32 Weeks - Almost 4 Pounds of Baby in There!

How far along? 32 weeks 1 day (In picture)

Total weight gain/measurements: Sooooooooooo….. I may have been weighed this week at my appointment.
And…I lost a pound. Thus being at 13 again, I think… I’m getting confused as to what weight I started at. The OB wasn’t worried. I probably was dehydrated from my run the night before.

Maternity clothes: This is a maternity dress I bought online from JCPenney. (Did you know they sell maternity online, but not in stores) It is called “Maternity Drapeneck Dress”. Such an original name. I wore some leggings under it since it is too short otherwise.

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Sleep is the same as last week. Something tells me I will never have a ‘good nights sleep’ again…

Best moment this week: Running with the running group.  I often forget how much I love to run because I don’t do it with any frequency now. (It gets my pelvis hurting pretty good afterwards)  Only problem is everyone staring at me when I run. Lol. They all cheer on the prego lady – LOL. I usually joke around with them at the time, because while it is intervals and sprints, I've been running with the joggers who go much slower that I did before (and doing sprints I go much slower than them). I usually am not out of breathe so much as I get braxton hicks.

Worst moment this week: Having to tell my husband I lost a pound… He is always very concerned about my weight (as in not gaining enough). I have to say he was nice about it, but now I’m dealing with someone who is trying to force nasty, chalky, protein drinks down me. BLAH. Still love you though Jared.

Miss anything? Other than sleep… How easy it used to be to put my shoes and socks on :/

Movement: He was sideways most of the week, and then on Friday I think he flipped more vertical. Kinda sad, because now I don’t feel him kicking me as much. It was finally getting fun to me.

Food cravings: None this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick?  For young women’s we had our yearly fundraiser. It was a Mexican fiesta with a silent auction. The dessert was ice cream with a churro (from Costco…mmmm) and some type of Mexican caramel syrup. I almost lost it when I smelt the homemade syrup. Ewww.

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks – in general not as often, but some are pretty strong.

Symptoms: Other than the above, fatigue, leg cramps, pelvis pain and some breathlessness when I sit at a 90 degree angle. This boy is getting to big for me.

Belly button in or out? Out, unless he is pushing up against my belly button then flat, but mostly out and to the side.... turns out my belly button was never centered to begin with...

Wedding rings on or off? Same as last week. On, but off. 

Happy or moody most of the time? I think I’ve done pretty good this week; so I say happy (although I was moody last Sunday. I ended up crying on Monday too…. Not sure I remember why but I’m sure it was important. Lol.

Looking forward to: The next appointment in 3 ish weeks. He will be doing an Ultrasound to make sure baby is down. CRAZY!!!! Things are getting so close.

Only 2 More Months - Week 31

How far along? 31 weeks 3 days (in picture) Not the best 'selfie', with my wet hair and bad posing, but it will do for bump purposes.

Total weight gain/measurements: I really don’t know. I haven’t weighed myself this week, but I’m sure I’ve put on some more weight. Seems to be a trend now days.

Maternity clothes: This top is a Inspire Maternity shirt. I really like it. I makes me feel stylish. I actually got it at Burlington Coat Factory for 8 bucks! Can’t beat that! (Especially because I’ve already worn it so much). The shorts are Nine West – non-maternity, regular shorts. They fit fine (although sometimes they can be tight when he decides to move lower.)  But usually I can wear them with no ‘alterations’ on the button.

Stretch marks? Not at this time

Sleep: Sleep has gotten frustrating. I have to wake up every time I move to my other side. And now I’m back to my at least once a night bathroom break. I’m just overall kinda uncomfy at night.

Best moment this week: Watching my little sister go to LDS prom. She was so cute!
And I realized that I officially had 2 months to my due date on the 18^th this last week. CRAZY!

Worst moment this week: Feeling frustrated with some people around me. I’ve been trying to dissect why they bother me so I can focus on fixing my end of the issues.  In short, I have a hard time with people that believe the world revolves around them.

