Week 37

The Date: September 25th-October 1st, 2013

How far along? 37 Weeks

Look how big he is now! 

Total weight gain/loss: 30 pounds

Baby Size: Baby is the size of a winter melon. He is 18-21 inches long and weighs 6-9 pounds. He is gaining about half and ounce every day

I've never had one of those

Things I learned about Baby:  He is practicing inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking. He is also getting his first sticky poo (meconium) read for his first diaper.

Maternity clothes: 

 Ummm, yes.

Changes I've noticed: I have had more contractions this week and they are now wrapping around to my lower back. I've seen stars at random times which is kinda scary. My hands and ankles are so swollen that most of my shoes don't fit me and my rings definitely don't fit anymore.

Sleep: Sleep is hard but I'm fine. :)

Best Moment this week: My birthday was this week and I had a fun time hanging out with Landon and his family. We played a lot of ping pong and went to dinner at Surin 280. Landon gave me some great gift cards to buy some new clothes and makeup after the baby comes. Dustin gave me the new RUF Auburn CD and his parents gave me some pj's for the hospital. My mom sent me a gift but I'm still waiting for it in the mail. :) I also had my last baby shower with the girls from my Sunday School class at Briarwood. It was really nice to have a time of fellowship with them and get to know many of them better. It was great!

Briarwood Friends Shower 

New Favorite CD 

Miss anything: My ankles, my shoes, my clothes.

Crave anything: no.

Movement: Yes, he is still moving so much!

Anything making you queasy or sick: no

Showing: haha Of course!

Labor Signs: I'm now dilated to 2 cm and 80% effaced! I'm having more contractions and I've lost most of the m plug.

Belly Button: My belly button is completely flat now. I don't think I have the kind of belly button that can become an outy. Which is good! So mine is just stretched to be flat.

Wedding Rings:I've been wearing my rings on a necklace. My fingers got so swollen this past week. I look forward to being able to wear them again soon.

Moods: My mood is good. I'm happy and excited. I'm super tired and sometimes I cry easily.

Baby Preparations: I think we finished the nursery! Except for putting pictures in frames and his initial on the wall (since we haven't picked a name yet.) I hung frames on the walls and Christmas lights under the crib. I got a new tall silver lamp and put blue ribbons on both lamps. I made some cute blue, grey, and white baby bunting banner to hang on the wall. I think it adds some more color to the room. I finished packing my bag and the snack bag. I crocheted some new little items for my little buddy.

Blue Baby Booties for my Little Man :) 

Baby Bunting. I actually hung it a different way after this photo. 

Prayer Requests: Pray that I will recognize the signs of labor when they arrive. Pray for safety for baby during delivery. Pray that he will be healthy. Pray that he will never remember a day when he doesn't know Jesus as his Savior.

Packing the Baby's bag! 

I am looking forward to... getting the new baby swing and high chair in the mail! We decided to get the new MamaRoo. Landon thought it would be safer because it can't tip over. It is a lot smaller then the other swings on the market so it doesn't take up your whole living room. Which we thought was great for our small house! It looks kinda funny...like a little space ship but it plugs into the wall and will save us lots of money on batteries. Also looking forward to my next doctors visit to see if I've progressed anymore.

Lunch date with Landon drinking a coffee on National Coffee day! 

Week 31

The Date: August 14th-20th, 2013

How far along? 31 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 18 pounds above starting weight

Baby Size: Baby is the size of a pineapple! He is 15-16 inches long and he is 2.5-4 pounds in weight! He is getting so big!

Things I learned about Baby: Baby is going through major brain, nerve and eye development. More hair is growing on his head this week and can even have color now!   

Maternity clothes: Definitely wearing maternity clothes now. I'm wearing maternity clothes 40-50% of the time now. But all my previous clothes that fit were to big for me before pregnancy.

Changes I've noticed: Getting bigger (obviously). Baby is moving so much and you can see his little body move and you can feel the different body parts. I actually knew it was his little foot sticking out! fun and cute!

