Prego Blog: Week 37

How far along: 37 weeks (and 3 days...I'm a little late with this update) We're officially full term and can safely go into labor at any moment!  But preferably he'll wait until 40 weeks and 1 day so everyone who is out of town right now is back in town.  

How big is baby:  Watermelon.  Baby is busy practicing for life outside the womb: simulating breathing, sucking his thumb, blinking and pivoting 

Total weight gain: +18 lbs

Maternity clothes: Well, I'm down to one pair of "dress" maternity pants to wear.  My other pair is packed away in the hospital bag!  So if you see me, there's a good chance I'll be wearing brown pants...or sweatpants.  

Sleep: Still struggling here a little.  Both with falling and staying asleep.  It's always worst on the night before a Dr.'s appointment because I get anxious about everything being okay.        

Best moment(s) of the week: 

1) We went to Zest Fest this weekend!  Jason and I love spicy food.  Once a year there's a big convention for spicy lovers and we thoroughly enjoy going to this.  This year Jason beat the "CaJohns execution Station."  So proud.  We went to Red Hot and Blue for dinner that night...just in case our spicy quota hadn't been filled yet.

2) On Sunday evening we went to a Sidekicks game!  My family used to go to watch the Sidekicks play all the time when I was young.  But then they went away, and now they're back!  Jason bought me tickets for Christmas and it was so much fun!  If you're in the Dallas area, go support the Kicks!  It's good, pretty cheap fun! 

3) Since I'm a couple of days late on the blog you'll also get the update from my appointment on Monday.  This was a truly great appointment!  First:  It has been confirmed by ultrasound that Aidan has flipped and is no longer in the breech position!  I was so relieved to see this.  Second:  As I was watching the ultrasound machine all of a sudden I see a little face come on the screen.  I've seen a lot of profile shots of Aidan and a very strange looking face when he was itty bitty, but this was a clear face looking back at me.  My heart must have skipped a beat.  Looking at my precious son's little nose and mouth for the first time is one of the best moments I've had during this pregnancy.  I already love my son so much, but I fell even deeper.  I cannot wait to hold him!  

The white spot in the middle is his squished little nose and then right below are his lips

Baby foot! 

4)  I hosted Girls Night Dallas for my first time on Monday night!  It was a lot of fun having these girls over!  I'm so thankful to my sister for being a part of such a great group and inviting me to join.  A couple people brought there sweet little ones which helped to remind me of all the baby/toddler proofing we'll need to do as Aidan grows :)  I love the curiosity and adventurous nature of kids!  

Food cravings: Still no strong cravings   

Food aversions: sweets...which resulted in dessert at Girls Night being store bought fruit bars because I couldn't bring myself to bake anything

Symptoms: Having to go to bathroom every minute is probably the most prevalent.  Funny story (maybe TMI?): When we were at zest fest I went to the bathroom and of course picked the stall that was out of toilet paper.  So I decided to just sit there until everything had dried...great plan, except that I'm pregnant so every time I was about to reach the sufficiently dry point I would have to pee again.  #pregnancy problems.  Due to pregnancy brain and how it takes the simplest of tasks and turns it into the most thought/work intensive task possible, whenever I set out to accomplish something Jason's new motto is "Don't over exert yourself"

Movement: He's been poking his foot out my right side quite a bit.  It looks like I have a broken bone sticking out of my side.  He also snuggles up against my hip bone at night which kinda of tickles.  His kicks towards my ribs feel like something is tearing and always scare me a little.    

What I’m looking forward to:   We're going to a Stars game this Friday thanks to Jason's work!     

What I miss: Jason just had to mention sushi this week...so I'm missing that again.  Good news is we have a groupon to a sushi place that I cannot wait to use once Aidan is here! 

Next appt: February 5th!  I'm also meeting with Baby A's potential pediatrician on Feb 4th!

