctor nearly every day for a bili test or a weight check. At her 3 week appointment, she finally weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces and we were told we didn't need to return until her 2 month appointment. Finally!
We began to settle into a routine--eat, sleep, poop. Life is great, things are going well, and we can't imagine life without our little Summer Joy!

Birth and Beyond

I loved being pregnant. Knowing that I was carrying a precious life inside of me, every kick, all the hiccups. It is such a miraculous time.

That being said, my last week of pregnancy was miserable. It was hot, I was tired, and I was in pain. The baby's head was so low that every movement hurt. I was actually sent home early from work on Wednesday (a first!) and only went in to do the necessities on Thursday. I was so ready for the baby to come, that I was willing to do all of the wives tales ideas to get her out! I went for a long walk on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. But nothing happened. On Friday night Mike and I went to go see a movie, we ended up going to the theater again on Saturday. Our goal was a nice relaxing weekend-- I give up on walking the baby out!

When I woke up and Sunday morning my underwear was wet. I wasn't quite sure what's going on so Mike and I decided to wait it out a little bit. We opted not to go to church because I could not bear the thought of sitting in those chairs! Around 10:30 I called my doctor. she gave me 3 options: wait and see if my water broke or contractions started and then go to the hospital; wait until 9 pm and then if I was still leaking go to the hospital; call her the next morning if the leaking stopped.

We decided to still go to my parents house for the afternoon, mostly so I wouldn't be sitting around our house driving myself crazy waiting for something to happen. We put my hospital bag in our car just in case. By the time we got home from mom and dad's nothing had happened.

 At 8:30 Mike and I decided that we would head to the hospital since I was still leaking. I think we were both nervous as we had no idea what was going to happen.

We walked into the hospital and checked in at the emergency room. An OB nurse came and got us and brought me upstairs in a wheelchair. She took us to a hospital room where I got changed into a gown. I got into the bed and she checked me for progress. However, the baby's head was too low, and it was too painful for me, so she was unable to tell if I was dilated. The nurse then hooked me up to a machine that monitored my contractions as well as the baby's heartbeat. The machine showed that I was having contractions but I could not yet feel them.

The next step was to find out what I was leaking. The nurse did a test where she tested the liquid on a piece of pH paper. If it was amniotic fluid, the paper would turn blue. Much to our dismay, it did not. The nurse went to call our doctor to find out what she wanted her to do next. The nurse came back and said the doctor wanted her to run another test, an amniosom, which would give us completely accurate results. The PH test could have been negative due to fluids masking the amniotic fluid. At 9:46 she ran the swab test and went to bring it down to the lab. I laid in bed watching the contraction monitor. I told Mike I had a feeling we were going to be sent home. He tried to get some sleep because if we went home he would have to work the next day.

After a while, I saw something come across the screen that said the amniosom was positive! I said to Mike, "does that mean what I think it does?" A few minutes later our nurse came back and confirmed that the liquid I have been leaking all day was indeed amniotic fluid! Our baby was coming soon!

By this time my contractions had started to become uncomfortable but not painful. Since my water had been leaking for over 12 hours I was told they would need to start Pitocin get things moving. The nurse tried checking me again and I was 2 centimeters dilated and 90% effaced. After all the pain I had been through the past week, I was shocked to find out that I had not dilated anymore and was only 10% more effaced  than my last check up. My fluids and Pitocin IV was started at 10:30. Mike and I both called our parents to let them know that we would be staying in the hospital and their granddaughter would be born soon. We also contacted our employers to let them know we would not be at work the next day as well as a few friends we wanted to know that we were in the hospital.
We both tried to get some sleep at this point. Mike was successful but I was not tired. I tried to sleep but ultimately ended up playing games on my phone.

The nurse had started my Pitocin at 1 milliliter per hour. As time went on she increased the drip and my contractions got stronger and closer together. At one point I was receiving 10mL.  (She did drop it down later when my contractions were coming too quickly.)

At 12:40 I felt a gush and then a lot of wetness. I  woke Mike and told him that I had either peed myself or my water had broken. We called the nurse and she came to our room and confirmed that my water indeed broken. She helped me get to the bathroom to get cleaned up. Mike and I both laughed because I left a trail of water through the whole room! I got back in the bed and the contractions continued. A little after 1, the nurse suggested I eat something so I ordered a sandwich.

