38 weeks

Still here and chugging along. :)  I'm definitely not as stressed these days as compared to the last couple of weeks.  I guess I just feel ready.... or rather as ready as I'll ever be.

This little girl is out of space and my body knows it.  My ribs are sore at the end of the work day and I think I may be a tad bruised on the right side of my rib cage (it's tender to the touch).  It's the spot she seems to love to kick/jab me in all.the.time. so I'm not too surprised.  I also noticed on Sunday (2 days ago) that I have more pressure in my pelvic region.  I know some say that this could be a sign that she has dropped, but I still think I look like I'm carrying awfully high, so who knows.

So far I only seem to have one stretch mark.  As I'm writing this though, I'm sure I've jinxed myself and will have more pop up before her birth.  The one that I have is pretty small.  It showed up between my belly button and the hole where I had my belly button pierced.  Punishment for getting it pierced, possibly???

How far along? 38 weeks 3 days

How are you feeling?
It changes daily.  Yesterday I felt pretty crappy and today I'm feeling pretty good.  Just a roller coaster lately both physically and emotionally.  Everyday is different than the last.  Not much has changed in the way of symptoms although my feet have been pretty itchy.  I'm thinking this is because the swelling is getting worse.  Some days the fatigue, aches and pains get to me a little and definitely affect my mood.  Poor Brad. :(

Cravings?
still honey nut cherrios, but I tossed some frosted mini wheats into the line-up as well

What are you missing?
Getting up and down (from a chair or bed) normally and without a huge amount of effort.  Wine and sushi are also on the top of the list. 

What are you looking forward to?
Olivia's birth, of course!  I will say that for the time being, I'm also trying to hang on to every second I have alone with Brad and cherishing this last little bit of time we have as just a couple.

Baby Purchases?

The only baby things I've bought in the last couple of weeks have been for other people.  I have 5 (yes, 5) baby showers for other people this month.  Thankfully, the last one is this Friday and it's just a small work shower, but I'm helping to throw it. 

Weight Gain/Loss?
+27ish....my weight seems to fluctuating a couple of pounds every few days.  Maybe its the water I'm retaining???

And some pictures for your viewing pleasure.  :)

37 weeks

Well here I am; full term!  It's just so hard to believe that I get to say those words.  Life has been so good to me the last 8 1/2 months.  It has been almost exactly a year since our second failed attempt at IVF (this Sunday, the 20th is the day it got cancelled).  Wow, life has a funny way of working things out sometimes. :)

In the meantime, I need to take some time for myself to relax before this little girl gets here.  I'm not exactly the best at doing that though (taking time for myself) so I feel like I'm failing miserably.  Life seems to be moving too fast with wayyy too many things to get done and stress about in the meantime.  There are so many things that are just so hard to do at this point in pregnancy, that's for sure.  Hopefully, I can try to have some time to myself this weekend...we'll see.

How far along? 37 weeks 2 days

How are you feeling?
Well, to be honest, the last week or so has been a little rough.  I'm starting to get pretty uncomfortable with almost everything I try to do.  Emotionally I feel like I'm all over the place.  That could be all the stress lately though, I'm not sure.  The list of symptoms looks like this: back pain, sore/swollen hands, swollen feet (sometimes pretty sore), intensifying braxton hicks, fatigue is back, acid reflux, general discomfort all day, and some pelvic pain.  Overall, I would say that I'm still hanging in there and doing well though.  I expected the last part of pregnancy to be uncomfortable, so at least there's that. :)

Cravings?
honey nut cherrios for the past 2-3 weeks

What are you missing?
Wow, this list has grown alot!  There are so many things that I wish I could do that weren't so flipping difficult.  The simple things like getting up and down from a seated position, putting on shoes and socks, bending over, moving quickly without getting shooting pains down my back, and other random things. 

What are you looking forward to?
Hopefully a weekend of relaxation will make me feel better.  After that, I would love to meet this little angel.

Baby Purchases?

We are pretty much done buying things at this point although I'm sure I'll probably think of at least a couple more items we need before she makes her debut.  We are still on the lookout for a book shelf but I'm not sure if that will happen before or after her birthday.

Weight Gain/Loss?
+26-27

Here are a couple from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:

 And here's one from 36 weeks:

Almost 34 weeks!

Wow, time flies in the 3rd trimester!  Things are still chugging along nicely.  I'll be 34 weeks in 2 days...wow still so hard to believe!  I am so incredibly thankful for everything I have in my life and I have been getting emotional lately when I think about where I was last year at this time.  Feeling Olivia play around in my belly is amazing and I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world....(cue the tears again, lol).

Anyways, we are working diligently on getting everything ready for her arrival in roughly 6 weeks.  The nursery is pretty much finished.  We are going to do some of our remaining shopping this weekend for all things baby.  That will include everything I still need to get for labor and delivery, specifically my hospital bag. 

Nervousness has also crept in recently.  As much as I can't wait for her to be here and meet our little miracle, I'm starting to seriously sweat a lot of small things.  Mostly, I just feel like there is no way I can ever be prepared for something like this....not exactly my style as a person that is typically organized and prepared when trying to take on something new. 

