31 Weeks

I am 31 Weeks pregnant and Bryson weighs around 3.5 pounds and is about 17 inches long.

This week great. We had a wonderful Christmas! We had a delicious dinner, and fun with family. I attended my first hockey game which was so much fun! I am seriously a hockey fan now!! Bryson kicked around through the entire game so I guess he is a hockey fan as well!!

This is an adorable keepsake ornament that Kevin's brother Troy got for us. :)

We were also so blessed this holiday to get a second car! Kevin's Grandad does not drive anymore and was kind enough to give us his car! Kevin's Mom and Stepdad drove the car to us when they came to visit. It was so amazing that his family would all work together to help us out so much! I know that Kevin has been especially worried that I would go into labor and he would not be able to get to me without a car. This is such a huge weight off of our shoulders in so many ways! 

I have been keeping really busy this week with work, travel, and packing for our move. I am really looking forward to being all moved in to the new place! I can't wait to get the nursery set up! I am going to get my hospital bag packed once we get settled. We are also having my baby shower in a few weeks, so after that I will get busy buying all of the final items that we need. It is crazy to think about how we only have 9 more weeks to get everything ready! 

My anxiety has subsided this week thank goodness! I have been feeling/sleeping much better! My biggest symptom this week has been back pain! OUCH

Bump this week-

30 Weeks

How far along? 30 Weeks - 10 more to go!

How big is the peanut? Bryson is about 3 pounds and 16 inches long.

The doctor said that I my uterus is measuring a week behind still, but no reason to worry. Baby's heartbeat was 130 which freaked me out... that is the lowest it has ever been. He is normally around 150. The doctor said it is completely normal and his heart rate changes just like anyone else.

Total weight gain/loss? I gained back the couple pounds I lost last week, total gain of about 22 lbs now

Sleep? Here is how sleep went JUST LAST NIGHT...

I woke up once because I was cold, once because I was hot, I woke up 3 times to use the restroom and drink water because I was SUPER thirsty (a vicious cycle lol), I woke up once because I was STARVING and had to eat a banana in order to go back to sleep, however then I could not fall asleep because I had heartburn (from a banana?? What the heck?) and my back was aching, so I tossed and turned for an hour or two (my mind stressing about the baby shower and moving) until I feel asleep again. Then I dreamt that I was at work for two hours. -I was waiting on tables that kept stiffing me on the tip, and a huge group that was really impatient and yelling at me, and then finally I woke up when Kevin got up in the morning and I cried from stress and exhaustion over breakfast! (Because I was STARVING again)

....So yeah, sleep is getting more difficult! LOL

Best moment this week? Spending time with my husband. We did some shopping, wrapping gifts, and looking at Christmas lights. It has been a lot of fun.

Symptoms? ANXIETY! Day and night... (see the sleep question above) It is the worst! I have not noticed many hormonal changes throughout this pregnancy until now. It seems like it all hit me at once this week! I feel stressed and worried all the time even for no reason at all! I truly feel for people who suffer from an anxiety disorder because it is no fun! I am trying to just keep my mind focused and not allow myself to dwell on negativity as best as I can.

Food cravings/aversions? Nothing specific this week

Gender? Boy!

Labor signs? I have had one or two mild cramps that could have been a braxton hicks contraction... or it could be one of the 10,587 other things associated with pregnancy... so who knows... lol

Belly button in or out? Same- partially out, fully out when I cough which is weird

What I miss? Not feeling like a big ball of crazy hormones 24/7!! Lol! Honestly, I am handling the hormones well for the most part. I FEEL different then my normal self, but I don't think I am acting different on the outside. Kevin is the only one who really sees the changes and he is super supportive and understanding!

What I am looking forward to? Seeing family for Christmas! It will be nice to have some time off work to just relax for a few days, be with family, and eat some yummy food! We are driving to Troy's house (Kevin's brother) who lives in Alabama. It is 6 hours from our house, and 8 hours from Jeff City, MO (where his Mom and Step-Dad live). It is a great central location for us all to meet up and be together! We are really excited!

