Pregnancy Week 38

Okay, this post is about 3 weeks late... but things got very busy! I forgot to post the last two entries  so here they are.  And I have good news... our little bundle is finally here!  I'll introduce him to you soon! :)
 Baby Bump

How far along? 38 Weeks, 6 Days
 

Size of the baby: A Pumpkin!

Maternity clothes? Yes.  I was in love with the leggings this week.  So comfy.
Stretch marks? Nope!
Sleep: No. I don't want to talk about it unless it will put me to sleep.  
Symptoms: Achy pelvis and hips, heartburn, headaches, acne... my body is officially in freak-out mode.
Best moment this week: Deciding I am going to stop working at 39 weeks!  Maybe I will finally get some rest!
Miss Anything? Picking up the phone and not having to say "No, no baby yet."
Food cravings: Coconut Milk Ice Cream.  OMG. Try it.  You won't be disappointed.  Also I'm hooked on black tea (decaf) with soy milk creamer and agave syrup.  Random, I know.  
Any aversions? Most food doesn't sound very good these days... my tummy has no room to expand!
Have you started to show yet: Yes and if I'm not careful, my shirts ride up and you can see what looks like a beer gut.  
Baby Names? We'll pick once he's here!
Belly Button in or out? Out out out out out.

Linea Nigra? Yep and as crooked as ever!
Wedding rings on or off? On!  No finger swelling!
Happy or Moody most of the time: I am definitely more moody, but not too bad.  It's just more from being tired and starting to feel a little bit uncomfortable. 
Movement: Like a kick-boxing pro.
Looking forward to: I'll give you ONE guess!
New mom tips I received this week (which I love getting!):  Don't listen to anyone's advice with a new baby... he's your baby and your instinct won't let you down.  
Favorite part of being pregnant so far: Seeing his little feet poke around!
Any Braxton Hicks contractions?  Yes, getting more and more but frustrated that not much is happening in the way of dilation!  
Feet Swelling? Nope!

Have you started to "waddle"? There's definitely a waddle to my step.
Any weird dreams? I feel like I dreamt a lot this week but I can't remember any of them!
Over being pregnant? I've loved the last 9 months, but I am beyond ready to meet our little bambino now.
Nesting? Yes!  A few nights of non-stop cleaning this week.
Car Seat Installed? Yes!
Hospital Bag Packed? Partially!  
Dilated/Effaced? (And sorry if this is TMI): No. Notta thing.
Still Running? No more running for this Momma.  Did the elliptical 6x and weights 2x.  Feeling more and more fatigued but once I work out I feel good again!

Letter to Baby

Baby, baby, baby...

Why you gotta drive me crazy?  Just kidding... You don't drive me crazy at all.  But I definitely want to meet you!  I'm starting to think that since I had such an easy pregnancy, you're making me wait as long as possible to make your grand entrance.  I know I still have a week until my due date but you definitely seem comfy and cozy inside and don't seem to want to make a move any time soon! I think my biggest mistake throughout the pregnancy was listening to everyone who told me, "You are going to be so early!"  Luckily, I know you won't be inside me forever and before you know it I will be snuggling you in my arms.  And I'm happy you're going to be fully developed with big strong lungs!

This week you continued to put on weight and allowed your brain and lungs to develop a little bit more. Your tear ducts formed this week which will help your teeny tiny tears drain out of your eyes.  I wonder what your cry will sound like.  I hear Mom's say they think their baby's cry is the cutest in the whole world.  Will you have the cutest cry?  I'm sure I will think so, but I hope you don't cry too much!  

This week is my last week of work!  I don't think words can express how excited I am to be done working for a few months. I was hoping to work up until you actually arrive, but I haven't been able to sleep at night so it's making work a lot more challenging. That, and it's pretty hard to carry you around all day!  Being done working means you're finally coming, which makes me the happiest girl in the world!  As much as I love my job and coworkers, I'm sure I'm going to love being a Mom more!  

I'm going to say it now, in case you (hopefully) come in the next week:
Little Bambino, I have loved carrying you around for the past 9 months.  From the moment we saw two pink lines on the pregnancy test, we've fallen madly in love with you.  Seeing your heartbeat on the ultrasound monitor took our breath away and we knew we could never live without you. I loved seeing my body change and grow each week as I felt you come alive inside me. With every tiny kick, little hiccup, and wave of the hands, I have been reassured that you are growing safely inside me.  God has blessed us beyond measure with the gift of new life and I have cherished the time we've shared connected as one.  You are my other third, my future best friend, my whole world.  I cannot wait to meet you face-to-face and begin sharing the rest of our lives together. 

