37 weeks. Baby Number 3.

I'm contracting, currently.

It's been a weird week. 

We celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. 

I had my last ultrasound. 

I had my car detailed. 

My cleaning lady came today and I realized the next time she is at my house is the day of my scheduled C-Section. She also made me the CUTEST diaper cake ever. She's a dream. 

Current complaints include: contractions, heartburn, peeing every 5 minutes, back pain, swelling. 

It's been really beautiful weather. 

So much to do. So little time. 

Trying to just .... let it all good. 

xo

Layla - because I love her. 

37 weeks with all 3 - top left is Layla, bottom left is Benny - right is new baby :) 

37 weeks today!

How far along? 37 weeks. Per my app, baby is the size of romaine lettuce (haha)

Total weight gain/loss: I didn't weigh in. I will next week - probably for the last time :) 

Maternity clothes? I just want to be naked. I'm so big.

Stretch marks? I keep looking - I'm hoping they stay away the next 2 weeks.

Sleep: Off and on. Last night I was up every 2 hours to pee but I'm able to mostly fall back asleep thanks to unisom. 

Best moment this week: My ultrasound on Monday was good - he's weighing 6 pounds, 11 ounces. He still seems to have one kidney. And he is so low that the tech couldn't see his face. The next 14 days will be so fast and so slow. 

Have you told family and friends: Yes.

Movement: Constant. Painful. Contracting.  

Food cravings:  Not really. Lemonade. I"m not eating as much.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I had some nausea this morning and the heartburn is killer.

Gender prediction: BOY!! 

Labor Signs: Lots of contractions. Wednesday (our anniversary) was really, really rough. I'd just like him to stay in until May 10th. 

Belly Button in or out? Barely in.

Wedding rings on or off? Nada.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Mostly happy. 

Weekly Wisdom: Leaving work earlier then normal is semi-helpful with contractions. And though his room is a disaster - it'll all get done.

Milestones: 37 weeks seems good. Last ultrasound. Chugging right along. AHHHHHH!

Week 36. 9 months pregnant!

Week 36. 

I'm so tired. 

I'm contracting. 

I'm ready. 

BUT... let's wait the next 3 weeks, shall we :)

I can't wait to meet this sweet baby boy and snuggle him something fierce.

week 36. 

How far along? 36 weeks.

Total weight gain/loss: UP another 2.8 pounds the past 2 weeks for a total of 35.4 pounds.

Maternity clothes? Today I'm in a maternity dress and even this is tight. Uh.

Stretch marks? Not yet. Bio Oil for the next 3 weeks. And after. 

Sleep: Off and on good and bad. Last night was pretty good. 

Best moment this week: We had Josh's mom here for the weekend and it was really nice. Also I got my hair done last weekend and that was great... nothing like a fresh cut & color.

Have you told family and friends: Yes.

Movement: Constant. AND painful. And contractions. 

Food cravings:  Today I want Starbucks which is so random because I don't like it there?!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Heartburn.

Gender prediction: BOY!! 

Labor Signs: Pressure. Contractions. I really want him to hold out until May 10th - 3 more weeks to go!

Belly Button in or out? Weird. Popped.

Wedding rings on or off? Nope.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Mostly happy. Sometimes crying.

Weekly Wisdom: You can make it!! I keep telling Josh I don't know how I can do this another 3 weeks but I know I can.. and I will. We took the dog for a long walk last week and I made it the whole way. I can do this!!! 

Milestones: 9 months officially. Wowza.

WEEK 35.

HAPPY WEEK 35. 

4 weeks to go. 

Grandma arrived yesterday for a quick long weekend... so happy to have the extra set of hands as I'm feeling really uncomfortable. 

Tomorrow, I'm getting my hair cut & colored. 

Sunday, I'm getting my car detailed so the baby doesn't have to sit surrounded by old french fries and mushed up crackers. 

All of these things I've had plans to do for the past few months are here and it's... scary. Exciting. Terrifying. Exhilarating. 

28 days to go. 

I can't wait to meet you, sweetest baby boy. 

How far along? 35 weeks. Baby is a PINEAPPLE! 

Total weight gain/loss: I actually forgot to weigh in. I will next week. Maybe. 

Maternity clothes? I've moved on to only wanting to wear sweats. Today I'm in jeans and a non-maternity shirt - who do I think I am?!

Stretch marks? I'm literally bathing in Bio Oil and hoping I can make it through the next 4 weeks without any! 

Sleep: Off and on decent. I'm up a lot to pee / listen to Josh's snoring / move London / try to get comfortable. 