Workout/Fitness: I did pretty well again.  I think I went to the gym 3 or 4 times.  I feel so great afterwards getting in a little leg work.  I can feel my joints starting to loosen up a bit so I know I need to be pretty careful and keep a hold of the hand grips on any machine.  I also hosted two dinner "parties" this week (one being Girls Night with about 13 people and the other with 6 people).  I tried to pick easy recipes, but I think my pregnancy brain makes cooking for large crowds about 10 times more difficult so executing these turned into somewhat of a workout.

And last some love to my first son, Boots, whose world is about to be flipped upside down: 

Prego Journal: Week 36

How far along: 36 weeks

How big is baby:  Honeydew melon.  Blood circulation is pretty much perfected and his immune system is now mature enough to protect him from infections outside the womb. Bones are stronger, but still pliable so he can make it through the birth canal. 

Total weight gain: +17 lbs

Maternity clothes: This week I had to return the remainder of my maternity jeans as the original purchaser is also pregnant and has progressed to the maternity jeans stage! (note: this person is not my sister in law so don't go spreading rumors).  But that's okay because I'm content to wear sweatpants from here on out. 

Sleep: ehhhh.  I think I'm having some third trimester insomnia.  In addition to getting up to go to the bathroom I've been having a lot of trouble going back to sleep.  For a comical touch here's how me getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night looks:  Wake up on my left side and realize I need to pee.  Untangle my legs from the comforter and my boppy pillow. With a grunt and a push turn myself onto my back and hope that momentum and gravity will take me the rest of the way onto my right side in preparation for getting off the bed.  Lay on my right side for about 5-10 minutes deciding how bad I actually need to go and maybe I can just wait a little longer.  Eventually decide that it's necessary I get up.  Slide my legs off the bed and let them hang over the side. Lay in this position for another 5 minutes mentally preparing myself to get up. Every now and then I'll make a fake effort to sit up trying to use my abdominal "muscles".  Finally put my hands under my shoulder and give a little push (probably another grunt) and barrel roll off the bed hoping Boots isn't under my feet.        

Best moment(s) of the week: 

1) Nina came into town!  She must inspire productiveness because we accomplished more this weekend than we have in maybe the past 2 months.  She also brought lots of goodies with her for us and for Aidan! 

2) We had baby shower #2 given by my aunts and a good family friend!  And what a great shower it was!  They set up a diaper raffle where people brought diapers in order to be entered into a raffle for door prizes.  This resulted in a huge number of diapers and we are so grateful!  

I must have the most creative hostesses!  From the onesie game and canvases from the last shower to the making personalized onesies and bibs at this shower, Aidan is going to have lots of personal touches from all the people who love him!  

In addition to all the amazing and generous gifts I was also given a beautiful glass elephant that was my Meemaw's.  I've written a little about my Meemaw before and how she was simply the most amazing woman.  She collected elephants, which inspired my decision to incorporate elephants into Aidan's room. So when they gave me this particular gift I pretty much burst into tears.  Luckily I wasn't the only pregnant lady in the room so I had people accompanying me in my crying.  

3) Our good friend is also expecting a baby in early February and had a shower this weekend!  I love the feeling of baby showers...the camaraderie and support you feel from loved ones, friends, and experienced moms, the overload of cute baby clothes, the excitement.  Everything is so wonderful!

4) Aidan's nursery is finally coming along!  We got book shelves for our den, which allowed us to move out all the books that were being stored in his room; I did some clothes organizing; The crib bedding is all put together; Jason and Nina put together Aidan's dresser; my amazing friend helped me apply one of the decals to the wall!  While it's in no way close to being baby ready, it's coming along and that makes me so excited.  I leave the door open all the time now and will just stand and stare at the room imagining the day there's a little boy in there. 

Food cravings: Nothing in particular but I sure feel like my appetite grew again (is that even possible?).   

Food aversions: sweets 

Symptoms: I've been taking more naps; which has been highly recommended by all of my books, apps, and blogs seeing as I will very soon get very little sleep.  My back is still acting up a bit.  Pregnancy brain is still in full swing, I forget where I put things all the time.  I think some nesting is definitely kicking in; I have this ever present feeling that once the baby is here my house will never be clean again so I'd better clean it now and appreciate how it looks.  I've also been wanting to "go out" more with Jason.  I'm not usually a movie person, but we've been to the movies the past two weekends just because I know it will never be this easy again to go.  My emotions are all over the place: one moment I'll be on a high and just go go go getting things ready, feeling ready, feeling excited and then two minutes later I start panicking about not being ready and will I be able to do this...Luckily Jason is good at reassuring me.