We love you more than you will ever know!

Always & Forever,

Mom & Dad

Pregnancy Week 37

  Baby Bump

How far along? 37 Weeks, 6 Days
 

Size of the baby: A winter Melon!

Maternity clothes? Yep.  If it were up to me, I'd live in sweatpants all day long.  But that doesn't exactly qualify as work attire.
Stretch marks? No! None!
Sleep: Things have gone from bad to worse.  I've been sleeping less than 3 hours/night.  I wish I had a good reason (other than peeing every 2 hours), but really I just lay there staring blankly into the dark.  I can't figure it out!  If anyone has advice, please let me know!
Symptoms: Super exhausted, no appetite, heartburn, and headaches
Best moment this week: Feeling baby "drop!"  I can breathe again, woo woo!
Miss Anything? Definitely missed running this week.
Food cravings: Froyo.  I had it for dinner twice this week again...  Super healthy, I know, but it makes me happy.  
Any aversions? Fish, fish, and more fish. Also kind of turned off to coffee lately!
Have you started to show yet:  Holy cow, yes.
Baby Names? Nothing official!
Belly Button in or out? Outie McOuterson.

Linea Nigra? Yep!
Wedding rings on or off? On!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy but tired.  
Movement: There's a tsunami in my belly!
Looking forward to: Baby's birthday!
New mom tips I received this week (which I love getting!):  Without going into too much detail but after giving birth things are a wee bit sore so I was told to take colace religiously and use dermoplast and tucks pads.  Oh the joys of giving birth... :)
Favorite part of being pregnant so far: Kicks, kicks, and more kicks! 
Any Braxton Hicks contractions? Yes, definitely there. Some more uncomfortable ones this week too.
Feet Swelling? Nope!

Have you started to "waddle"? Yep I am.
Any weird dreams? Not as many dreams this week, mainly because I haven't been sleeping!
Over being pregnant? I hate to say it, but I think I'm there.  I am really feeling ready to meet our little man.
Nesting? Yes, most definitely.  
Car Seat Installed? Done!  
Hospital Bag Packed? No... I still need to do that... haha.
Dilated/Effaced? (And sorry if this is TMI) Nope and nope. Come on baby, let's do this! 
Still Running? Nope.  Got in the elliptical 6x and weights 2x, but it was harder this week.  I'm having trouble getting up at my usual 5:30 wake up time when I don't get much sleep!  

Letter to Baby

Hello little one,

We're getting so close!  You are officially full term which means all of the important developments have been done... now you're busy practicing your breathing, sucking, sleeping, gazing and peeing abilities. Good work, son.  Good work.  

This week was a hard week for your Momma.  I got very little sleep but I'm not going to blame it directly on you. :) I can actually get pretty comfortable thanks to the 24,914 pillows I use every night. But for some reason I wake up around 2am and I'm usually up for anywhere from 4-5 hours.  Then it's time to get up for work.  It's been interesting seeing patients on such little sleep (and by interesting... I mean very difficult!). Luckily there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I know it won't last forever! Pretty soon your little cries will be keeping me up instead!

This week we put a lot of finishing touches on the nursery and it looks great!  I can't wait to show you when you get here.  My new favorite spot to sit (besides my birthing ball that your awesome Auntie gave me) is in the glider in your room.  I love to sit and rock back and forth, back and forth, especially when I can't sleep at night.  I like to think it is getting you used to the movement for when you get here.  It will be wonderful.  Another part of the room I love is your book collection.  It's still a work in progress, but you'll learn quickly that your Dad and I love to read.  Get ready for bedtime stories every single night. 

There's just 2 weeks until your due date and I am beyond ready to have you here in my arms.  I want to hold your little hands, kiss your sweet little nose, and snuggle you forever. Your Dad and I have been appreciating the last few weeks of time to ourselves so I understand if you want a little longer to grow.  All I ask is that you arrive healthy and ready for non-stop love. Can you handle that?  

Love you little one,

Mom and Dad

Pregnancy Week 36

  Baby Bump

How far along? 36 Weeks, 6 Days
 

Size of the baby: A Honeydew Melon!