Sleep: Yeah....sleep stinks these days.

Best Moment this week: Well, this week has been a little hormonal to say the least. School started this week and I didn't go back to work. While it has always been my dream to stay home right now there is no baby to take up my time so I've been lonely. But, I am getting a lot done in the baby room. :)

Miss anything: Missing work right now. But I know that won't last long. It's just a transition phase.

Crave anything: Nope.

Movement: So much movement. I need to try and record it because it is so cool to see.

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope.

Labor Signs: Not yet! Hang in there Little Buddy! Stay in for a few more weeks.

Belly Button: Still in! yay!

Wedding Rings: As long as I don't wear them when I sleep I'm good. :)

Moods: I think real pregnancy hormones have hit this week! haha So happy that I can't stop laughing and then crying for no reason. haha.

Baby Preparations: Working hard on the baby room! Pictures will come soon!

We set up the crib and bought a crib mattress! 

I made some art with left over fabric

Put together the bookshelf for the nursery 

Made this ring rattle I found on pinterest

Prayer Requests: Keep praying for Landon and his knee. We will find out soon if/when he needs surgery. Pray that the baby stays healthy and doesn't come until after Whitney's wedding.

I am looking forward to... Finishing the nursery!

Week 30

The Date: August 7-13, 2013

How far along? 30 Weeks!

Total weight gain/loss: 17 pounds

Baby Size: Baby is the size of a cucumber...well, at least the length of a cucumber. :) Little boy is 15-16 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds.

Things I learned about Baby:  Baby boys brain is now fully developed! It contains speech and language centers in the process of development. Complex neurological connections and learning will continue long after birth.

Maternity clothes: 

 Bleh! Hate them! haha Wore two maternity tops this week...they actually fit me. I'm still wearing lots of none maternity clothes that fit me too.

Changes I've noticed: My nose gets stuffed up only when I lay down to sleep, which makes for some occasional pregnancy snoring. Sorry Landon! Also, I started eating less this week. I look at food and feel like I want to eat more but then I can't fit it into my stomach. Baby is taking up all the room! :) Also, I'm starting to sweat very easily. I got hot just sitting in Sunday school the other day! Landon said he didn't think it felt hot in the room...just pregnant me!

Sleep: Sleep pretty much stinks! But I don't walk around tired all the time. I'm getting less sleep than when I was teaching and I feel totally fine. Maybe I won't need as much sleep anymore??? Or maybe It's just a weird pregnancy thing and I'll go back to needed/wanting 9 hours a night. We shall see!

Best Moment this week: Spending time with Landon. Going out on date night Friday night. We went to a little Italian place and ordered a huge stuffed pizza. We sat and talked for an hour after we finished eating and just enjoyed our time out together. I also enjoyed my time at the pool with school friends catching up with them. I don't see them much anymore since I'm staying home this year so it's nice to hear about everything going on at ECCS.

Miss anything: Diet Coke. I was limiting myself to an occasional caffein free diet coke here and there, but I noticed that I was getting braxton hicks on days that I would drink it and not getting them on days that I only drank milk and water. So, I think I'm going to go cold turkey and nix the Diet Coke...for a while. Positives: no braxton hicks! Saving money! Maybe I should never pick up the habit again...

Crave anything: No pregnancy cravings...just want a Diet Coke.

Movement: YES!!!! He moves like crazy! I was getting worried that he was moving so much because he was uncomfortable or I was hurting him the way I was sitting or laying. I asked my nurse if there was such a thing as "too much movement" and she laughed and said no. I learned that the reason he moves more when I lay down is that he has more room to stretch out and move. So he is actually enjoying it. And here I was all worried that the crazy amounts of kicking meant he was in distress or something! I'm sure this won't be the first time I'm nervous about something that is really nothing. I'm glad I asked the nurse! :)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. Just when I get too hot!

Showing: Oh boy! yes!