Miss anything? I miss sleep.

Movement: He has been doing crazy movements this week. Which included him sticking his bum out really far- so much so that it hurt and started a bunch of braxton hicks.  Mostly he likes to kick one of my sides and push the other – he has been sitting sideways the last week or so.  I kinda think it’s a neat game of pong, but with very limited space.

Food cravings: None this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick?  I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned how sickening Taco Bell has been to me since being pregnant. I mean, really people… look at the food. It looks like half-digested vomit.

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks.

Symptoms: Other than the above, fatigue, leg cramps, pelvis pain.

Belly button in or out? Out.

Wedding rings on or off? On but off… I lost weight in my fingers (weird right???) and my wedding rings are too big for me now. I apparently went from a size 6.25 to a 5.5. I knew they were loose, but after them almost falling off when washing my hands I decided to take them off for safe keeping. I would feel horrible if I lost them.  So they are on a chain around my neck, and I went to Walmart and got a smaller, temporary, cheap ring for my hand. 

Happy or moody most of the time? Probably moody, not sleeping does that to a person…

Looking forward to: Getting this bun out of the oven!

Random Comments: I had my first public encounter with people really staring at my belly. Two in the same day. The first lady was kinda awkward because she looked down, looked at my face, smiled, and then looked at the belly again... I didn't know what to say....
The next guy was the cashier at Trader Joes. He said something like " I'm gonna guess June or July". It was a nice polite way to bring it up. He said his sister was due in June and she was bigger than me (also seems to be a trend). I said he was close and I was actually due the middle of May. I guess there is no question now... people see me and undoubtedly know I'm pregnant. lol. I wonder what they all thought before........

!!!!30!!!

How far along? 30 weeks 1 day (in picture)

Total weight gain/measurements: My weight didn't change from last week. Not sure why.  Probably just timing on when I weighed myself.

Maternity clothes: This is a maternity maxi dress I bought when I first found out I was expecting. It is a motherhood maternity dress. 

I tried it on when I wasn’t showing and it even works as a ‘non’ maternity dress :)

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Sleep wasn’t good at the beginning of the week, but after a Tylenol PM we both caught up on sleep and have slept fairly well since. So nice. However he is getting big enough that every time I turn I have to wake up and turn. Things are starting to get uncomfy.

Best moment this week: I got to spend SO much time with Jared this week because his boss was gone 2 days and had a case cancel one day so he got off early. It was awesome and much needed. We made a pinata (for YW fundraiser), we went to The Lego Movie (it was good, but not 'awesome') we watched parts of an airshow (from a distance- you can see it from our house), walks, talks, we watched the Saratov Approach, went out shopping for things we need, explored some stores and decided we were in the ghetto... etc... It was very nice.

Oh! and Jared and I ran a 5k on Saturday. It was fun. Jared did great (of course) and I jogged it in just over 30 mins.  I was happy with it. Although all the police officers on the course were staring at me as I jogged by them... Crazy Preggo lady...

Worst moment this week: Being told over and over and over by the same people that I look 'bigger' or 'pregnant' (duh) or 'round' or ' bulge'y' ' or that my core needed work... it never stops 

Miss anything? I miss not feeling so much PRESSURE in my belly. Ugh! I’m kinda excited to have this little guy just to get that comfortable ‘not bloated’ feeling back. 

Movement: He used to be on an awesome schedule. Awake most the day, sleeping at night, but this week that changed… grrrrr…. And here I was hoping he would be on a perfect schedule when he was born…
So now he moves most at night-time. I miss my 6 am wake up dance and would much rather have that than the ‘party all night long’ thing.  Not to say he doesn’t move in the day, but it is markedly less.

Food cravings: None this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick?  I think just being able to smell makes me nauseous most the time. I will smell something in the fridge that’s bad, I will smell the dog food. Smelling these things makes me feel BLAH! That and taking about the morning sickness I had. That makes my stomach turn. 