Movement: Feeling more rolls and stretches.  I don't know if I've already said this, but man is our little guy stubborn.  Whenever he's being real active, as soon as somebody puts their hand on my stomach to feel him he will go completely still.  I finally took a video of my belly doing some serious dancing just so I could show it to people and prove that he really does move!  

What I’m looking forward to:   Finishing putting the nursery together and finally taking pictures of it   

What I miss: nothing in particular this week.  In fact, lately I've been thinking about all things I'm going to miss about being pregnant. 

Next appt: Jan 28th...and after that it's once a week! Update on his position: Did I already write about this?  Geeze pregnancy brain, if so skip over.  I know I've mentioned that Aidan was breeched in our last sonogram and I've been doing lots of weird things to try and encourage him to flip.  At my last appointment while getting measured Dr. B said if was to guess he would guess that he's head down.  But since he's not 100% sure we will get another sonogram on the 28th...fingers crossed! 

Workout/Fitness: This was actually a pretty good week workout wise.  I went to the gym 3 times this week and on longer walks with Boots on 2 days of the week.  It's so funny to go to the gym while pregnant, you get some pretty funny looks.  I'm still loving the AMT machine the most but will also do the elliptical and lift *light* weights.  However, all of this may have been negated by the amount of "junk" food I had this weekend.  

Prego Journal: Week 34 & 35

How far along: 35 weeks

How big is baby: Coconut. Baby is rapidly gaining fat and weight.  Most of his growth will likely be in weight not height for the remainder of his time in the womb. His brain is also rapidly developing.   

Total weight gain:  +15 lbs

Maternity clothes: On our anniversary I wiggled myself into my wedding dress (I told myself every year I would put on my dress again just to see how it looks).  This year, it was pretty comical; it's a good thing I was not a pregnant bride.  Baby showers are starting!  And since I've made a commitment to not actually purchase any maternity clothes, I maneuvered into a non-maternity dress that used to be a little boxy/flowy, but is now form fitting.  Sitting was not the easiest thing in the world.  

Best moment(s) of the week: Wow there's a lot to report since I have two weeks to cover:

1) The fightin' Texas Aggies beat OU in the Cotton Bowl and we got to be there! I had so much fun, it's been way too long since I've been to an Aggie football game. 

2) Our anniversary!  We had such a lovely first anniversary.  We went to Mass at St. Ann, had a delicious dinner at Steve Fields, and ate a one year old cupcake my sister and mom saved for us.  See pictures and video below:

3) Doing absolutely nothing:  Yes for the first week in forever, I gave myself permission to do absolutely nothing.  No traveling, no working, nothing.  Okay, actually, I took down all the Christmas decorations, cleaned the house, cooked, scheduled a plumber, started writing thank you notes, did lots of laundry, got my car title put under my new last name, and updated my car registration.  But, it felt like I did nothing so it was awesome!

4) BABY SHOWER!  Oh my goodness.  I literally had the baby shower of my dreams on Saturday.  Funny enough, all of my bridesmaids made the trip to be co-hostesses and my sister opened her house for the shower.  I can't describe how great my friends are.  It was a "co-ed" shower, so the boys played video games and watched sports in one room while the ladies painted beautiful canvases for us to decorate Aidan's room.  I got to catch up with some of my UNT friends as well as old high school/grade school friends, some of who are also expecting! Aidan received lots of adorable onesies in a game they organized where Jason and I had to guess who gave which onesie.  I was not an expert at this game; but eventually we got them all!  We also received lots needed items for the little man.  OH and my hostesses got together to buy us our travel system!!  Gosh we are so blessed! 

