37 Weeks - FULL TERM

PRAISE THE LORD! We made it to full term. I also made it to my one year mark at work so I will definitely receive my maternity leave. Such a relief. That being said, I am more anxious than ever for Morgan to get here. I never thought I would want her to come before her due date, but now that I know she will be healthy, I am so excited for her arrival. I really hope that Morgan decides to come on her own. My doctor and I are going to discuss an induction plan at my next appointment in the event that I don't go into labor on my own. He still thinks that I will go into labor on my own, and I hope he is right!

Doctor update... I actually went twice this week. On Wednesday I found out I will still just a half centimeter dilated and 50% effaced (no progress). My doctor picked up on some more bacteria in my urine sample (sorry if thats TMI), and decided to send it off for a culture to see if it was a UTI. On Thursday, I began experiencing some stabbing back pain (on the left side only), and cramping. I thought it may be contractions so I called my doctor. The nurse told me to see if a pattern developed and keep track of Morgan's movements. I made it through the work day but immediately came home a rested. The pains went away as soon as I put my feet up. That night around 1 am, I woke up with EXCRUCIATING back pain and cramping, but with no consistent pattern like contractions would have. I called the on-call doctor who told me to drink lots of fluids and take Tylenol. He suspected it could possibly be a kidney stone and told me to call back if the pain got worse. Well, it never got worse, but it took about 2 hours to go away. Needless to say I did not get much sleep and ended up not being able to work on Friday. I went to see my doctor to follow up on the previous night's events and came to find out I had a pretty severe UTI. He said this could be the cause of my pain, or it could be Morgan pushing on a nerve. I am so glad I went to the doctor on Friday because now I am taking meds to treat the UTI and hopefully it will be gone by the time I go into labor.

Mom and I went and did some final errands this morning. We were able to pick up the glider for the nursery and buy some much needed newborn-sized sleepers. I didn't realize how few I had. I guess I figured the 3 month size would work, but after closer inspection, I realized how big they would be. Then we went to Kohls and I bought some cute lounge around the house clothes. I do not plan on getting dressed up during my maternity leave, but I also don't want to wear pajamas all day long. This afternoon, my friend Mandy and I went to see Victoria at her new apartment. It is adorable! We had a great time catching up. It was weird to say goodbye because I know the next time I see them I will be a Mommy!

Ok well here are the stats (maybe for the last time?!)

How far along? 37 weeks, FULL TERM BABY!

Total weight gain? at my appointment on Wednesday, I was still up 30 pounds (no gain from last week). At my appointment on Friday, I was down 2 lbs. So technically I am +28 lbs.

How big is baby? Over 19 inches and over 6lbs :)

Maternity clothes? YES

Stretch marks? Nope. I feel like there may be some small lines popping up that will probably show up more after I deliver, but we will see. My stomach has been SOOOOO itchy and it takes every ounce of my will power not to scratch. No amount of lotion or cream helps either.

Sleep? Pretty good! Minus the back pain on Thursday night.

Best moment of the week? Making it to full term. It feels like the weight of the world is off my shoulders.

Movement? Yep. Mostly slow rolls and some stretching at this point.

Cravings? Not really. The back pain has actually taken some of my appetite away.

Labor signs? No, but bring them on! We are ready.

Belly button in or out? Half-way in. Not sure if it will ever look the same again, ha ha.

What are you looking forward to? Kissing my sweet girl and holding her in my arms. Can't think about it without crying!

36 weeks. Almost full term!

Every week it seems so hard to believe how quickly things are going by. I am THRILLED that we have almost made it to full term (37 weeks). Morgan can be born any time after 37 weeks and is likely to be just as healthy as a baby born at 40 weeks. Of course, the longer she stays in the better, I will continue to pray for her to come when she is good and ready. I am just so grateful to have come this far and be able to work. I explained many weeks ago that to receive maternity leave, I have to work up until February 14 (my one year mark). HR has made it very clear that if I am to go out before that date, I cannot receive the 12 weeks of leave. I am still hoping I can make it, but as that day gets closer and closer, I am feeling much more relieved.

At my appointment this week, the doctor told me I was still a half cm dilated, and went from 20 to 50% effaced. He believes that next week I should be about 1 cm and 80% effaced. Very exciting!

Not much more to post this week. Today is hubby's birthday! Yay! He is going to a car show and I am going out with my mom to get a mani and pedi. We are going to have a dinner date tonight to celebrate the big 2-4 (youngster). He has been incredibly supportive throughout the pregnancy, but especially this past week. Poor thing has even been sleeping on the couch so that I can sleep better. I love him SO much and I know he is going to make an awesome Daddy. Happy Birthday, Brad!

Stats:

How far along? 36 weeks! Full term on Valentine's Day :)

Total weight gain? 30 lbs (I gained 3 lbs this week. Oopsies! All for a good cause.)

