37 Weeks {Full Term}

Total weight gain: 27.5 lbs
Fetal size: a winter melon! (approximately 6-7 pounds & 19-20 inches long)
Movement: The baby really likes to make my belly lopsided and stick its butt out making a very awkward belly shape for me!
Symptoms: Contractions, contractions, contractions. 

I had regular, time-able contractions for 7 hours straight on Friday. They were definitely more uncomfortable than the typical braxton hicks I have been having but they never increased in intensity. I did make sure to get the dishes, laundry & floors done just in case. I drank a BUNCH of ice water to try to get them to relax and it just wasn't working. Finally, after a warm bath and going to bed for the night I was able to sleep them off. I only slept 4 hours last night due to cramps, contractions, heart burn & insomnia. Got to love the tail end of pregnancy!

The baby is now considered full term and should be able to breathe on its own when born. The baby now drinks an estimated 15oz of amniotic fluid per day!

I have been working on freezing meals for after the baby (which is new for me). I now have 1 meatloaf, 2 casserole pans of King Ranch Chicken, pizza dough, a batch of cookie dough balls & Belgium waffles ready to go!

I had my routine OB appointment this morning and all is well. 
B/P: 106/68
GBS results: NEGATIVE! (no antibiotics needed in labor - yay!)
Dilation: 0.5cm, "soft" with no effacement
Fetal weight (estimated per OB feeling on my belly): 6-7 lbs "it's not a big baby"

Part of me is disappointed in the lack of cervical change after all the contractions but part of me is also relieved knowing that I want to get past June 7th (the girl's ballet recital) before delivering. I will see the PA next week as my OB will be out of town. Keep cooking little one...

36.2 Week Appointment

I had my routine OB appointment this morning and all is well!

B/P: 100/70
Weight Gain: 3.5lb since last appt 2 weeks ago
FHR: good & strong
FH: on track
Fetal Position: HEAD DOWN!!

The GBS culture was collected and an internal exam done. I am not dilated yet, which I expected. I wasn't dilating this early with any of my girls. I am actually reassured with this because my OB is out of town during my 38th week and girls have a big ballet recital coming up that I want to get past before delivering. He thinks I will make it to 39 weeks just fine assuming my water doesn't spontaneously break in the mean time.

I go back next week and will be checked for dilation again at each weekly visit until delivery.

36 Weeks {9 Months}

Total weight gain: 26.5 lbs
Fetal size: a honeydew! (approximately 5.75-6 pounds & 18.5 inches long)
Movement: This baby has gotten very strong and active! Cody says I have an alien belly when the baby gets super active.
Symptoms: The random contractions I've been having have started getting more intense and the baby has started pushing downwards randomly, which stops me in my tracks. I was very uncomfortable yesterday afternoon-evening with contractions, pressure & back discomfort.

We got a lot accomplished yesterday afternoon. The car seats have been completely rearranged in my car in preparation of the baby and picking Reese up from Kinder starting in the Fall. So the infant car seat is officially installed in my car :) I also got my 1st freezer meal prepped and frozen yesterday. I plan on doubling a few dinner meals over the next few weeks and freezing the extra portion. I didn't do this with my other deliveries but I think we will appreciate the convenience this time. 

I have an OB appointment this Thursday. The GBS (Group B Strep) culture will be collected to see if I need antibiotics in labor (I have always been negative in the past). I will also be checked for any dilation/effacement at this time but I am not expecting much at 36 weeks. 

Nursery Update: The curtains and bumper arrived this past week and are in place! It really feels like a nursery now. I can't wait to start adding a gender color to the room soon!

Silk Curtains

Crib with Custom Bedding

The Bedding

Grey Plush Bunny

I'm really happy with the way this nursery is coming together! Gender neutral was probably the hardest nursery to plan since I didn't want to go the yellow or green neutral route. I know it will look great once it gets personalized after the baby is here!

1st Adventure in Ice Skating

The girls were invited to a "Frozen" party at the local ice rink and it turned out to be a huge hit!

Reese's 1st time on ice skates!

Patiently waiting

Almost Emma's turn!

Emma's 1st time on ice skates!

Scarlett getting her hands "frozen"

Who is having more fun?!

Emma wanted to skate backwards

Future Olympians

Emma skating backwards

Sideline Cheerleader

This was a party that the kids didn't want to leave! They LOVED every moment on the ice and were asking to go back before we ever even left. They did have skates to fit Scarlett but she didn't react very well to walking on snow at Christmas. I think the next time we go back she will be ready to try ice skating with Daddy! 

Our 8th Anniversary

May 18th was our 8 year wedding anniversary! 

It's hard to believe that 8 years ago we were on the beaches of St. Lucia making the best commitment of our lives to each other. Cody & I met almost 13 years ago and I still remember the first time I saw him in freshman seminar class of college! We have been inseparable ever since and we grow closer & stronger every day!

We were able to have a romantic getaway for a night! Saturday we checked into the Mokara Hotel on the Riverwalk. This is our 2nd stay at the Mokara and it is absolutely beautiful! We enjoyed a late lunch at Rita's on the Riverwalk.