Milestones? Bryson's brain is developing grooves and indentations to allow for an increased amount of brain tissue. He is also beginning to loose the peach-fuzz like hair that has been covering his body to keep him warm. His brain and new fat cells are regulating his body temperature so he doesn't need it anymore. Also this week his bone marrow has taken over production of red blood cells which allows him to better thrive on his own once he is born.

Bump?

29 Weeks

At 29 Weeks Bryson is about 2.5 pounds and around 16 inches long. Up until now he has developed "brown fat" which is used for temperature regulation. Now he is starting to get "white fat" (the kind you and I have) which serves as an energy source. He is nearing his birth length already, so he is mostly just plumping up from here on out!  He will now gain about 1/2 a pound per week for the next 8 weeks! I can't believe his due date is only 11 WEEKS away! That is 75 days until I am a mommy! WOW

This week his head is growing to fit his developing brain. (Completely proportionate to his body for the first time) I read online that it is really important for me to have calcium this week for bone growth in his skull and also the development of his permanent teeth in his gums! 

This is a video of Bryson moving and kicking through my belly! He looks like the his doing flips in there!!

Luckily I have not been very hormonal during this pregnancy, because this week I have started getting some rude and annoying comments from people!

The other day I was waiting on a table at work and as I was walking away one of the guys at the table mumbled to his friends, "God she is FAT!" Right at that moment, my loud mouthed coworker snapped around and said "No you A**hole, She is PREGNANT!" The guy's girlfriend smacked him out of embarrassment. I know that he was just an idiot, but I am sad to say it did hurt my feelings a little bit! Clearly all my weight is in my belly!! I wish I could have told him that in a few months I wont be fat anymore, but he will still be an idiot!!

I have also had many people make comments about my size. I know they don't mean to be negative but I keep hearing comments like, "Oh you still have 2 1/2 months left? Wow, that is going to be a BIG baby!" My baby is not going to be bigger then normal! I wish people would stop trying to scare/worry me! My body and development is completely normal and on track for where it should be!! 

Anyway, thanks for listening to me rant! I am trying not to worry about what people say! Other people's negativity belongs only to them. That which you dwell on most will surely come to pass... so I am dwelling on only positive! I love my pregnant body. This may be the only/ one of the only times I will ever have the experience to being pregnant in my life! This is something I will remember and cherish forever so I  am trying to enjoy it and not rush through this beautiful life experience!

I have been feeling pretty good as usual. My back aches a little, restless legs, and heartburn occasionally but no big deal. My only concern right now is that I have lost 2-3 pounds this week! I have steadily gained weight until now so this seems strange. I assume Bryson is just using up more nutrients then normal to pack on his weight. Maybe I just need to eat more! I will keep an eye on it for the next week and see what the doctor says at my next appointment.

During my first trimester, if I became hungry I HAD to eat right then and there. If I did not eat when hungry I would feel sick. This symptom seems to be returning now in the third trimester!. I go from completely normal to being on the brink of death from starvation in a matter of minutes! LOL I read this hilarious description in a blog the other day...

"Let me tell you something, people. A starving pregnant woman is like a prison inmate with nothing to lose. Her desperation could lift a semi-truck off a trapped cheese-steak sandwich... I could never comprehend the manic frenzy. It’s like being possessed by Cookie Monster, if Cookie Monster also had a violent criminal history. My point is, if she’s hungry - don’t make her wait. Whatever you do, save yourself and throw her the nearest bread basket immediately." 

http://hahasforhoohas.com/stories/things-pregnant-women-don%E2%80%99t-do-gracefully

LOL!

Bump-

OUR NEW HOME!

This is not baby related, but we found a new home! I wanted to share pictures here so that our family and friends can see! We will get the keys January 1st. It is a 3 bedroom, 2 Bath with a fenced in back yard for the dogs. The neighborhood is really cute and the home is bright and well lit. It feels very "homey". I can't wait to get it all set up to bring our little one home to! 

Front of home

Back of home/patio

Backyard

Backyard

The girls are going to love the doggie door!

Living room

Kitchen/pantry

Kitchen

Dining area off kitchen, looking at back door

Hallway to bedrooms

Bryson's nursery

Master with private bath

Master bath

Guest room

Main Bath

Laundry room

Thanks for looking!