Labor Signs: Well, is it a sign of labor that baby boy is head down now? He is getting ready to come see me!

Belly Button: I'm glad that the belly button is still in! I don't want to spend the next two months embarrassed that it is sticking out! haha I'm hoping it won't ever stick out or it won't stick out for long.

Wedding Rings: I only take them off to sleep in. If I wear them to bed my hands seem to swell up. During the day they seem to be fine.

Moods: I think my mood this week has been pretty even. No crying or uncontrollable laughing. I've felt normal this week.

Baby Preparations: Just lots of praying, crocheting, painting, and planning. We still don't have a name for our little guy yet! I wan't to know it! We have three first names picked out, and we are still looking for middle names that go well with them. I know, I know! We only need one name but we like them all and can't decide!

Little Bear hat I made for Baby Boy this week

I made this one for a friend! Looks like a little mouse! 

Little photo prop for Baby boy 

Can you Tell these are little elephants? I might add these to the baby hats! 

Prayer Requests: This week I've been praying a lot for Landon. He tore his ACL and will need surgery soon. He wants to get it before the baby comes so he can be ready to be Dad right away. We aren't sure about the timing so we are just praying for wisdom and continued healing. Also, praying for baby boys continued growth and development. Praying specifically this week that baby boy won't have food allergies like me. Praying that I will continue to stay healthy and feel good.

I am looking forward to...Setting up the crib next week. Organizing baby's clothes and things!

Week 29

The Date: July 31st-August 6th, 2013

How far along? 29 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 15 pounds!

Baby Size: Baby is 15-16 inches long and weighs 2.5-3.5 pounds. He is about the size of an Acorn Squash. haha

Things I learned about Baby:  Baby boy can now regulate his own body temperature! How cool is that! His bone marrow is now in charge of producing red blood cells for his little body. He can urinate half a liter a day now. The lanugo on his skin is shedding while the hair on his head is starting to grow in thicker! (If he will have hair. :)

Maternity clothes: I went to destination maternity and bought a dress to wear for special occasions. It is a simple silky grey wrap dress. It's not my favorite, but it does fit! Probably a little to big but I'm sure I'll be filling it out by the time Whitney's wedding rolls around. :)

Changes I've noticed: Things are becoming a LOT harder! Picking things up on off of the ground isn't easy anymore. Getting up off the couch after lounging isn't easy anymore! I looked at Landon yesterday and said, "This pregnancy just got real!" The ease of the second trimester is over and joys of the third trimester have begun! I'm glad the baby room is painted because getting up and down is no easy task! The reality: I still have a lot more growing to do! This big belly hasn't peeked yet!

Sleep: I used to sleep for 9 hours without waking up before I was pregnant. I can hardly remember those days now...

Best Moment this week: Prepared Childbirth class with Landon! We went on Saturday and had our class on pregnancy, childbirth, and basic baby care. We thought we were going for a short 3 hour class. We were so wrong! The class was from 9:00-4:00!  I knew probably 70% of the material that was covered but it was nice to be able to fill in all of these gaps. It was great to get to go with Landon. He didn't know most of what was talked about and it made him feel a lot more confident. We BOTH feel a lot more confident now. At the end of the day we went to the hospital for a tour. It helped us know exactly where to go when I go into Labor and what to expect once I'm there. We feel ready to have this baby now! Only, Baby, don't come out yet, YOU are not ready to be in the world yet. :)

Miss anything: Good sleep, normal clothes, easy movements. haha

Crave anything: No, but sugar tastes really really good all of the sudden. haha

Movement: Baby Thumper is still a thumpin'!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Heat! It is way way way to hot here in Alabama. I've never said this before but I will be so thankful for the summer to end.

Showing: Most Definitely!

Labor Signs: More braxton hicks this week. My whole stomach gets hard and uncomfortable. I don't like them! But I know it's my bodies way of practicing for real labor....what must real labor be like???