At 2:10 the contractions were strong and painful enough that I decided it was time for some pain medication. First the nurse checked me and I was still at 2 centimeters dilated and 90% effaced. Almost 4 hours and no progress... I couldn't believe it! The nurse gave me my first dose of Stadol-- it made me dizzy and my face felt really warm. But it provided almost immediate relief and I was able to get nearly an hour of sleep. I woke up again at 3:10, and the medication was starting to wear off. I told myself I had to wait until 4 for the next dose. By this time I was moaning and groaning, so Mike came to hold my hand.

At 3:50 I asked for my second dose of Stadol. Unlike the first dose, it provided absolutely no relief. My contractions were coming hard and fast so the nurse backed the Pitocin  down a little bit. At this point, I told Mike I needed to do something other than just lay there. We decided to do some walking around the labor and delivery wing.

We did one slow lap and then the monitor that was keeping track of the baby's heart rate slipped. The nurse said she would meet us in our room so she could fix it. As she was adjusting the monitor I got very light headed and felt like I was going to throw up. I decided to get back into bed.

The nurse checked me again at 5:15, and this time I was 4 centimeters dilated. Finally, some progress! But, only 2 centimeters in nearly 7 hours. At this point I told Mike I wanted the epidural. The pain was unbelievable and my contractions  were coming so close together that I had absolutely no relief. A short time later I felt another gush of water-- a good sign that labor was progressing!

The anesthesiologist finally arrived at 6. He was fantastic and I wasn't nervous about the procedure at all. At 6:09 he inserted the epidural and by 6:15, I was totally numb! It was incredible! The nurse checked me again at 6:40 and I was still just at 4 centimeters.

My parents arrive around 7, and Mike's mom came  a little while later. (His dad was working so he would pop in every once in awhile.) We originally had planned to have our parents just wait in the waiting room, but ended up letting them coming to the hospital room.  It was nice to have the distraction from labor (even though I was no longer in pain!)

Our nurses changed shifts so we had someone new at 7. We liked our day nurse as much as our night nurse.

At 9:30, we send our parents down to the waiting room so the nurse to check me again. I was so surprised when she said I was fully dilated! She said I could start pushing soon but for now they wanted me to labor down on my own for a while. Mike went down to tell our parents that their granddaughter would be here soon.

We waited nearly an hour before the nurse came back at 10:30 and asked if I was ready to push. My whole body was shaking with adrenaline and anticipation. She said our baby's head was very low and she didn't think it would take much pushing.

At 10:45, they called the doctor to come and I was allowed to start pushing. Mike and the nurse each held one of my legs up and coached me to push through the contractions. It took me a few contractions to get the hang of pushing, but once I figured out what I was doing, I felt great. They kept saying how well I was doing and how close I was getting to pushing the baby out. I was afraid the doctor wasn't going to make it in time, but she showed up at 11:30. She got changed and prepared all her equipment, and then got in catching position. The nurse and Mike continued to coach me.

Finally, they said she was ready to come out. (I wasn't sure I believe them, as they have been telling me I was "so close" for the past hour!) I pushed as hard as I could, and the next thing I knew my baby girl was laying on my stomach! It was the most incredible feeling I've ever experienced!

The nurses rubbed her down while she was on my belly. I couldn't stop staring at my baby! The doctor delivered the placenta and stitched me up while Mike and I marveled at our little baby. After about 20 minutes Mike got to cut the umbilical cord. The nurse quickly took our baby to measure and weigh her.

Summer Joy was 8 pounds 2 ounces and 19 inches long. Everything about her was absolutely perfect!

Before our doctor left our room, she asked if she could pray with us. She prayed a blessing over our new family. It was a powerful moment!

After an hour or so of marveling at our baby girl, Mike went to get our parents. We also took a few minutes to text some friends our big news! The grandparents couldn't wait to see Summer. They all got a chance to hold her. Everyone was instantly in love!

After a couple hours, they left (begrudgingly) so we could get a little rest. Then Great Grandma came to visit.