How big is the baby? Almost 19 inches and almost 6 lbs :)

Maternity clothes? YES

Stretch marks? NOPE (fingers crossed)

Sleep? Much better with the bed to myself (and Waylon of course). I still have to get up every 3 hours or so to use the bathroom.

Best moment of the week? My coworkers had a beautiful baby shower for me on Monday. It was so sweet of them! They will make it much easier for me to come back to work after my maternity leave.

Movement? Yes. Very painful at times!

Cravings? The icecream addiction is finally subsiding. Just in time too. 3lbs a week = NOT GOOD.

Labor signs? BH contractions have slowed down some this week.

Belly button in or out? Hanging on for dear life.

What are you looking forward to? Making it to February 14th! Full term AND I can get my maternity leave. What a sigh of relief. Fingers crossed!

35 (well almost 36) weeks!

Late again with the post. Looks like Morgan will be much more punctual than I am apparently. I had another appointment this week and I am still making progress. I am a half cm dilated and 20% effaced. He said that my cervix has definitely dropped since last week and is softening. The doc thinks that I will make it to 37 weeks but he does not think I will go past my due date. Based on how I felt yesterday (HORRIBLE), I would guess that she will be arriving in 2 weeks. Today, I have felt AWESOME and feel like I could go another month. My energy level is much better and I have had very few Braxton Hicks contractions.

I learned a valuable lesson this week. I have been putting off some of the minor preparations, like boiling bottles, washing clothes and blankets, packing my hospital bag, etc, because most of the pregnancy I have been feeling wonderful and thought it would last. Not the case. It is finally sinking in that Morgan can come very soon and there are a lot of little things that need to be done. This was really stressing me out, so MOM TO THE RESCUE! My mom came over earlier this week and got a ton of things done for me. I felt terrible sitting on the couch not being able to help, but I guess that is what moms are for. She has really shown me what it is to be a good mom. So if I could share any advice, it would be to get everything prepped and ready to go before you hit 32 weeks. After that you are likely to be totally exhausted and shouldn't be doing too much extra anyways.

This past Sunday I had my friend baby shower hosted by Amy and Allison. It was wonderful seeing all of my friends together. There were a few who couldn't make it and I definitely missed them! I feel so fortunate to have such supportive and understanding friends. Morgan is going to have a ton of Aunties!

Ok more stats!

How far along? 35 (but closer to 36) weeks.

Total weight gain? 27 lbs (I gained 2 this week. Must be the icecream!!!)

How big is the baby? over 18 inches and 5.25 lbs! (she is now gaining an ounce a day. Amazing)

Maternity clothes? Oh yes. Tried to put on a pre-preggo t-shirt the other night and it was comical.

Stretch marks? Still no, lather lather lather!

Sleep? Not bad. Getting up 3-4 times to pee tho.

Best moment of the week? Seeing all of my beautiful friends at my baby shower. Love them!

Movement? Oh yes. She loves kicking my ribs, OUCH!

Cravings? ICECREAM

Gender? Girl :)

Labor signs? Lots of BH contractions, and cervix is definitely in preparation mode.

Belly button in or out? It's hanging in there, ha ha.

What are you looking forward to? Getting EVERYTHING finished in the nursery so I can stop stressing. And of course, meeting Morgan. Can't believe she could be here in the next couple of weeks. Lets pray that she cooks until 37 weeks at least. I want her to be chunky and healthy.

34 weeks!

Well, it seems like this blog thing is getting harder and harder to keep up with. I will do my best to continue with updates after Morgan is born, but I may have to switch to bi-weekly updates. Thanks to everyone who reads and follows our journey. I feel blessed to have so much support!

As you can tell by my picture this week, I was too lazy to get off the couch for a proper sideways shot (the scars you see are from my appendectomy and my gall bladder surgery). The other picture is obviously of Brad. He got her name tattooed on his arm today. It looks amazing and we both love it. He can't wait to take some pictures with her next to it.

I have been completely exhausted these days. I get out of breath putting my makeup on in the mornings. Sleeping is getting more difficult, mostly because I get overheated so easily. The pinching back pain seems to be getting a little worse everyday, but I am finding ways to manage it. Sitting is usually the best option. Another unpleasant symptom that has begun this week is terrible itching on my stomach. This is really common at this stage because she is growing so quickly and stretching the skin. I am doing my best not to scratch and I lather on plenty of lotion. I am just waiting for the stretch marks to pop up because I know my skin is not going to be able to keep up with how quickly she is growing.