Belly Button: Still in! Hopefully it will stay that way for as long as possible. :)

Wedding Rings: Still fit! :)

Moods: Okay, I think the real hormones of pregnancy have kicked in this week. The smallest thing Landon says makes me laugh so hard...and then it can instantly turn into tears. I just tell myself, "You aren't really sad, this is just hormones!" and then I can usually fight back the tears. It's so strange to not feel in control over those emotions. Most of the time I'd say my hormones are making me super happy and excited and I'm totally a great audience to have around right now. :)

Baby Preparations: I finished the baby afghan and I finished painting and recovering the glider! I'm so excited about them both! I think they turned out really great! They both took me about 3 weeks to complete working on them off and on. I'm excited! :)

Finished chevron Baby blanket! 

Closer Look 

Project time! 

Finished the glider! Freshly painted and freshly covered cushions :)

I am looking forward to... Looking forward to spending each day with Landon. Looking forward to setting up the crib, no...we haven't done that yet.

Week 28

The Date: July 24th-30th, 2013

How far along? 28 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 14 Pounds!

Baby Size: Baby is about 14 inches and about 2 pounds. He is the size of an eggplant. (I'm losing faith in this fruit comparison)

Things I learned about Baby:  Baby is still gaining more fat and his skin is getting less wrinkly! If he was born now he might be able to breathe on his own! (Don't get too excited! Stay in there little guy!) His eyes can now open and close and can track light. I learned that sight isn't fully developed until weeks after birth!

Maternity clothes: 

Hate Maternity clothes! haha My MIL gave me two maternity tank tops that are comfortable. I've been wearing those around the house. I went shopping for some more maternity clothes and came back with nothing. I'll try again in a week or so.

Changes I've noticed: My hips hurt at night when I sleep! But! Landon and I bought each other a new mattress for our anniversary! We got a memory foam mattress so I'm hoping that will help! :) I've also noticed that my baby boy is a hyper squirmy little guy! I can't wait to see those little kicking legs in person!

Sleep: I can't wait to sleep on my new comfy mattress! Coming soon!

Best Moment this week: Well, this week has had many ups and downs. Sad: In Laws are moving away in a week. A sudden surprise to us all. Also, Landon tore his ACL and we are faced with decisions on surgery and when the best time for that would be.

Happy news! We are getting a new mattress! Landon and I had an awesome anniversary together and we are enjoying spending lots of time together this summer. We painted the nursery and it looks great! We tested 5 paint samples and finally decided on a light grey color that almost has a bluish tint to it. It's going to look great with all the white furniture. I've also been keeping up on lots of crafty things while I'm home all day.

Paint Samples! Guess which one we picked. 

Miss anything: Regular clothes

Crave anything: Not anything specific but my appetite is definitely back!

Movement: Yes! He moves so much when I'm still. At night, in bed, Landon can feel the bed moves when he is kicking like crazy. It makes me wonder if he is just active or if he is uncomfortable with the way I'm laying...I don't know.

Anything making you queasy or sick: The Heat!!! That's all.

Showing: OH YES!

Labor Signs: Less braxton Hicks this week.

Belly Button: Hangin' In there!

Wedding Rings: wearing them still!

Moods: Mood is happy! I do laugh a lot easier these days! Either Landon got funnier or it's my hormones. No tears though.

Baby Preparations: Besides painting the baby room and the dresser I did a few other little crafts this week. I crocheted the baby hat and it turned out really cute! I went to Janie and Jack's baby store and they had the cutest stuff! I saw a little onesie like this one with a cute blue whale for $36! Of course I didn't buy it! I went home and made my own! I want to make a few more of these in the future. I think they turned out really really cute. :)

Crafty Projects! :) 

I am looking forward to... prepared childbirth class next week with Landon. :)

Week 26

The Date: July 10-16, 2013

How far along? 26 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 13 pounds gained

Baby Size: Baby is the size of a head of lettuce. He is somewhere between 1.5-2.2 pounds, and is about 14 inches long. (I personally feel like this little guy is bigger than this already.  :)

Things I learned about Baby:  He is practicing breathing this week by inhaling small amounts of amniotic fluids. The nerves in his ears are developing more and more so he can he now not only hear my voice the voices of people around me. So cool! "Hi Baby! How's it going in there?"