They finally took Summer away for a few minutes (though it seemed like forever) to bathe her. They brought her back all swaddled up and wearing a pink knit hat.

Jen and Tyler came to visit after dinner. And surprise, so did Nate! Summer's aunt and uncles were smitten too! Finally, our visitors left and we were left as a family of 3. Our night was exhausting as every sound Summer made woke us up. We didn't know what was normal and what wasn't (everything was normal!) or what her cries meant. We were able to get some sleep though.

Tuesday morning my parents came back...Tracy and Rich came too! Our day was filled with sporadic visitors: Jodi, Brett & Rachel, Jen & Tyler, Mark, Jen, Kaylyn, & Libby.

Mike asked if we could send Summer to the nursery on Tuesday night so we could get a little more sleep. I agreed, as long as the nurses would bring her back to eat--no formula and no pacifier. We still didn't get much sleep as she was back a few times to eat!

Nursing was taking us a bit of getting used to. But we had an "angel" nurse that night. She told us we should have been waking Summer up every 2-3 hours during the day to eat. We had previously been told that as long as she at twice in the first 24 hours, she was fine. Turns out she wasn't getting enough practice nursing, so that was probably why she wasn't wanting to latch on. Our nurse was so patient and showed me various positions and techniques to help both Summer and I. The sugar water really helped! We were so thankful for that nurse!

Wednesday afternoon we finally were discharged and got to go home. It was so nice to be in the comfort of our own home, but at the same time felt so odd to have a baby in the house. We had a rough first night, but it was more the dog's fault then Summer's! Every time she made a noise, he would whine or bark or scratch his cage. It was a long night for all of us!

Friday, we had Summer's 1 week doctor appointment. They were a little worried that she had lost too much weight, as she was down to 7 pounds 4 ounces. They suggested that we supplement with formula to get her weight back up. They also said that her bilirubin levels were too high, so we had to go down to the lab to have it checked.

The blood test showed that Summer was at a 17, and normal is 10 or below. We were told she needed to be on a biliblanket to bring her levels down. We also needed to have her levels tested every day. She peaked at 18 before slowly going down, and so she was in the biliblanket for 2 weeks. It was an inconvenience for us to have to have her constantly laying on the blanket, but it was important for us to get those levels down! Since she needed to be on the blanket as much as possible, we had her sleep in her Moses basket in the living room. The tubes and wires would be a pain to put in the crib, and her basket was easier. I slept on the couch next to her every night to keep an eye on her and the blanket.

For the first 2 weeks of Summer's life, we were at the hospital or doctor nearly every day for a bili test or a weight check. At her 3 week appointment, she weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces and we were told we didn't need to return until her 2 month appointment. Finally!

We began to settle into a routine--eat, sleep, poop. Life is great, things are going well, and we can't imagine life without our little Summer Joy!

She's Here!!!

Summer Joy was born on Monday, July 22, at 11:59 am. She weighed in at 8 pounds and 2 ounces and was 19 inches long. She is doing well and I am head over heels in love with her!  One of these days I'll share our birth story, but for now, I'm off to cuddle my little girl!

39 Weeks

How far along: 39 weeks (7/20/13)

Baby size: About 20 inches from head to toe and about 7 pounds. She has probably reached her birth length and weight.

Total weight gain: 52 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes! And even some of my maternity clothes are too small now!

Stretch marks: None :)

Sleep: I'm tired all the time.  I went home early from work a few times because I didn't feel good and was so exhausted--I love any sleep I can get!

Best moment this week: The baby shower that my co-workers threw for me.

Miss anything? Sleeping through the night...but I suppose it's just preparation for when baby comes!

Movement: Yes!  She's moving all over! 

Food cravings: Speedy Freezes and Twizzlers and Snickers Ice-cream Bars

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: Yes, and no.  I've been having non-painful contractions, but we know that they are doing something.  The doctor didn't check me this week, we'll see if I make it to next week's appointment!

Belly button in or out? In, but it's flat now.
Wedding rings on or off? On.  Permanently on. :)

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: The first real contraction and having my baby!