Best moment this week: I really loved watching Benny at his first soccer practice - he moved with such ease and delight, telling me all about his teammates and he's SO excited for the first game tomorrow. He also read me a few books this week - he's been struggling with reading in Kindergarten so he's getting extra help and it's clear it's working. I'm so proud of him!!

Have you told family and friends: Yes.

Movement: Yes and painful. 

Food cravings:  Eh - nothing. I thought soup but no. lol

Anything making you queasy or sick: Yesterday I had some killer nausea - I think there's just no room in my belly. Like, none. 

Gender prediction: BOY!! 

Labor Signs: Lots of contractions. But nothing steady or (too) painful. 

Belly Button in or out? It's quite out. 

Wedding rings on or off? Nope.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Mostly happy - just really uncomfortable.

Weekly Wisdom: Trying to just enjoy my last 4 weeks of pregnancy - this is my last baby - the last time I will feel the kicks and wiggles and be able to protect him 24 /7. 

Milestones: 35 weeks or 35 days until due date - however, I have a C-Section scheduled 4 weeks from today. That's 28 days. WHAT. 

Week 34.

Week 34.

5 weeks to go. Or 35 days. 

That's NOTHING. 

And also, sometimes, feels like a lifetime. 

Lately I have been really uncomfortable. 

Swollen, achy, nausea, heartburn. The works. 

I suppose, this is what the 3rd trimester is all about. 

I miss my body feeling good - I miss really exercising and walking without pain.
BUT - this sweet little baby boy is worth every single ache & pain. 

(Like right now when I want to cry from back pain)

We simply can't wait to meet you, MSE. 

<3

huge. week 34. 

How far along? 34 weeks. Baby is a Butternut Squash! 

Total weight gain/loss: I'm up 4 pounds from the last time I weighed for a total of 32.6 pounds. 

Maternity clothes? All maternity and when I don't, I look insane (haha)

Stretch marks? None yet and hoping to stay in the clear these next 5 weeks.

Sleep: Some really bad nights and some decent nights. Up several times to pee. Up several times to turn over (it's comical because my back pain is intense so I need to brace myself to turn from side to side).

Best moment this week: I had a good doctor appointment on Tuesday - we discussed a whole bunch of topics and she put my mind at ease.

Have you told family and friends: Yes.

Movement: ALL the time. I think he started with hiccups this week, too. Lots of movement. Some painful.

Food cravings:  Nothing in particular. Sometimes I'm quite nauseous and I seem to get fuller, faster. Zero room.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing in particular but I am dealing with bouts of nausea again.

Gender prediction: BOY!! 

Labor Signs: I think my belly looks lower and I seem to be having Braxton Hicks contractions more often.

Belly Button in or out? I think it popped? I don't hate it ;) 

Wedding rings on or off? Off for a while. 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Somewhere in between. I find my temper to be shorter and I'm nervous about nothing being done. 

Weekly Wisdom: My kids have been awesome this week - mostly just really good and chill and sweet. I am worried about them with the new baby but I think they'll adapt just fine. 

Milestones: 5 weeks to go. After my next appointment in 10 days, I'm every week. I have 1 more ultrasound to go. We are really stinkin' close!!! 

Week 33!

happy week 33. 

i'm tired. i'm uncomfortable. 

and my baby is as big as celery, per my app. 

i feel huge and i am trying to just push through. 

next up, baby appt on Tuesday. 

putting together the nursery 

and trying hard not to complain (ha!) 

WEEK 33, YA'LL 

How far along? 33 weeks.

Total weight gain/loss: I'm so nervous to weigh in that I once again chickened out. 

Maternity clothes? Of course but now I just honestly want to be naked. Everything feels so uncomfortable by the end of the day.

Stretch marks? Not yet - 6 weeks to go and I'm really hoping they stay AWAY.

Sleep: Last night was a great night - I'm waking up 1-2 times a night to pee and turning over is a DOOZY but overall it's not so bad.

Best moment this week: Last Saturday, Shari had a massive playdate with all the kids (Layla, Benny, Henry, Kai, Lev, Will & Evey) - it was so, so much fun. ALSO I had a pedicure on Sunday and I'd get one everyday if I could - it helped me seriously swollen feet.

Have you told family and friends: Yes.

Movement: Constant. He's a jumping BEAN!

Food cravings:  Fruit. Lemonade. Rolls.But also, nothing? Heartburn is a doozy.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Just the heart burn - the other night I didn't want to eat dinner. I'm just not feeling great lately. 