Labor signs: Again… Braxton Hicks. I still get them when I get out of bed and all throughout the day, but they are not quite as strong/painful feeling this week so I don’t really pay much heed to them.

Symptoms: Fatigue. I’m starting to get tired in the evening time, even with a goods nights rest. Emotional. Sometimes I just start to cry (like legit... tears and all) and I’m not sure quite why -poor Jared, AND I’m getting a little scared for the you know… actual birth thing that has to happen. Sometimes it keeps me up at night. I just worry how I will handle that type of situation not so much that our boy won't be healthy and strong.

Belly button in or out? Out most the time now. I’ve come to accept it for the most part.

Wedding rings on or off? On.  I found out that I went from a ring size 6.25 to a 5.5.  Sad. Guess I better start working my fingers out ;)  Or just be happy that my rings still fit even if my fingers get swollen.

Happy or moody most of the time? Probably moody.

Looking forward to: Getting this bun out of the oven!

I have made reference to birth as the little guys being ‘voted of the island’.  I have voted him off the island already (the island being me – obliviously), but Jared and Jr. haven’t. I don’t think Jr. should get a say…. But even still it is 1 for off the island and 1 for staying on the island.
At least until we vote next week…

And to answer your question a few weeks back... no I am not waddling yet. ;)  although the joint at the front of my pelvis hurts sometimes when I stand up,  I think I waddle a little but just until I get a groove walking.

29 - Last Week in the 20's!

How far along? 29 weeks 5 days (in the picture that I do not like at all- to me I look ginormous, but everyone else keeps telling me I look small.)

Total weight gain/measurements: Can I get rid of this section??? Would you really be disappointed?? 14 pounds.

Maternity clothes: This is a Gap shirt I got at the outlet stores in Phx. I distinctly remember it was $2.60… Not a maternity shirt… so I guess I was a little premature in saying I ‘can’t’ wear normal shirts… I can, but risk stretching them out and I need an undershirt that is long enough to cover myself.  And, of course, my ever famous Seven Jeans. They are getting tigher, but my goal and hope at the beginning was that I wouldn’t have to wear maternity pants for more than 10 weeks. Yeah for reaching goals that are completely not up to me!

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Because Jared and I are both light sleepers now and I am keeping him up, I am going to take a Tylenol PM maybe once a week to give Jared a break and some rest. I’ve also started wearing Breath Right which helps with my newly acquired snoring from nasal congestion. So far Jared has noticed a BIG difference in the amount of sleep he gets, and I enjoy not having a dry mouth in the morning from all the mouth breathing I end up doing at night. WIN-WIN!
 On a side note, it has been really nice in the last 3 or so weeks. I haven’t had to get up to pee in the middle of the night. I will welcome this change for as long as it will stay with me!

Best moment this week: I flew back to Phx and got to hang out with Jared for the morning.

Worst moment this week: I flew back to Phx. LOL. Not that I don’t love you Jared!!! You know what I mean though…

Miss anything? As far as life- I miss having the friends that I did in Louisville. As far as pregnancy- I miss the days where bending over was super easy and I didn’t feel like I had a bowling ball in front of me.

Movement: He has stopped kicking those tender ribs for the most part (THANK YOU) and continues to do his little dance around 6am. His movements now seem to be less dramatic which is kinda nice.  It feels like he has moved down more than before, but only for hours at a time.

Food cravings: None this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick?  Sometimes I randomly feel sick. Jared was making farting noises… (yes he is in his 30’s) and it was making me feel bad because then I started thinking about poop. Ew…

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks. I still get them when I get out of bed and all throughout the day, but they are not quite as strong/painful feeling this week so I don’t really pay much heed to them.

Symptoms: Tired. Braxton Hicks. A bit emotional (I partially blame lack of sleep) And a bowling ball in my shirt. Other than that things have been good.

Belly button in or out? Out sometimes… but sometimes it is just flat looking.

Wedding rings on or off? On.  YEAH!