Maternity clothes: 

Seriously...I need to go invest is some more clothes. I don't know what it is that I have against maternity clothes. haha

Changes I've noticed: My feet are swelling at the end of every day now! Also, I'm sweating a lot more now. They heat of the summer is getting to me and if I'm outside in the heat too long I will get dizzy and nauseous. Lovely, right?

Sleep: Sleep isn't so bad these days...except that Little Baby Thumper startles me and wakes me up with his massive kicks! He is so still when I'm driving, moving, cleaning, etc., but as soon as I sit or lay to rest he is on the go. I think we might be getting a glimpse at his little personality.

Our new crib! 

Best Moment this week: Spending time with Landon. Working on baby preparations. Attending a friends baby shower at church, getting a glider from my sweet friend Leigh Ann Fleagle, and purchasing a crib and bringing it home!

Miss anything: Sleeping in any position that I want to! I can't wait to lay on my back again, or sleep on my stomach! That will be amazing. :)

Crave anything: Nope, nothing. I thought I'de be going crazy with foods like I always hear about pregnant woman doing, but nothing has hit me yet.

Movement: Does he ever stop moving is now the better question.  At my tired moments the movement can be a little annoying but in reality I don't want it to stop! It lets me know he is doing okay in there. I think if there is a day where he doesn't move much I may start to get worried. On Sunday he was kicking so much you could see my stomach moving under my dress. Like a cartoon with a mouse under the rug! Landon and I almost died laughing in Church service.

Anything making you queasy or sick: The only thing that makes me sick is the heat, and these Alabama summers can be brutal!

Showing: Oh, there is no doubt that I'm showing. I feel like I'm showing more than the norm for 26 weeks. He is so high up! He comes up to my bra line! Not sure if that's because I'm short or if I'm just carrying really high.

Labor Signs: No braxton hicks this week! It's been a real easy going and restful week so I think that helps a lot.

Belly Button: The belly button is stretching out but it is still hangin' IN there. ;)

Wedding Rings: Getting tighter!

Moods: Feeling great! Happy and excited!

Dreams: Yes, yes, yes, crazy dreams, but I still can't remember them. (Next pregnancy I'm deleting this question.)

Baby Preparations: This week I bought a crib!!!! Well, my mom bought it for me but I picked it out, purchased it, and brought it home! So exciting! It was on sale at Pottery Barn Kids and it is the perfect crib for our nursery...now to get started on the nursery. We finally nailed down our colors. Grey walls, white furniture and frames, and blue linens and details. I got grey and white chevron fabric to cover the glider, and baby blue fabric to cover the little wooden table to go beside the glider. I also have been working on some crochet projects. I started and finished a little crochet lamb rattle. I crocheted it and filled it with stuffing and jingle bells. While it didn't turn out as cute as the picture, I still think it is pretty adorable. I also started a grey, white, and blue chevron afghan. I'm doing about one stripe a day so I should be finished in about two or three weeks. So far it looks pretty cute!  :)  Next week we plan to pain and put the crib together. :)

Lamb Baby Rattle I made this week

I am looking forward to... Setting up the nursery! We have so much work ahead of us but it is really exciting to get it all started.

Baby Booties

I've been getting so excited about the baby coming that I've started working on a few little projects. Last week I made these little baby boots. I know they turned out a little girly but I think they are adorable! :) I learned how to made a crocodile stitch for the cuff of the boot.

 Want to make your own crocodile cuff booties? Click here for the free tutorial.

I also made this simple crossover booty. They are so cute they almost look like little Toms or something.  If the baby is a boy this will probably be a better style. 

So what do you think? Would you like the tutorial? Click here for the free crochet tutorial. 

I can't wait to use them! :)