Maternity clothes? Every. Single. Day.
Stretch marks? No, holding strong!
Sleep: Oh my.  This will probably be a battle for the remainder of my pregnancy!  I've had a ton of trouble falling asleep at night, then I wake up around 2,4, and 6 to pee!
Symptoms: That first trimester exhaustion is back... except it's like 1st trimester on steroids.  Plus lots of pressure in my pelvis.  And I may as well set up an office in the bathroom because Baby thinks my bladder is a squeeze toy.  
Best moment this week: More progress on the nursery!  Almost done... it looks so cute!  I can't wait to show the final product!
Miss Anything? Strangely this week I missed all of my old clothes.  I can't wait to have a wardrobe that consists of more than a few pairs of pants!  I also missed my usual energy.  It's gone.  See ya.
Food cravings: I may have had froyo for dinner 3x this week.  Don't judge.  Baby wants what he wants.  I also craved Lucky Charms cereal and the most random of all... grits.  I don't think I've ever actually eaten them before, but holy cow... I had to get my hands on them this week.  DELISH.
Any aversions? Strangely enough, coffee is starting to sound yucky again!  Feels like the first trimester all over again.  Also almost puked when I was cooking some Deer meat for Jake.  Not. Good.
Have you started to show yet:  My basketball is always in tow!
Baby Names? Nothing official!
Belly Button in or out? Outie is starting to look like a second stomach!

Linea Nigra? Yep!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Pretty happy with an occasional side of moodiness when I'm hungry and nothing sounds good.  Then I just buy some froyo and all is well in the world again.
Movement: Okay, I know they say baby is supposed to slow down towards the end of the pregnancy, but I kid you not... this baby is out of control!  Sometimes I wonder if he takes naps!  My belly is moving and shaking all day long.
Looking forward to: One thing- having this baby!
New mom tips I received this week (which I love getting!):  After baby has been swaddled in a blanket, put it in a ziploc and bring it home.  Allow Diego to smell it then put it on his toy so 1) he gets used to the baby's smell, and 2) he associates the smell with something that makes him happy!  I thought that was a great tip!  
Favorite part of being pregnant so far: Seeing my cutie dance in my belly.  
Any Braxton Hicks contractions? Yes, definitely there.
Feet Swelling? Nope!

Have you started to "waddle"? Yes.... but I got my speed back now that my sacrum is feeling better!  I may have a waddle to my step, but I am a quick waddler.
Any weird dreams? This week my dreams were crazy!  Tons.  Dreams about Jake's job, dreams about baby being born, dreams about Africa... the list goes on!
Over being pregnant? I'm doing okay!  I'm officially feeling ready now that the baby shower is over and he has everything he needs!
Nesting? HA! Like you wouldn't believe.  I can't sit still for two seconds.  Cabinets need to be cleaned, bathrooms scrubbed, rooms organized, baby clothes washed, nursery set up... my oh my.  It's out of control.
Car Seat Installed? YES!  Did it this week!  I knew if I didn't do it now, I would totally leave it in the garage when it was go time.  
Hospital Bag Packed? No... I better get on that.  
Still Running? Nope.  But working out like a champ - elliptical 6x and weights 2x!  Sacrum feels SO much better!  I am so so so happy :)  I can't wait to run after he's born!

Letter to Baby

Hey Baby!

So we need to have a talk.  Although I'm sure Mom's ribs are fun to kick as hard as you can, I'd sure love it if you would lay off a bit.  I can't believe how strong your getting! Sometimes it feels like your going to leap out of my belly!  Apart from the hard kicks, I really love feeling you kick. I honestly think I'm going to miss having you inside me when you decide to make your grand entrance!  But I'm pretty sure the kisses on your cute little cheeks will make up for it :)

This week you starting shedding most of the downy coat of hair that has kept you warm for the past 9 months. You're also doing what you do best... putting on weight!  It's hard to say how much you are going to weigh since your last ultrasound was almost 2 months ago now!  I don't think I've told you this, but your Momma was almost 10 pounds at birth... Eek!  Your Dad was 6 pounds, so maybe you'll meet in the middle and be 8 pounds!  