38 Weeks

How far along: 38 weeks (7/13/13)

Baby size: 20 inches from head to toe and about 7 pounds. She has probably reached her birth length and weight.

Total weight gain: Around 50 pounds.  I want to add that the doctor is not concerned about my weight gain because my blood pressure and other levels are great.  She said this is just my body's way of reacting to pregnancy.

Maternity clothes: Yes! I am able to wear some pre-pregnancy clothes still (like the tank top under my dress in the picture above), but most of my clothes are maternity.  My maternity pants are too small though because my hips have spread :(

Stretch marks: None :)

Sleep: Doing well again this week!  I feel like I'm getting enough sleep, but I am also waking up a lot for the bathroom, and by bedtime I am exhausted.

Best moment this week: Getting all the "last minute" things done--installing the car seat, putting crib sheets on etc.

Miss anything? Sleeping through the night...but I suppose it's just preparation for when baby comes!

Movement: Yes!  She's moving all over! 

Food cravings: Speedy Freezes and Twizzlers

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: Yes, and no.  My body is definitely preparing for labor.  At my appointment on Wednesday (7/10), I was 80% effaced and 2 cm dilated.  TMI: I lost my mucus plug Sunday.  I've been having contractions but nothing painful.  I keep waiting for the pain--I'm ready to have this baby!

Belly button in or out? In, but it's flat now.
Wedding rings on or off? On.  Permanently on. :)

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: The first real contraction and having my baby!

37 Weeks

How far along: 37 weeks (7/6/13)

Baby size: 20 inches from head to toe and about 6-1/2 pounds. 

Total weight gain: around 40 pounds; I have stopped weighing myself at home.

Maternity clothes: Yes! 

Stretch marks: None :)

Sleep: Pretty good this week (minus all the fireworks going off!)!  I'm starting to feel tired all the time though and feel like I could always sleep.

Best moment this week: Our baby showers.

Miss anything? Sleeping through the night...but I suppose it's just preparation for when baby comes!

Movement: Yes!  She's moving all over! 

Food cravings: Speedy Freezes and Twizzlers

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: Not yet, but at my doctor appointment on Monday (7/1/13), the doctor could feel the baby's head and said I was about 50% effaced.  Statistically, he said most women whose babies are this low and who are 50% thinned out at the point I was (36w2d) don't make it past 39 weeks!

Belly button in or out? In, but it's flat now.
Wedding rings on or off? On.  Permanently on. :)

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Our baby's arrival!  It really could be any day now!

36 Weeks

How far along: 36 weeks (6/29/13)

Baby size: 20 inches from head to toe and about 6 pounds. 

Total weight gain: around 40 pounds; I have stopped weighing myself at home.

Maternity clothes: Yes! 

Stretch marks: None :)

Sleep: Pretty good this week!

Best moment this week: Finishing the nursery.  Now all we need is the baby!

Miss anything? Being able to move like I used to! 

Movement: Yes!  She's moving all over! 

Food cravings: Speedy Freezes

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No, but baby girl is head down (she has been for a while now) so she's getting ready!

Belly button in or out? In, but it's flat now.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but it is getting harder to get them on and off.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Our 2 baby showers this week!

Baby K's Nursery

This past weekend, Mike and I put the finishing touches on the nursery!  It is now ready and we just need the baby! ;) 

Walking into the nursery from the hallway.

The crib and glider.  Not pictured is the side table I just purchased.  It will go beside the glider and has drawers for bibs and blankets, as well as a place for me to stash a few snacks and a water bottle!

I love the window valance!  I also made a couple word art pictures that I framed and hung up.  The stroller will eventually  be kept in the garage, but for now it's safe in the nursery.

Baby girl's closet is starting to fill up!  I have most of her clothes still on the hangers, but a few might be transferred to her dresser.  We also have the pack and play as well as a box of miscellaneous toys/stuff in the closet for now.

I love this area of the room because I feel like it's where I've spent the most time making things for her.  I painted the lamp pink and we are using a shelf from Mike's old bedroom to display some books.  We have a bunch of cloth diapers on the changing table shelves for when she's big enough to wear those!

The view from by the window.  Champ is quite excited to be a big brother--though he doesn't quite understand why we won't let him in the room!