How far along?33 weeks 5 days

How are you feeling? 
For the most part I still feel pretty good.  I guess I just expect to be uncomfortable at this stage so I'm not really letting it bother me too much....YET :)  The acid reflux is still kicking my butt, my back pain has now spread to between my shoulder blades as well, urgnecy to pee is kicking into high gear, my feet starting swelling about a week ago and it seems to be a daily occurance now, my hands have swollen just enough so that I can't wear my wedding rings, sleep is getting more uncomfortable by the day....you know all the things that come with the late part of the 3rd trimester. 

Cravings? 
Nada, but I am pretty hungry in general

What are you missing?
Putting on my shoes and tying them without having to put forth a ton of effort, bending over to pick things up without thinking about it, wine/alcohol, and being able to get out of bed easily.

What are you looking forward to? 
Christmas!!!!

Baby Purchases?
Lots of little things here and there.  All the big stuff is done though, thank goodness!

Weight Gain/Loss?
+24

 

 

These pictures were from a couple of weeks ago when Brad and I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo lights with another couple.  I think this is the last time I even attempted to zip/button this coat.

And here's my bump from the work bathroom this morning:

 

Baby Showers & 29 weeks

The past 2 weekends I have had back to back showers.  The first was my friends shower and the second (taking place this past weekend) was my combined family shower.  Wow, we are totally blessed to have some wonderful people in our lives!  People were so generous and and I can't begin to say enough nice things about the people that helped to throw these showers for us. 

Getting all this baby stuff home and put away was alot more time consuming than I had anticipated.  Not that I'm complaining, because it was so much fun!  I can't wait to complete this sweet little baby's nursery.  I know she won't know the difference (whether everything looks just right or not) but for some reason it's important to me and makes me happy to be spending all this time in her nursery making sure things will look just right when I'm done.

Oh and we finally decided on a name: Oliva Grace.  It feels good to have that hurdle over with.  :)

Here are some pictures of the current progress of her room:

The pack n play is not staying in her room, but we're keeping it in there for now.

How far along?
29 weeks 4 days

How are you feeling? 
Feeling pretty good!  Acid reflux is still around and the back pain persists but it's nothing too terrible.  Starting to have to get up in the night and pee again.    

Cravings? 
Ehh, nothing really...although I'm really looking forward to all the food tomorrow!

What are you missing?
Running and some wine

What are you looking forward to? 
Thanksgiving tomorrow!!

Baby Purchases?
Oh yeah, lots.  We had our showers the last 2 weekends.  Afterwards, we made our returns and then got a lot of the stuff off our registry (except I still need to update it since we forgot to have them do that at the store).  Pretty much all the big stuff is done with the exeption of a few items.  I'm feeling much more prepared now. 

Weight Gain/Loss?
+20

 

Some pics from my most recent shower (not the best quality)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third Trimester, Here I come!!

This little peanut has been so active lately!  It seems like she is constantly moving around in there.  Also, when I put my hand on my belly now, the movements feel much stronger.  When I wake up in the middle of the night I usually can feel her moving around then too!  She really likes to hang out and jam herself right under the right side of my rib cage.  It's either her head or her butt in there but it's been making it difficult to be comfortable when sitting at my desk.  Sometimes I try to give her a gentle push to get her to move and that seems to relieve some of the pressure.  It makes me wonder how uncomfortable this will continue to get as she grows.  I guess I'll find out shortly. :)

How far along?27 weeks 4 days

How are you feeling? 
Still can't complain too much since I feel pretty good.  I only ran once last week and I really have no motivation at this point to continue running.  Achiness sets in faster now when I am active as a reminder that I can't do normal activities like I used to.  I'm also noticing that the energy that I was loving seems to be waning with each day.  I'm not nearly as exhausted as I was in first tri though, so that is a positive! 

New Symptoms?
Acid reflux isn't new but it seems to be intensifying lately.  I think that's whats causing all the burping.  It's involuntary and really hard to hold in, causing some embarrassment at times (like work).  My sciatica has been acting up quite a bit in the last week as well.

Cravings? 
Still mostly sweets

What are you missing?
Some sushi and wine sound pretty good

Maternity Clothes?
Yup

What are you looking forward to? 
My showers (taking place over the next 2 weekends)

Baby Purchases?
Nothing lately but I'm sure we'll get quite a few things on Black Friday 

Weight Gain/Loss?
+17-18

 

Body Image at 26 weeks

I know that this is probably normal, but lately I've been feeling very down about myself and the way I look.  Don't get me wrong; I love this baby and my bump.  They mean something so special and represent the truly amazing feat of growing a baby. 