Gender prediction: BOY!! 

Labor Signs: I think my belly looks lower? But no Braxton Hicks I don't think?

Belly Button in or out? Sort of popped!

Wedding rings on or off?  I wore my wedding band yesterday but overall, just not. Too swollen.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Pretty happy! Just really, really uncomfortable. Especially by the end of the day - I just need to put my feet up and hope for sleep.

Weekly Wisdom: It will all get done - in time. Stop rushing this time away - enjoy this last pregnancy :) 

Milestones: We are really close. 6 weeks is NOT a long time. I need to work on his nursery. I'm just too tired lol 

Week 32.

Happy week 32!

Today, he is a squash. 

I had an ultrasound this morning - guess what he weighs? That's right - 4 pounds, 15 ounces. 

HE'S HUGE. 

He falls around the 90% - it's wild. 

Just like Benny boy. 

We had a great ultrasound - except we learned he may be missing his right kidney. No one seems too concerned - the doctor came in to discuss. He said right now - the baby's bladder & amniotic fluid look good. In past scans, both kidneys were there so there's a chance it's still there - or it atrophied (stopped growing) - or it was never there to begin with. 

I go back in roughly 4 weeks for one final ultrasound before he's born. 

I'm trying to keep the faith that everything will be fine!

My goal is to really start decorating his room this weekend. Make it feel a little more real.

7 weeks (or less) until we see his sweet, chubby face. 

We love you already, baby MSE.

How far along? 32 weeks.

Total weight gain/loss: Didn't weigh in. 

Maternity clothes? All maternity.

Stretch marks? Not yet - fingers crossed. Let's go Bio Oil. 

Sleep: Just tricky - I wake up to pee often and my back pain is out of control at night. Turning over is a doozy. 

Best moment this week: We had an amazing weekend in Atlantic City. It was really nice to decompress, nap, have a prenatal massage, eat a bunch of yummy good and just decompress. Very thankful for our village that allows us to take these trips. 

Have you told family and friends: Yes.

Movement: Constant.

Food cravings:  Nothing in particular but always hungry (ha!)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.  

Gender prediction: BOY!! 

Labor Signs: Nothing yet. The baby is head down and I feel HUGE but no major braxton hicks.

Belly Button in or out? Barely in.

Wedding rings on or off? Off :( 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Half & Half. This was a good week - just feeling anxious that we are 7 weeks away.

Weekly Wisdom: Try to enjoy this ride. It's the last time I feel the movement - the giant belly - all of it. I'm trying to just enjoy it.

Milestones: Josh put together his crib! It's so cute. So now it's time to start decorating. We also got our first official baby gift - the changing table from Josh's parents best friends, Rhonda & Bert :) 

Week 31!

HAPPY 31 WEEKS!!!!!!!!

We are 8 weeks away from meeting this sweet baby boy and I'm giddy with nerves / excitement. 

This weekend, Josh & I are heading to Atlantic City for a weekend away (a "Baby Moon") - I'm ready to catch up on some sleep & reading. So grateful for our community of family/friends who are watching Layla, Benny & the pets while we escape a bit. 

I'm feeling pretty good - just big. 

My to do list:

1. Josh put together the crib. 

2. Get an extra rod for the closet and start hanging up clothes. 

3. Hang things on the wall. 

4. Put the glider in the nursery. 

5. Buy an outfit for bringing baby home from hospital. 

How far along? 31 weeks today! Baby is the size of a pineapple or asparagus! 

Total weight gain/loss: I'm 28.6 heavier then when I started this journey - but like Jaime, my best friend / co-worker / therapist said, I will lose it soon and it's worth it!!

Maternity clothes? Yes.  

Stretch marks? Not yet - fingers crossed.

Sleep: Some nights are harder then others. The chiropractor provided some much needed relief earlier this week so I'm going to try not skipping (I missed 3 weeks) - but turning over / getting out of bed is quite painful and now I'm waking up twice a night to pee.

Best moment this week: Lots of really sweet moments but I think it would be the warmer temps - yesterday and today it's in the upper 60s and everything feels ALIVE. I am ready to be done with Winter, look forward to lots of time outside and eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new bundle in 8 weeks!!

Have you told family and friends: I'm 8 months pregnant. BIG AND PROUD.

Movement: Moves all the time!!

Food cravings:  Green grapes. Donuts. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope - although I'm still taking unisom and b6 because I'm terrified nausea will return.

Gender prediction: BOY!! 

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks. 