35 Weeks

How far along: 35 weeks (6/22/13)

Baby size: 19 inches from head to toe and about 5-1/2 pounds. 

Total weight gain: around 40 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes! 

Stretch marks: None :)

Sleep: Pretty good this week!

Best moment this week: Both of my parents were able to feel Baby K move!

Miss anything? Being able to move like I used to! 

Movement: Yes!  She's moving all over! 

Food cravings: Snickers Ice Cream bars

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No, but baby girl is head down (she has been for a while now) so she's getting ready!

Belly button in or out? In, but it's flat now.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but if I'm warm, I can't get them off again! 

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Our first shower this weekend.

34 Weeks

How far along: 34 weeks (6/15/13)

Baby size: 19 inches from head to toe (though based on the length of her daddy's legs, I'd bet she's a little longer!) and about 5 pounds.  I can tell she is growing because I can feel movements in multiple places at once!

Total weight gain: 36 pounds (I haven't been weighing myself at home anymore, so I'll find out at my next doctor appointment)

Maternity clothes: Yes! 

Stretch marks: None :)

Sleep: Awful this week!  Baby girl would kick as I was trying to sleep and I had a couple nights when I'd wake up in the middle of the night for a couple hours.

Best moment this week: Wednesday night, Mike had his hand on my belly and she was moving like crazy. He'd press down or poke her a little bit and she'd press right back. It was so fun to watch them "play" together already!  (Also, we had our birthing class this week, so that was pretty neat.)

Miss anything? Being able to move like I used to!  My movements are slower, I can't bend down as easily, and my belly is so big!

Movement: Yes!  She's moving all over!  I had my hand on my belly yesterday and I could feel her move her hand (I'm assuming) like 5 inches...it was so cool!

Food cravings: Speedy Freeze--so refreshing in the heat!

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No, but baby girl is head down (she has been for a while now) so she's getting ready!

Belly button in or out? In, but it's flat now.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but if I'm warm, I can't get them off again! 

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Finishing up the nursery.

33 Weeks

How far along: 33 weeks (6/8/13)

Baby size: 19 inches from head to toe and about 4 pounds.

Total weight gain: 36 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes!  My clothing options are getting fewer and fewer though as my belly continues to grow!

Stretch marks: None :)

Sleep: I feel like I'm sleeping well and getting enough sleep!

Best moment this week: Another doctor appointment, so hearing our little girl's heartbeat (156).

Miss anything? Laying on my stomach

Movement: Yes!  She's moving all over!  I've been the recipient of quite a few rib kicks this week!

Food cravings: Speedy Freezes

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's flat now.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but if I'm warm, I can't get them off again! 

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Finishing up the nursery.

32 Weeks

How far along: 32 weeks (6/1/13)

Baby size: 19 inches from head to toe and about 4 pounds.  She is gaining an average of 1/2 a pound each week now, and is about half of her birth weight.

Total weight gain: 32 pounds (didn't weigh myself this week)

Maternity clothes: Yes!  It's getting difficult though, because some of my maternity shirts are even getting to short!

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!  At this point, if I don't have any, I probably won't get any...yay!

Sleep: I'm a much lighter sleeper now that I have ever been.  I feel like I wake up a lot, but I'm not too tired, so I must be getting enough sleep.

Best moment this week: When Kaylyn felt our baby hiccup--the wide-eyed look was so priceless.  This baby is so loved already!

Miss anything? Sleeping through the night.

Movement: Yes!  She's moving all over!  This week I've been able to see my belly "poke" out a couple times when she's jabbed me.

Food cravings: Fruit!

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's flat now.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but if I'm warm, I can't get them off again!  My hands are starting to swell with the warmer temperatures.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Painting the lamp this week (thanks Ashley!) and hopefully finding a side-table to complete the nursery.

31 Weeks

How far along: 31 weeks (5/25/13)

Baby size: 17 inches from head to toe and about 3-1/2 pounds.

Total weight gain: 32 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes!  But I wear yoga pants or Mike's basketball shorts around the house because it's so much more comfortable!

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: Sometimes I sleep well, other times I don't.  I'm thankful for the sleep I do get!