It's mostly just the feeling that my husband doesn't find me attractive/pretty/sexy anymore.  I feel like a baby machine and nothing more.  When Brad comes home he always rubs my belly and says hi and I really do love it.  I love that I'm going to be a mom and that Brad is so excited about all of this too.  But, I feel like I'm sort of missing my old body.  This body isn't all mine anymore and even though everyone says that I'm all baby I know darn well that I'm carrying extra weight in my thighs and butt.  When you've spent your whole life keeping yourself physically in check and enjoying the attention you get from your significant other, it's hard to accept that you aren't neccessarily viewed like that anymore.  I think it's just something I have to learn to accept and know that after this pregnancy, I will be able to feel "sexy" again.  Until then, a little attention (like a butt grab) would be appreciated here and there. :)

Seperately, Brad and I have been talking about coming out on Facebook.  I want to do something really nice to recognize our struggle and all the other people out there struggling with infertility.  Heck, mostly I just want to celebrate our success so far the way that others get to.  It took me long enough to be okay with this type of announcement, so now I just have to figure out the exact way I want to do it.  Stay tuned on that.    

Now for the standard update:

How far along?
26 weeks 3 days

How are you feeling? 
Pretty good most days.  Achiness in my hips is pretty much always there (especially after I am active).  My energy level still seems to be pretty good too.  I only ran once last week and walked the other days.  I was just too sore after my one run that I didn't want to push it.  This may be the end of my running but I'm not sure.  I'll continue to try but I'm okay if I have to just walk at this point.

Oh and can I just mention how amazing it is to feel my little girl moving so often?...It's exciting and soothing all at the same time.  Since last week, we have been able to see her from the outside too and that is incredible in it's own way.  This is exactly what I pictured during those years of infertility struggle as what I "needed" in my life.  I guess it's just the fact that women are hardwired to be mothers and to want everything that goes along with it (maybe not in all cases :)  ).  To know that there is a precious baby inside me that Brad and I made (with the help of some truly wonderful doctors) is such a miracle.  I need to stop and remember that more often.  
 
New Symptoms?
The leaking I experienced last week in high volume must have been a one time occurance.  Since then I've only noticed a little dab here and there.  My appetite has increased dramatically in the last week or so.  I keep hoping that it's just a growth spurt.  I need to get it under control and stop going to foods like candy (damn you Halloween) and other desserts.  Just thinking about trying to keep my appetite under control through the holidays is making me nervous.  How am I going to restrain myself??? 

Cravings? 
Just lots of food

What are you missing?
Being able to be as active as I want and not have to be incredibly sore for days.  This must be what it's like to be a senior citizen. 

Maternity Clothes?
There aren't a whole lot of non-maternity shirts that are left in my regular rotation.  I'm getting closer and closer to all maternity items.

What are you looking forward to? 
Still looking forward to my showers. 

Also, I'm looking forward to figuring out this little girl's name.  I feel like we have been so close for about a month now.  Hopefully, we'll have it figured out in the next couple of weeks.

Baby Purchases?
Just some random things here and there...burp clothes, closet organizer, and some shelves. 

Weight Gain/Loss?
+16

It's really nice to have strangers be so excited and interested in my baby bump.  People seem so happy to ask me about my pregnancy.  Plus, it's nice to know that I am obviously pregnant at this point and not just chubby in the middle.  And honestly, I feel pretty big lately so why is it that when people find out I'm 6 months along they all tell me I'm so small?  It starts to make you wonder if you really are "that small" and if everything is okay.

25 Weeks

So, I definitely failed at doing a 24 week update last week and this one is late but at least I'm getting to it.

Time has seriously been flying lately and I'm sure that it will only continue as we get closer to the February 1st.  These next couple months are going to be super busy with showers, partys, and the holidays all happening.  I'll probably blink twice and we'll be smack dab in the middle of January. 

It still just blows my mind that I am getting to experience all of this!  Last year at this time, we were starting our first IVF cycle.  In the last 12 months I've definitely been through some pretty dark times and have learned alot about myself and my husband.  There are still days when this feels so surreal because at times, success felt so far away.  I wouldn't trade this for anything, it's truly amazing.  And I know that the best is yet to come.

How far along?25 weeks 4 days (only 100 days left!)

How are you feeling? 
Still feeling really great for the most part.  My energy is still up except for a few days here and there.  I have noticed being more winded the last couple of weeks as well.  I'm more comfortable sleeping now that I have a body pillow (thanks Brad for making me get it :) ).  The RLP has really started to become a pain both during and after my runs.  But hopefully I'm just going through a little growing spurt and it will ease just like it did before. 

New Symptoms?
I started getting acid reflux last week.  I noticed if I watch my diet more closely and eat less processed foods with lower sugars, it seems to be much better.  I also noticed that I've started leaking.  Well, actually it started several weeks ago but was very very little.  This morning I woke up with a big spot on my shirt and throughout the day today I have leaked a decent amount into my bra.  I may be buying some pads if this continues at this rate. 

Cravings? 
No real cravings lately. 

What are you missing?
It's not really pregnancy related, but I'm missing the warmer/non-rainy weather.  I don't want it to get cold!  

Maternity Clothes?
There aren't a whole lot of regular shirts that are left in my regular rotation.  I'm getting closer and closer to all maternity items.

What are you looking forward to? 
My showers are quickly approaching!  I have my friends shower on Nov. 11th and my family shower on Nov. 18th.

Baby Purchases?
We bought the breast pump a couple of weeks ago and I finally bought some sleepers last weekend.  My parents got us the dresser so we have that put together too.

Weight Gain/Loss?
+14-15

Is it me or do I look really big here?  I love it!