Your Dad and I have been busy working and getting things ready in the house!  Even though we've been moved into the new house for over 5 months now, we're still trying to make it feel like "home!"  Your nursery is almost done, we just have a few more finishing touches!  I'm starting to get more exhausted at work, but luckily this week was more slow than usual so I was able to leave a little bit early.

There are many lessons that I hope you learn in your life, but here are a few very important ones to get you started:

1.) Love God. He's the big man upstairs that sent you to us.  Have faith and trust that he knows best. That may not be easy and you will probably have times where you question things... which is completely normal!  But if there is ever a time in your life where things don't make sense, trust that, in time, he will have the answers.  

2.) Listen to those wiser than you.  They have been around the block a time or two and you can learn a lot! 

3.) Respect Women.  This is probably one of the biggest lessons in life I hope you learn.  You have an amazing role model, your Dad, who practices this daily.  Unfortunately, you will meet many men who don't practice this and it's pretty devastating.  When you find an amazing woman, get to know her and learn from her.  Respect her desires and needs, just as I'm sure she will do for you.  Open her car door for her, hold her hand in public, and tell her what she means to you.

4.) Don't judge.  This one is simple.  Until you've walked a mile in their shoes, you have no right to make assumptions. One of my favorite quotes is, "Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up."  

5.) Help others.  Your Dad and I want you to be whoever you want to be. Artist, Doctor, Accountant, Construction Worker, Plumber, Vet, Chef... whatever makes you happy.  But in whatever you do, always strive to help others.  Volunteer.  Make someone smile who is not as fortunate as you are.  Do this, and you will always feel fulfilled.

6.) Know that no matter what, we will love you to the ends of the earth. Always. 

Until next week,

Mom and Dad

Back When...

Remember the days when I used to write about something other than my baby bump? Sorry I've fallen off that bandwagon. I know you must reallyyyy enjoy reading about my heartburn woes and Braxton hicks contractions ;)

Truth be told... it's been really hard to find time to sit down and write like I used to.  How did I find time when I was in Grad School?  I think it was more a stress reliever than anything!  That, and I didn't have this compulsive need to clean everything in sight!

I've still been working my normal schedule (eek!) but after a really tough week last week, I've decided to call it good. Working until 39 weeks pregnant is enough for this girl! (And yes, I'm a couple weeks behind in baby bumpdates... I'll do it tonight!) So tomorrow will be my last day! I actually love being at work and find it a great distraction, but when you get literally 2-4 hours of interrupted sleep each night, it's hard to function normally!

Diego is getting excited to be a big brother. He tells me daily by trying to chew on Bambino's stuffed animals and mobiles. An arm with chewy toys attached... what more could a puppy want? 

A couple weeks ago, Jake and I did a maternity photo shoot with our close friend and AMAZING photographer, Aliki. Here are a few of my favorites! On a side note, my belly looks huge!

My Mom arrives tonight! It'll be nice to have her here when the little guy arrives! I have one request for each of you... Please start doing a baby dance for me because I really want her and my Dad (who will fly here when I go into labor) to be able to spend as much time with him as possible (instead of grumpy-as-a-beached-whale-Brittany.). ;) Speaking of beached whales and other larger-than-life animals, this is what I'm starting to feel like:

If you've followed the weekly updates, you'll see that I'm no longer running :( It's been hard the last couple weeks to go without it now that I'm pain free (Wahoo!! Love physical therapy!) but I know I need to save up for the real race... Labor and delivery. It's funny, the other day one of my good friends was comparing labor to running a marathon you've been training and waiting for for your whole life. Except you have no idea when the race date is and there's a bunch of false starts that get your hopes up. It's so true! I'm in the taper stage now, and I reallllllly hope the race comes soon! 

I'm still able to go to the gym daily (thank goodness!) but I'll be completely honest with you: Working out is not easy. I do the elliptical and light weights still which I've actually been successful at doing 6 days/wk. I always feel better after I go and get my workout on! I know soon enough I'll be back out there running the streets of Anchorage with my new training buddy.

As I get closer to having my life change forever, Jake and I have been trying to spend as much time together.  From hanging shelves in the nursery, to lunch dates, to walks with Diego, to lounging on the couch watching Downton Abbey... it's been wonderful.  We are so excited to start his next chapter in our lives.  And I know Jake is going to be one awesome Daddio.

So what's next? We wait. We wait until the little guy decides it's time to make his grand entrance! (And hopefully it's not too long.)