Best moment this week: Hearing our baby's heartbeat at the doctor.  

Miss anything? Sleeping through the night.

Movement: Yes!  She's moving all over!  I've noticed a difference in her movements, less "dragging" and more jabs and pokes.  Some of her kicks kind of hurt!

Food cravings: Oreos again this week

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's almost flat now.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but if I'm warm, I can't get them off again!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Finishing up the nursery.  I just need to find a lamp and we're all set!

30 Weeks

How far along: 30 weeks (5/18/13)

Baby size: 17 inches from head to toe and over 3 pounds.

Total weight gain: 29 pounds (from 2 weeks--didn't check this again week..oops!)

Maternity clothes: Yes!

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: Sometimes I sleep well, other times I don't.  I'm thankful for the sleep I do get!

Best moment this week: Feeling our baby's hiccups.

Miss anything? Sleeping through the night.

Movement: Yes!  She's moving a lot more this week and I can tell she is getting stronger.  Some of her kicks actually have hurt!

Food cravings: Nothing in particular.

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's almost flat now.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but if I'm warm, I can't get them off again!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Another doctor appointment this coming week.

29 Weeks

How far along: 29 weeks (5/11/13)

Baby size: 17 inches from head to toe and about 3 pounds.

Total weight gain: 29 pounds (from last week--didn't check this week)

Maternity clothes: Yes!

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: I have good nights and bad nights. I'm feeling our baby move more, which is great except when she's wiggling when I'm trying to fall asleep!

Best moment this week: Feeling our little one squirm all over--Mike loves it too!

Miss anything? Running!

Movement: Yes!  She's moving all over, and I am able to notice her patterns (sleeping and waking)

Food cravings: Nothing in particular.

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's getting more shallow.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but if I'm warm, I can't get them off again!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Meeting our baby girl!



28 Weeks

 

How far along: 28 weeks (5/4/13)

Baby size: 15 inches from head to toe and about 2-1/2 pounds.

Total weight gain: 29 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes!

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: I have good nights and bad nights. I'm feeling our baby move more, which is great except when she's wiggling when I'm trying to fall asleep!

Best moment this week: Decorating the nursery.

Miss anything? Sleeping through the night and sleeping on my back or stomach.

Movement: Yes!  The movements have changed this week, it's like she's dragging her foot along my belly and I can feel a lot more movement than before.

Food cravings: Nothing in particular.

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's getting more shallow.
Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Going on our "babymoon"!



27 Weeks

How far along: 27 weeks (4/27/13)

Baby size: 15 inches from head to toe and a little over 2 pounds.

Total weight gain: 25 pounds (from last week, I forgot to weigh myself this week)

Maternity clothes: Yes!

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: I have good nights and bad nights. I'm feeling our baby move more, which is great except when she's wiggling when I'm trying to fall asleep!

Best moment this week: Hearing our baby's heartbeat at our doctor appointment.

Miss anything? Sleeping through the night.

Movement: Yes! Baby girl is quite the dancer!

Food cravings: Fresh fruit.

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's getting more shallow.
Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Decorating our nursery.

26 Weeks

How far along: 26 weeks (4/20/13)

Baby size: 12 inches from head to butt and about 2 pounds.

Total weight gain: 25 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes!

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: I have good nights and bad nights. I'm feeling our baby move more, which is great except when she's wiggling when I'm trying to fall asleep!

Best moment this week: Buying our bedding set for the nursery.

Miss anything? Being able to grab anything I want from my closet to wear! ;)

Movement: Yes! Baby girl is quite the dancer!

Food cravings: Brownies this week.

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's getting more shallow.
Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Decorating our nursery.

25 Weeks

How far along: 25 weeks (4/13/13)

Baby size: 12 inches from head to butt and more than 1-1/2 pounds.

Total weight gain: 23 pounds (last week--I forgot to weigh myself this week!)

Maternity clothes: Yes!

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: I have good nights and bad nights.  I'm feeling our baby move more, which is great except when she's wiggling when I'm trying to fall asleep!

Best moment this week: Mike being able to see my belly move when our baby girl kicked!

Miss anything? Being able to sleep on my stomach.