I had my 34 week appointment on Wednesday and everything went very well. She is still measuring perfectly, and an ultrasound confirmed that she is officially HEAD DOWN! Good girl! The doc also confirmed that my cervix has begun to soften and I am a half centimeter dilated. I about fell out of the stirrups when he told me that. He reassured me that it is completely normal and suspects that I will deliver within 5 days of my due date. It is amazing to me how my body is already preparing for Morgan's big arrival. My doctor made sure to emphasize that any unfinished business should be taken care of (pack hospital bag, finish nursery, make sure cars always have plenty of gas, etc). I am ashamed to say I have not even pre-registered at the hospital yet. Yikes! Thank goodness I have Monday off from work to get some more stuff done.

Tomorrow I have my friend baby shower. Amy and Allison have graciously offered to host the shower for me. In fact, they called dibs on my shower the same day I told them I was pregnant! I can't wait to see all of my friends. Being pregnant has definitely affected my social life and ability to keep in touch with all of them. I have been feeling pretty guilty lately about not calling or visiting my girls more often. I hope that they all still know how much I love them and understand that even though I will soon be a Mommy, I will always be their friend.

On to the stats...

How far along? 34 weeks :)

Total weight gain? 25 pounds (I gained 1 lb this week).

How big is baby? 17.75 inches and 4.75 lbs

Maternity clothes? Yes! May need to get a couple more shirts to get me by.

Stretch marks? Nope! (fingers crossed)

Sleep? Ehh.. I'm definitely being prepared for taking care of a newborn.

Best moment of the week? Seeing my sweet angel on the ultrasound. She had her tiny hands up by her face. I'm in love.

Movements? Yes, lots of rolls and elbow jabs.

Cravings? ICECREAM! Can't get enough.

Gender? baby girl

Labor signs? The Braxton Hicks have calmed down, but I am .5 cm dilated and cervix is softening.

Belly button in or out? Half and half. You be the judge. Brad says it looks like a balloon knot. Haha.

What are you looking forward to? Seeing my friends tomorrow and of course...meeting my sweet baby! We are so close!

33 weeks!

Well I am super late posting this week...whoops! My energy level has gone down a ton lately, so when I get home from work in the evenings, it's all I can do to stay awake until 9:00p. It has been another eventful week in the life of this preggo. On Wednesday I started experiencing some back pain, mostly when I was walking around at work. I called the doc just to be sure it was nothing to be concerned about, and I was told to rest, drink lots of fluids, and take some Tylenol. On Thursday, the back pain came back, but this time it was hurting even when I was sitting down. My stomach also started to tighten up every so often. There was no regular pattern like there would be with true contractions, so I wasn't too worried. They also were not painful...at first. Around the middle of the day on Thursday I had a painful tightening of my stomach, which worried me some. I felt very hot, and overall did not feel good. I called the doc again after I finished up with my little kiddos, and they told me to come in right away. This scared me because I was sure that they were going to tell me I was dilated and have to try and stop labor. Fortunuately, I made it to the doctor and they told me that I was not dilated at all (yay!), but that I had a UTI (booooo). So they put me on some antibiotics and recommended that I rest when I can and drink plenty of fluids. After leaving the appointment, I immediately felt better. I think the peace of mind of knowing that I was only having Braxton Hicks contractions made me relax. I have reached the stage where I cannot be superwoman anymore. Up until now, I have felt great and rarely felt the strain of pregnancy. It has hit me hard this week though, and I need to slooooow down. There are many things to do before Morgan gets here, and she has a lot more cookin' to do, so she cannot come early!

Stats!

How far along? 33 weeks (well I am really almost 34, but you get the point. I didn't want to skip a blog post. I am going to print these bad boys out so I can go back and read them down the road).

Total weight gain? 24 pounds. I gained one pound since my 32 week appointment. Right on track!

How big is baby? Over 17 inches and about 4.25 pounds!

Maternity clothes? Yep! Fortunately I am still fitting in all of my non-maternity coats. Not sure how much longer that will last though.

Stretch marks? Still none on my tummy. I have a few elsewhere (not going to say where though, haha)

Sleep? Sometimes great, othertimes not.

Best moment of the week? Finding out that Morgan was "very content" and would not be arriving anytime soon. Yay!

Movements? Yes. Sometimes it is painful. I have felt a couple of complete flips this week so I am not sure if she is head down. I am very anxious to find out next week!

Cravings? None.

Gender? sweet girl.

Labor signs? Braxton Hicks! I guess my body is preparing itself for the real deal :)

Belly button in or out? In, but looking different every week.

What are you looking forward to? My baby showers coming up!

32 weeks/ 8 months!!!

Can you believe it!? Only 8 weeks left until my due date. Brad and I realized that we can count on two hands how many weekends we have left just the 2 of us. It's weird because we have been together for almost 8 years now and in just a few short weeks our lives are going to be completely different. Hopefully this isn't coming across as a bad thing, because we are obviously thrilled to meet Morgan and be parents. It is just hard to wrap our minds around such a life-changing event!