28 Weeks

28 Weeks- Bryson is around 2.25-2.5 pounds and about 15 inches long.

Only 12 weeks, or 82 days to go!

His lungs are now capable of breathing air but it would still be difficult for him. Although he would need some medical assistance, he has a 90 percent survival rate outside of the womb right now.

This week I have started having restless legs, which is super weird! I have also had some MAJOR pregnancy cravings! Normally I don't like spicy foods, but I can not get enough spicy Popeye's chicken and mash potatoes with cajun gravy! I am seriously addicted! I ate it two days in a row, but if I had it my way, I could eat it EVERYDAY! Lol. I am also really into cottage cheese right now yum!

I had a doctor's appointment today and everything went great. The doctor said that I passed my glucose test, so nothing to worry about. He measured my stomach to check the size of my uterus and said that I am measuring at 27 weeks, although he is not worried about it. His exact words were "You are a small person, so that is to be expected." lol. Bryson's heartbeat is 155. He was moving and kicking the monitor the entire time. The doctor said, "An active baby is the best sign of a healthy baby." :)

I forgot to share this cute little panda hat/scarf set that I bought on cyber Monday for only $4.00! I bought the blue one! Too cute :)

 

Bump-

27 Weeks - THIRD TRIMESTER!

How far along? 27 Weeks... I am officially starting my third trimester! WOW this is going FAST

How big is the peanut? Just over 2 pounds and 14.5 inches long - This is double his weight 4 weeks ago. He will more then double in weight AGAIN in the next 6 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss? 19-20 pounds... All in my belly thank goodness! According to what I have read, this is the time when most women begin to experience swelling in their hands and feet. I have already had to buy new shoes because my feet have grown.

Sleep? The only way that I can sleep is on my left side, with my body pillow. If I fall asleep on my right I wake up after an hour feeling uncomfortable or with a leg cramp.

Best moment this week? Thanksgiving! We celebrated with family early, so for Thanksgiving we had some friends over to the house and I cooked a dinner for everyone. It turned out great. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed some sparkling cider instead of wine this year. Yum!

I also had fun this week with shopping! I got my Hypnobabies set yesterday which was super exciting! I also got some great Cyber Monday deals!

I got this Fisher Price Bouncer Seat for 45% off. Super soft and cute in style "snugabunny." It plays music and nature sounds with a gentle vibration. (I also registered for the matching swing which is SUPER cool)-

I also got this Graco Bumper Jumper for 40% off. It hangs from the door way and allows our little guy to use his feet to kick the floor and bounce himself around. How perfect is this for an active little boy! He should be able to use it as early as a few months old.- 

Symptoms? Just some achyness... nothing too bad. I was super uncomfortable sitting or standing all day yesterday. The only way I could get comfy was to lay down. I even had Kevin bring the mattress from the guest bed onto the living room floor so I could lounge and watch TV. Lol. Sometimes I have days like that. I call it a "growth spurt day" when everything is stretching. 

Food cravings/aversions? I have been loving apple slices (specifically golden delicious) dipped in creamy peanut butter!

Gender? Boy

Labor signs? No Braxton Hicks yet.

Belly button in or out? Partially sticking out. When I cough it goes almost completely out. Lol

What I miss? Coffee

What I'm looking forward to? Planning my baby shower. My friend Colleen is throwing it for me. We are planning to have it right after the New Year.

Milestones? This week I felt hiccups for the first time! It has happened a few times now. I am also able to see him moving through my belly more then ever. When he kicks my belly bounces and jiggles, often moving across my stomach. Kevin can see it too. 

There have been two times when he kicked strong enough that I could see an entire appendage sticking out! It looked like a golf ball sticking out of my belly! I just love to stare and my belly and watch him move. I know his movements will only get more intense.

I have a doctor's appointment next week. I haven't heard back about the glucose test so I will assume that is a good sign. I am sure my doctor will let me know for sure at my appointment. I have been going to see him every four weeks but from now on I will start going for a check up every 2 weeks. (Bi-weekly for weeks 28-36, then I have to go weekly until he is born.)

Bump? 