Movement: Yes! Baby girl is quite the dancer!

Food cravings: Brownies this week.

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's getting more shallow. 
Wedding rings on or off? On, but if I'm hot, then I can't get them off again!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Decorating our nursery.

24 Weeks

How far along: 24 weeks (4/6/13)

Baby size: 12 inches from head to butt and about 1-1/2 pounds.

Total weight gain: 23 pounds

Maternity clothes: I would say I'm wearing about 50% "regular" clothes and 50% maternity.  Definitely maternity pants until I get home and get in comfy pants.  The shirt I'm wearing above is from the junior's department but is doing pretty well as a maternity top.

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: Better again this week

Best moment this week: Being able to see my belly move when our baby girl kicked!

Miss anything? Not really.

Movement: Yes! Baby girl is quite the dancer!

Food cravings: Nothing really this week

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's getting more shallow.  I told Mike I think it will be flat by the end of this month.
Wedding rings on or off? On, but if I'm hot, then I can't get them off again!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Mike being able to see the baby move!

23 Weeks

How far along: 23 weeks (3/30/13)

Baby size: 11-12 inches from head to butt and just over 1 pound.

Total weight gain: 21 pounds

Maternity clothes: I would say I'm wearing about 50% "regular" clothes and 50% maternity

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: Better again this week

Best moment this week: Our doctor's appointment and hearing that everything is looking perfectly normal and our ultrasound results were good.  Also, 2 good friends having 3 babies this week!

Miss anything? Not really.

Movement: Yes!  Baby girl is quite the dancer!

Food cravings: Nothing really this week

Have you started to show yet? Yes, for sure!

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's getting more shallow.
Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to:Working on our registry this weekend

22 Weeks

How far along: 22 weeks (3/23/13)

Baby size: 10-12 inches from head to butt (depending where you get your information!) and about 1 pound.

Total weight gain: 20 pounds

Maternity clothes: Most definitely!  My non-maternity tops are too short to wear now!

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: It was rough this week--a couple nights of little sleep made for a tired mama!

Best moment this week: Mike got to feel our baby girl move on Friday night!  It was so sweet!

Miss anything? Not really.

Movement: Yes!  Baby girl is quite the dancer!

Food cravings: Sweets--candies and cookies!

Have you started to show yet? Yes, I definitely have a bump.

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's getting more shallow.
Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Our next doctor's appointment (on Tuesday).

21 Weeks

How far along: 21 weeks (3/16/13)

Baby size: 7 inches from head to butt and about 10.5 (probably more) ounces

Total weight gain: 17 pounds--I think I've gained about 5 pounds in my face!

Maternity clothes: Lots of maternity tops made their appearance this week. I ordered another pair of jeans too.

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: No complaints this week!

Best moment this week: We finished putting together the nursery furniture.

Miss anything? Not really.

Movement: Yes!  Baby girl is quite the dancer!

Food cravings: Oreos this week :)

Have you started to show yet? Yes, I definitely have a bump.

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs: No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's getting more shallow.
Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Mike being able to feel our little girl kicking!

20 Weeks

How far along: 20 weeks (3/9/13)

Baby size: Baby K. is between 8 ounces and 16 ounces (closer to 16) and about 10 inches long.

Total weight gain: 17 pounds

Maternity clothes:  Lots of maternity tops made their appearance this week.  I think I'll need to buy another pair of jeans soon too, one pair isn't cutting it!

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: Getting better.  I love my pregnancy pillow!

Best moment this week: Finding out that we're having a baby girl!

Miss anything? Not really.

Movement:  Yes!  Baby K seems to enjoy having dance parties.  She is really active in the morning, from about 9-1, then she's pretty calm the rest of the day.

Food cravings: Cheeseburgers :) 

Have you started to show yet? Yes, I definitely have a bump.

Gender: Our little one is a girl!

Labor signs:  No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's stretching and looks funny. 
Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Mike being able to feel our little girl kicking!

It's a...

BABY GIRL!!!!

19 Weeks

How far along: 19 weeks (3/2/13)

Baby size: Baby K. is over 8 ounces and about 8-10 inches long.