This week Brad and I went to our second baby class. While we both found the class very informative, I found it to also be TERRIFYING. We learned about SIDS, which is a rare, but also very real threat to infants. There are many recommendations to help prevent SIDS: place the baby on her back to sleep, don't put ANYTHING in the crib with her, make sure the mattress she sleeps on is firm, etc. We will certainly follow all of these guidelines, but I still can't help but worry myself. For the past several months I have focused my worries on the pregnancy (will I miscarry?, am I eating the right things?, can I take a Tylenol?, will she stay breech?, etc) and last night for the first time I started worrying about when she actually gets here which is waaaaay worse than the pregnancy fears. Fortunately Brad is not a worrier and will do a great job of helping me keep things in perspective.

Sorry it has been so long since I have given a nursery update. We have made a lot of progress with the help of my awesome parents. For the most part, the only thing missing is our sweet baby. I can't wait to get a glider because there are so many times that I would love to just sit in there and look around, but I can't (sitting on the floor for any amount of time is very uncomfortable, and trying to stand up is a joke). We also need decorations and little accessories, but I still have 2 showers left so I am going to hold off on that stuff until I see what we get.

I had my 32 week appointment today. Morgan is doing great! My doc said she is measuring perfectly, her heart rate is normal, and he thinks her head is down (YAY!). He will be checking again at 34 weeks to make sure she is definitely head down. If not we may need to start seriously considering a C-Section.

Ok that's enough for today... STATS!

How far along? 32 weeks (5 more weeks until I am "full term")

Total weight gain? 23 pounds (whew! Didn't gain any this week)

How big is the baby? 3.75 pounds and 16.7 inches long

Maternity clothes? Yep!

Stretch marks? I thought I saw one forming the other day but I think I was seeing things because it's not there anymore, so fortunately, still NO!

Sleep? I was sick this week so I did not sleep at ALL Sunday night but I was so sleep deprived from Sunday that I slept great on Monday and Tuesday night. I do miss my Nyquil when I have a bad cold.

Best moment of the week? Date night with hubby on Friday. We had such a good time together.

Movements? YES. I had a feeling she had flipped over because I felt it happen in the middle of the night.

Cravings? nothing new

Gender? baby girl

Labor signs? nope, and I haven't had anymore Braxton Hicks either.

Belly button in or out? Inny

What are you looking forward to? Hunting season is OVER (happy dance) so Brad and I are going to spend the whole weekend together. Can't wait :)

31 weeks!

Happy New Year everyone! I'm so excited to be in the "30's" at last. Brad is too. We are so excited for Morgan to get here, but Brad has not has not been able to enjoy the pregnancy like I have. I get to feel all of the kicks, rolls, and flips, and I get to carry her around all day. So it makes sense that these past several months have not gone by as quickly for him as they have for me. Unfortunately, I am getting more and more uncomfortable as she gets bigger. I knew this was coming, because so many pregnant women have this issue. But I am not ready for her little tooshie to come out just yet, so I am perfectly content with her cooking until 40 weeks (we will see what I am saying in a few more weeks, ha ha).

This week Brad and I attended our first baby class with Kristin and Aaron Campbell, who are expecting their little boy in February. The class was very informative and it seemed like Brad actually enjoyed himself. He was very proud of his swaddling abilities, and takes a lot of pride in knowing that he can do it better than I can. We have the second part of the class next Tuesday, then we take Labor Basics 1 and 2 at the end of the month. We are going to do a tour of the hospital as well. Yay for classes!

Not muh more to post this week so here are the stats...

How far along? 31 weeks!

Total weight gain? 23 lbs (I gained 2 this week. Guess that Thanksgiving weight just needed a few weeks to kick in)

How big is baby? 16.25 inches and over 3.25 pounds

Maternity clothes? Yep

Stretch marks? Nope. Lotion lotion lotion!

Sleep? Some nights great, other nights not so much.

Best moment of the week? Seeing Brad swaddle the baby doll at our class. He is going to be the best Daddy.

Movement? Yes! I have noticed that her movements are slower and more pronounced now. She isn't just randomly kicking all the time (although she still does this some). And I swear that I felt her little foot or hand in my ribs today and when I tried to push her away, gently of course, she moved! Good girl :)

Cravings? Obviously I am craving something. 4 pounds in just over 2 weeks. Yikes!

Gender? beautiful little girl :)

Labor signs? No! But I think I had a Braxton Hicks contraction last night. I felt everything in my stomach tighten up for about a minute and then it went away. It didn't hurt at all though. I wish real contractions were like that.

Belly button in or out? In. At this point I think it will stay in. Fine by me!

What am I looking forward to? Seeing Brad with Morgan for the first time. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.