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy most the time. But like I said… a bit emotional.

Looking forward to: Getting all that baby stuff I got at my shower organized… and organized in general. This baby is going to come… and holy crap I only have like 10 weeks!!!! YIKES!  Exciting and terrifying!

On a funnier side note, I went to the OB this week and Jared was able to come. I told him he didn’t have to since all the appointments are boring, but he insisted. (plus we made a date out of it and went to brunch at village inn). I always am just a little nervous when I go, but then when they were weighing me and taking my blood pressure he was making faces. Mean. As a result my blood pressure was high. Something it has NEVER been. So I had to lay down… relax… and guess what??? It went down 20 points in systolic and diastolic to my happy normal of 110/74. Thanks Jared!
Our appointments have officially gone from every 4 weeks to 3 and the one after that will be in 2!!! Yikes! I suppose after March is over things get down to business. 

My Louisville Visit

I was so happy to get to visit 'My Old Kentucky Home'.

WARNING: PICTURE OVERLOAD AHEAD

I got in on Wednesday afternoon. My brother picked me up from the airport.  The weather was 27 degrees but it was nice and sunny which really makes 27 feel warmer than it is.
We just hung out that night and I got to see my sweet little niece Lily.

She is 4 months and so so tiny. Almost a whole 10 pounds!

The next day my SIL, Lily and I all ventured to the Zappos Outlet in Shepardsville. It is always fun going there! I wish there was more than just 1 in the world. Specifically another one next to me. :)

Shoes!

I found some SUPER cute Kate Spade shoes. ONLY $200! I tried to convince Jared I bought them.  I ❤️ KS

I found some Nine West black heels for 60% off and some brown Korks ankle boots for 50% off. I love spending money on nice shoes when the bill is not horrible!

After getting back to J&S's home I drove to Mary and Michael's home. I was so excited to see them again!  A definite highlight of my trip. We talked, enjoyed each others company and ordered Indian food takeout. I ordered the Chicken Korma and the Paneer Shahi Korma  but snuck a try of the Chicken chili and a couple others I don't remember.  ALL of them were good!  I really do like Indian food.

I have a picture with Mary and Michael, but I can't find it right now....
But Mary's hair is looking good! It is re-growing in a bit curly. It is about 2 inches long. I'm so glad that her chemo/radiation/surgery has all paid off. LOVE THEM. They are so kind and friendly. I miss them. Jared and I refer to them as our Kentucky parents.

Not a great picture... But better than nothing!

They even got me some beautiful flowers!

The next day I got my hair cut. It was very much in need of something! She cut off 7 inches- but it is still long! It feels so much lighter now and is easier to take care of. I wanted to cut it before baby comes. I think I actually prefer my hair just a bit longer, but it is growing really fast right now, so I'm not worried.  And with baby... shorter might be something I need to get used to for a while.

LONG HAIR! 

AFTER

Styled. I think it looks best styled. :)

After I went and shopped around at Anthropologie. Ahhhhh, how I miss that store!  There is one in Phx, but it is about an hour from my house one way. While I was there I got some host gifts for the baby shower I was being thrown. It was this delicious candle...

Whipped Cream and Pear. It smelled soooo good. When the checkout lady asked if I wanted a gift receipt I say "NO. If they don't want them I will take them for myself!"  Wish I could have snagged one for myself but alas I've really been trying to put a cap on excess spending.

Afterwards I stopped by my old work. It was so nice to see everyone! I miss the people I worked with. Maybe not so much the 'job', but the friends and memories I will never regret!  While at times I regret not trying to have kids earlier, I would never want things any other way than how they have turned out. I loved working at Baptist.

I then ran on over to Tom and Chee- a tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich place to meet up with some more work friends before going to out painting class. It was so nice to see Lysa and her hubby there. I ordered the Mac and Cheese grilled cheese and the creamy basil tomato soup. It was SO GOOD!

We then went to the painting class and had a blast! We painted the Louisville skyline in a Van Gogh 'The Starry Night' style of painting. It was really fun and turned out great!  I miss those small outings we used to have!