Total weight gain: 13 pounds

Maternity clothes: Definitely starting to wear more maternity tops this week.  I think I'll need to buy another pair of jeans soon too, one pair isn't cutting it!

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: Getting better.  I love my pregnancy pillow!

Best moment this week: Feeling our baby move!  (And hearing the heartbeat at our doctor's appointment!)

Miss anything? Not really.

Movement:  Yes!  Our baby was really active on Monday morning, to the point that I knew for sure it was the baby moving, not gas.  The movement has really increased this week.

Food cravings: Nothing really this week.

Have you started to show yet? Yes, I definitely have a bump.

Gender: Not sure yet...Mike's hoping for a boy...I'm hoping for a girl. But we'll both be thrilled either way! We should find out in a couple weeks!

Labor signs:  No

Belly button in or out? In, but it's stretching and looks funny.  I took my belly ring out this week.
Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Our ultrasound this week!  I can't wait to find out what we're having and see our precious baby!

18 weeks

How far along: 18 weeks (2/23/13)

Baby size: Baby K. is over 5 ounces and about 8 inches long.

Total weight gain: 13 pounds

Maternity clothes: I'm starting to need longer shirts, but I'm still able to wear regular shirts most of the time.  You can see in the picture that the shirt I'm wearing is almost too short and I bought it to wear as maternity!

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: Sometimes I sleep well, other times I don't.  I did take a (doctor approved) sleeping pill this week when I was still awake after 11pm! 

Best moment this week: 2 baby showers and celebrating with my friends!

Miss anything? Motivation to work out.  I honestly miss running/walking and spinning, but I simply can't get myself out of bed to go to the gym (or even the basement) to work out in the morning.

Movement:  I've felt a few "bubbles" this week, starting on Wednesday.  I think it's the baby, not gas, but I'm going to have to keep waiting to find out for sure.

Food cravings: Nothing really this week.

Have you started to show yet? Yes, I definitely have a bump. My boss told me the other day that I finally look pregnant :) 

Gender: Not sure yet...Mike's hoping for a boy...I'm hoping for a girl. But we'll both be thrilled either way!  We should find out in a couple weeks!

Labor signs: no

Belly button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? on.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Our doctor's appointment on Tuesday.

17 Weeks

How far along: 17 weeks (2/16/13)

Baby size: Baby K. is about 5 ounces and 5 inches long.

Total weight gain: 10.5 pounds

Maternity clothes: I'm starting to need longer shirts, but I'm still able to wear regular shirts most of the time.

Stretch marks: None, but I have been putting coconut oil on a few times a week!

Sleep: Getting better! 

Best moment this week: Working on our nursery and getting some of the furniture set up.

Miss anything? Not really.

Movement: None yet.

Food cravings: Nothing really this week. 

Have you started to show yet? Yes, I definitely have a bump. 

Gender: Not sure yet...Mike's hoping for a boy...I'm hoping for a girl. But we'll both be thrilled either way!

Labor signs: no

Belly button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? on.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy! 
Looking forward to: Our doctor's appointment next week.

16 Weeks

How far along: 16 weeks (2/9/13)

Baby size: Baby K. is about the size of an avocado!

Total weight gain: About 9 pounds.  (I forgot to weigh myself this week)

Maternity clothes: I wore a real maternity shirt for the first time this week.  My other shirts are starting to fit awkwardly, so I figured I better bite the bullet.

Stretch marks: None, but I have the coconut oil ready!

Sleep: Getting about 10 hours a night, but having a hard time staying asleep and finding a comfortable position--I'm paranoid about laying on my back.

Best moment this week: Having someone ask "are you pregnant?" (and being able to say yes!)

Miss anything? Still missing my energy....

Movement: None yet.

Food cravings: Nothing really this week. 

Have you started to show yet? Yes, I definitely have a bump. 

Gender: Not sure yet...Mike's hoping for a boy...I'm hoping for a girl. But we'll both be thrilled either way!

Labor signs: no

Belly button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? on.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!  But I had a couple hormonal boughts of crying this week.  (Funny story: I saw Champ laying on his back in his cage, feet up in the air and eyes wide open.  I thought he was dead--it scared me so bad I started crying!)
Looking forward to: Getting started on the nursery!