Belly Button in or out? Barely in.

Wedding rings on or off? Officially off this week (I've been pretty swollen) 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Mostly happy this week!! We are excited and I"m ready to really set up the baby's nursery - hoping Josh can put together the crib this week.

Weekly Wisdom: Stop worrying about weight. Sitting too long makes my back a disaster. 

Milestones: We're in our 8 month!!

30 weeks - 75% there!!

HAPPY 30 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!
This feels all too real - and a whole lot of pressure (haha) 
I'm getting more & more uncomfortable but also more & more excited.
I cannot believe we're going to have a new baby in the house. 
Quick entry, I know.. but I'll try to write more next week!
xo

30 weeks and HUGE

I took a few maternity photos with my amazing sister in law Danielle in the snow last week - I can't wait to see the rest!!! :) 

•How far along?: 30 weeks. 75% Cooked. TIME IS GOING TO SO FAST. 9 weeks until we meet this little dude!!!

•How big is baby?: He is the size of a zucchini or cucumber! He's huge. 

•Weight gain: I'm officially up 26.8 pounds. I mean - what am I going to do? Third round of baby, third round of gaining intense weight. I'm not gaining as much as I did with my first two but I'm still on track to gain a bunch. 9 weeks to go - hoping to gain not much more then 9 pounds. 

•Maternity clothes?: Gimme all the maternity - or rather, let me be naked because nothing is comfortable.

.•Sleep?:  I've reached the super uncomfortable 3rd trimester - this means I started with leg cramps in the middle night (OUCH) and it literally hurts to roll over. My lower back is disaster.     

•Food cravings?: Nothing other then iced coffee. 

•Gender?: My baby BOY! 

•Stretch marks?: Not yet... 

•Movement?: Tons of movement. It's really awesome. I am trying to get a video because I really, really, really don't want to forget this part.

•Labor signs?: No. But Josh thinks my belly looks low. For some reason, I'm extra nervous about going early with this one. I didn't have this feeling the first two times around. 

Belly button in or out?: In but raised -- I can't believe it hasn't fully popped yet. 

•What I miss: Being able to roll over in my sleep without pain. 

•Milestone: We are getting really, really close. I scheduled our C-Section. I'm down to baby appointments every 2 weeks. It's all moving so, so fast. The guest room is just about complete and we get to start on the nursery this weekend!!!! 

Week 29!

Here we are at week 29!!!!!!!!!

It was a great (quick) week. Grandma was here with us for the bulk of it and we had so much fun. 

We went to Services - Layla, Grandma, Mom-Mom & I did our annual girls trip to NYC to see King Kong on Broadway, we cleaned out our office.... and we are dealing with (hopefully) the end of winter as we are getting lots of snow today. 

Looking forward to my baby appt Monday, a big fun weekend celebrating birthdays and all good things. 

Have a great week! 

• How far along? 29 weeks.
• Total weight gain/loss: Who's the girl that's scare to weigh in? It's ME! :) 
• Maternity clothes? Yes.  
• Stretch marks? 10 weeks to go - hopefully NO stretch marks appear!!
• Sleep: Not horrible but not great. Up early. Up to pee. Painful to turn over. 
• Best moment this week: Taking Layla to NYC last weekend with my mom & Mother-in-Law :) ALSO - Josh cleaning out the office (soon to be guest room) and starting to finally get ready to work on the nursery.
• Have you told family and friends: They all know. I also made my small registry on Amazon public today :)
• Movement: ALLLLL the movement. I'm supposed to be doing kick counts. I haven't started this yet. But when I eat chocolate (which is often...), he moves ALL over!
• Food cravings:  Chocolate. Bagels. Coffee. 
• Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really. 
• Gender prediction: BOY!! 
• Labor Signs: Two days ago, I was having contractions all day. It was weird and pretty painful. I went home after work to drink water and put my feet up. I think my body is just starting to prep.
• Belly Button in or out? Barely in.
• Wedding rings on or off? Just my wedding band.
• Happy or Moody most of the time: Mostly happy :) 
• Weekly Wisdom: Really trying to enjoy these next 10 weeks as a family of 4. Trying not to wish the rest of this pregnancy away as I know it's my last. I want to savior every moment of feeling him in my belly, kicking away and always with me. 
• Milestones: We officially emptied the office to make room for the guest bed - soon we will get the crib back from Rachel and set up the baby's room. It's all coming together!!! I have my next baby appointment on Monday and I"m hoping to schedule our C-Section so it can all feel official! And I passed my glucose test!!!