April, Me, Kirsten, Erin

After we ventured to Orange Leaf - a frozen yogurt place- ate and chatted and had a great time until they closed! We talked outside for a bit and watched the 'street racers' gather their cars in the parking lot. Good memories were made!  I wanted to race my Fiat 500, but decided against it :)

Saturday was a lazier day. I didn't even change out of my PJ's until 3pm. But I got to visit with Kim a friend that could not go to the shower. It was so nice of her to stop by.

I helped Sydney (SIL) with some last minute prep for the baby shower and we ventured over there. Her and another friend Suzy were throwing the shower at a ward members house (Nixon's). It was so so so so nice! I had a great time talking to all my friends.

It was the perfect shower. I absolutely DESPISE baby shower games. HATE HATE HATE them. There were no games! We ate, talked, opened gifts and said our goodbyes. I loved all the stuff I got. SO MUCH. I felt so loved. I was afraid people would think I was just coming back to get 'goods' out of them, but when I saw my friends I knew it was a silly worry! I love all of them and miss them dearly! I hope that they all know that!

I love my friend Erin!!!  She is awesome!


So loved!  And somehow I'm awesome and got it all packed for AZ

Afterwards Sydney and and took some pictures in our nursing nightgowns - as we promised all there we would do  :)  LOL is all I have to say!

Sunday Louisville was expecting a nasty little ice/snow storm that was supposed to start to get bad in the early afternoon. All but the first hour of 1 o'clock church was cancelled which was kinda sad, but I would rather be safe. We visited with some people after church and then stopped by Jared's grandparents grave sites to refresh the flowers. His aunt's grave actually still had the flowers I had put on 8 months ago which is crazy!

Putting flowers on their grave was something that I always tried to do twice a year, so I'm glad that I could do it again. I miss doing that for Jared and his family.

It was really starting to get cold and windy. It was misty and the mist was freezing to the trees so we didn't stay long. Brrrrrrr!

It didn't start to snow until around 6 that night, but it was slick and icy. We were going to go to an Oscar party, but decided the roads were too slick. None were plowed or salted - like normal for Louisville.

It ended up snowing about 2.5 inches and school was cancelled in the morning.  The roads were too slick so I had to cancel lunch with my friend Liz. Which is sad, because I wanted to see her and her little girl. Until next time I suppose.

SNOW! I haven't seen it in over a year! I love snow.

I waited until almost 5pm before I went to 'The Paddock' - used to be 'The Summit' an outdoor shopping mall that I used to work at Bath and Body Works at. I wanted to get Jared a 'L' hat at the sports store, but they didn't have any generic sizes, and I didn't dare buy something so specific in size that I can't return.

I stopped by our old house again - one last time. Ahhhh... miss that house. It looked great- although the door was painted orange....pffff... black was much better. And then drove through Norton Commons - the neighborhood that was next to the house. It was good - for closure - if for nothing else. I felt like we left in such a hurry I never really got to say 'good-bye'. It was good for me.

MISS MY OLD HOME!

Louisville Temple. I miss a temple that close.

We stayed up late again, and slept for almost 3 hours before I was on my way to the airport.  This flight was good. I got an aisle seat next to a grandma/grandpa couple. It was good.... nothing to complain about, well all but Jr. going crazy doing dances in my belly the whole time!  Such an active guy!  I hope he just wants more room and will be born and be so much happier out in the roomy world.

It was a great and needed trip.  I didn't realize how down and depressed I really had been.  Jared did and that's why he pushed for me to go even when our budget was tight and when I questioned it.  I appreciate the fact he did that even though he didn't get to go. I wish he could have come too. But with the baby coming and a move coming up soon he decided to save the PTO for then, which is smart and very much a 'good husband' thing of him to do.

There were so many memories being back in Kentucky. Most good and most with Jared. I hope that we can turn our next official home into the same thing with the same happy feelings.