Food cravings: Hmmm I've been enjoying soups, probably because it's so cold.  I also made a low cal/high protein version of spinach and artichoke dip for my carrots.  I used to dip carrots in hummus, but since that's on the no-no list I came up with a substitute.  Cooking the dip was pretty interesting, seeing as pregnancy brain has taken full affect.  I forgot to put the spinach in the spinach and artichoke dip.  Luckily Jason realized this before it was completely done cooking and helped me fix the mistake. 

Food aversions: still sweets.  I tried to eat a bite of ice cream; it was not good.  I told my mom and sister in law I'm probably going to gain weight after giving birth and all these aversions go away.  I'll be eating cereal while drinking wine with an encore of chocolate ice cream and sushi.  It will be great. 

Symptoms: Yes, yes, still back pain.  Jason and I did some birth prep this week practicing relaxation and laboring positions.  One of these involves Jason kneading my back.  This was awesome, seeing as I'm not actually in labor, so really I was just getting a massage.  My brain is basically useless at this point.  I do regular checks to make sure I know where all of my essentials are (purse, keys, phone).  

Movement:  It was so much fun having my girl friends around me this week and letting them feel Aidan.  They were so precious whenever he would move, with lots of squeals and excitement.  It really never gets old to feel him move.  I will miss this most once he's born.  

What I’m looking forward to:  I suppose another week of relaxation and my second baby shower!  Nina is coming in town for the baby shower, which will be very exciting!              

What I miss: Jogging (oh I have a jogging stroller now, get ready baby!) 

Next appt: January 14th.  At our last appointment we had a sonogram!  Aidan looked healthy, despite being pretty small for being in the 34th week.  My amniotic fluid level also looked good.  However, he was in the breeched position.  Only about 4-5% of babies are still in this postion in the 34th week.  Dr. B let us know if he's not turned by week 36 we'll have to start talking about possible external cephalic version (turning him manually) which can cause fetal distress and result in needing an emergency c-section and/or scheduling a c section if he doesn't turn on his own.  So lots of prayers and positive vibes about him turning his little head down would be wonderful! I've been doing all sorts of funny positions and techiniques to get him to start the process (laying upside down, playing music near my pelvis, holding cold presses near the top of my tummy, inversions, etc).  Turn baby turn! 

Workout/Fitness: Jason and I got a membership to our local rec center.  I went there three times this week and used the AMT and elliptical machines.  I had to remind myself not to compare my pace to those around me and just focus on my exertion level.  I also lifted weights and went on a few walks with Boots this week. It felt great to have such an active week.

1 Year Anniversary

I'm foregoing a full pregnancy update this week for an anniversary post.  I will do a double post next week.  

On Sunday, Jason and I drove to Coppell to attend Mass at St. Ann, where just a year ago we were preparing for our wedding.  The Mass was beautiful.  Deacon Pete (who did our marriage prep) and Father Petter (who was the Celebrant at our wedding) were both presiding.  It couldn't have been more perfect.  I was filled with so much joy as Jason and I knelt together after receiving the Eucharist.  My husband had his arms wrapped tenderly around me and our baby was kicking away.  I thanked God many times over for the blessings He has given us this year and prayed for his continued guidance in our marriage.  We then went to St. Kilian's Chapel where our wedding was held.  Standing there together thinking back to our wedding I couldn't help but tear up a little.

1 year ago today I said yes to God's vocation for me to enter into the Sacrament of marriage and became united with my best friend.  A man who has supported me through some of the hardest moments in my life.  Someone who has seen the worst side of me and still found nothing in his heart but love for me.  A man who has helped me to grow in my faith and continues to inspire me each and every day.  Someone who can make me smile bigger and laugh harder than anyone else.  When we started this journey I had no idea how deep and committed my love could be for another person.  One year later here we are, living in our first house and a month away from bringing our first child into the world; the most beautiful sign of our love for one another!  Looking back on our wedding day I remember being overwhelmingly joyful.  As I look forward to the life we have ahead of us I am endlessly grateful.   

Below I've included the edited pictures that we didn't get back until long after the wedding and so I never posted them anywhere.  If you'd like to read the full story of our wedding you can go here and here.  

Thank you to everyone who was a part of this day!  I'm looking forward to many amazing days and years to come!

The VrlyFries