Just for fun, here is a comparison of the first day of my 2nd Trimester vs. the first day of my 3rd Trimester-

Oh Baby! He is really growing! I remember feeling so big in that picture! LOL (13 Weeks)

26 Weeks - Goodbye 2nd Trimester!

How far along? 26 Weeks

How big is the peanut? He is just under 2 pounds and measures 14 inches from head to heel. He is finally opening his eyes! He continues to put on baby fat and develop his lungs. He can now hear much better - both mine and Kevin's voice. He is also beginning to respond to noises and could even become startled by a loud sound.

Total weight gain/loss? I have still gained around 18 pounds so far

Sleep? Still sleeping pretty good. My only complaint is that I often wake up with some leg cramping. I have had 2 really bad charlie horses which is THE WORST way to wake up! Both times I was sleeping on my right side. It is recommended that you sleep on your left to provide the most blood flow, so I assume I just didn't have adequate blood flow to my leg and that is what caused it. It was like 2 whole minutes of intense, unbearable muscle cramp in my calf. I couldn't do anything to make it stop. I literally said out loud "PLEASE JUST STOP!" Ouch! My calf muscles were super sore for the next few days as well, as if I had done an intense work out!

Best moment this week? Feeling Bryson moving. He has been moving for a while now, but this week the movements are much different. Before, I would feel kicking in one specific spot. Now whenever he moves it is from one side of my belly all the way across to the other side! It is such an awesome feeling! I was even able to see my belly move for  the first time! It was subtle, but when he was kicking I could see my belly "bouncing" with each kick. He is getting so big and strong!

Funny moment this week- I asked Kevin to stop by the store on his way home from work to buy me some Oreos. He was in the checkout line with nothing except for cookies, so the cashier joked with him and said "What are you pregnant?" He said "No, but my wife is!" Lol I thought that was pretty funny!

Another exciting thing this week- I finally ordered my hypnobabies home study! I am so excited to get it and start practicing!

Symptoms? HEARTBURN! I have only experienced heartburn once ever in my life before now. My uterus has now grown to my rib cage, so it is cramping my organs more then before.

This week has been a bit rough. I feel like I am re-learning how to do everything! Whenever I try to bend over to pick something up, get out of bed or off the couch, or squeeze through a tight spot, I feel like there is a little voice saying to me...

LOL!!

My back aches whenever I sit. I bought a travel pillow to prop behind my back which has really helped. I assume it is because of the way my back is curved from the extra weight I am carrying. Whenever I sit perfectly upright it hurts like crazy! If I go out to eat, sitting in a booth is almost unbearable! I am seriously just going to take my pillow everywhere! LOL 

Food cravings? This week I've been craving spicy foods... that probably won't help my heartburn! LOL

Gender? Baby Boy!

Labor signs? Nope!

Belly button in or out? Still just partially sticking out

What I miss? My family! It was so great seeing them last week. I miss them!

What I'm looking forward to? Finding a new place to live, and setting up the nursery! We just found out that we will be moving in about a month. I think it will be nice to have a brand new, clean, organized home to bring Bryson home to. 

Milestones? Almost done with my second trimester! This is the last week of my sixth month already!

Bump? 

I took the glucose test today. It wasn't too bad except they make you fast before the test so I was starving and it took 45 MINUTES to get checked in because the hospital was really busy today!

The test checks for gestational diabetes. This is a high sugar condition that some women get during pregnancy.  When you arrive for the test you drink a sugar solution (tastes like a syrupy, flat, orange soda), wait for an hour, and then they draw your blood to check your sugar level. The idea is to see how efficiently your blood processes sugar. I should have the results soon. 

If you have it it means that you have to do extra testing and make changes to your diet. Gestational diabetes typically only lasts through pregnancy, but can carry over after the baby is born for some women. Hopefully I will test negative and wont have any extra worries!

Just for fun- I did one of those fun internet things that tell you what your baby will look like... I uploaded pictures of me and Kevin as a baby and it produced a picture of what our baby might look like... lol

This is me and Kevin (CUTIES!)-

 This what the internet says Bryson might look like-

I am certain he will be much cuter then this photo!!