When we came back to our hotel room we were surprised with a bottle of champagne on ice!

That evening we enjoyed relaxing couples Swedish massages. I have had massages with every pregnancy but this was the first time a spa had a special pregnancy pillow with a belly cut out which allowed me to lay on my stomach for most of the massage!

After we got all dressed up we enjoyed an amazing dinner at Texas de Brazil. I LOVE this restaurant! The variety of meats were delicious! I'm sure we ate enough protein for the entire week in one sitting! We finished off the course with a delicious slice of cheesecake and hot coffee.

We were actually able to sleep in the next morning and enjoyed a room service breakfast! We took a morning stroll around the river before checking out of the hotel and heading home.

We have had so many blessings over the past 8 years and we are incredibly thankful. I love you Cody with all my heart! To many more years to come...

35 Weeks

Total weight gain: 26 lbs
Fetal size: a coconut! (approximately 5-5.5 pounds & 18+ inches long)
Movement: Cody & I were laughing the other night at the acrobat show this baby was performing!
Symptoms: Insomnia pre-baby is just cruel

I can't believe I am 35 weeks with only 35 days until my due date! Fetal hearing is now fully developed and amniotic fluid volume has now peaked. 

I gained way too much weight this past week and I knew I had eaten terrible. Papasitos, late night steak & lobster, chili dogs, & a huge batch of homemade cookies. If you have tasted these cookies before, then you will understand my moments of weakness ;)

I am happy to report that the lady who made the crib bedding has offered to stuff the bumper some more so that it is nice and plush like I had expected. I can't wait to get the curtains and bumper set up so the room feels more complete!

Mother's Day 2014

Happy Mother's Day!

I had an AMAZING day!!! I was woken up by the girls with a full course breakfast complete with "popping eggs" (eggs over easy), sausage, bacon, hash browns, biscuits, coffee & OJ! Then I got a special card from each of my girls & from Cody. I opened the most beautiful mercury glass pedestal bowl & a beautiful potted Orchid.

The girls dressed "beautiful" for me and we snatched a picture before Cody headed to work. 

We spent the morning outside playing and when it was time to come in for lunch, Reese told me "Go to your room and wait. We have a special lunch for you." I was caught off guard but thrilled the girls were trying so hard to make today special. I snuck a peak on them once and they had crawled up onto the island to prep lunch. Then I hear "Mommy, your lunch is ready!"

They had made all 4 of us turkey & cheese sandwiches with a side of chips. I was cracking up laughing when I sat down at the table and Reese had put the mayo & a drink for me on display in my new mercury glass bowl. It was quite the gourmet meal!!!! After we all ate they told me to close my eyes that they had a "special dessert" for me. They placed this delicious cookie cake in front of me and I was so surprised!

I told the girls this was the BEST Mother's Day ever & thank you!

When Cody got home from work this evening he cooked an amazing steak & lobster dinner for the two of us!

I have been incredibly blessed with 3 amazing little girls and another little blessing on the way! I am so thankful to be able to celebrate Mother's Day. It was truly an amazing day!

34 Week Appointment

I had my routine OB appointment this morning at 34.1 weeks and all is well!

BP: 120/72
Fetal HR: approx. 150's (baby was swimming around)
Fundal Height: 34cm
Weight Gain: 2lbs since last appt 2 weeks ago

My OB told me again how well I am doing with weight gain this time. I go back in 2 weeks and the GBS culture will be taken at that time along with the start of internal exams.

34 Weeks

Total weight gain: 22.5 lbs
Fetal size: a butternut squash! (approximately 4.5-5 pounds & 17.2-18.7 inches long)
Movement: Baby LOVES my evening desserts :)
Symptoms: Contractions have been less this week, thankfully. Insomnia is still brutal though. 

I am so relieved to be at the 34 week mark! All the major developmental milestones have been hit and now this baby just needs to work on gaining weight and lung development. The fetal rapid weight gain is starting and will continue until delivery. 

Sunday afternoon was my "diaper sprinkle" baby shower that was so generously hosted by a sweet friend. I am blown away at all the generosity and love towards this baby! It was truly a beautiful day with a bunch of family and friends! I should have some pictures to post of that soon.

Baby Shower Goodies

The crib bedding arrived yesterday (curtains still to come). I wish I could say I loved it but I am disappointed with the bumper padding quality. It is not nearly as fluffy as I am used to on our other custom crib beddings. Overall, I love the look of the pattern, fabric & colors. 

I see my OB for a 34 week check up tomorrow morning and should be having one more 2 week appointment at 36 weeks before going weekly. 

For anyone who thinks we secretly know the gender and aren't telling - WE DO NOT KNOW!!!! I would never go through this much effort on designing a gender neutral room if we had found out the gender. I honestly don't understand the point of keeping it a surprise unless we were also surprised along with everyone else. I can not wait for Cody to announce the gender at delivery for the first time!