35 Weeks

How far along: 35 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Haven't checked and next appt is 12/7

Maternity clothes: No purchases and I'm just trying to make do with what I have

Stretch marks: Staying strong!

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, pressure like feeling down low, not easy to get up out of bed and just generally uncomfortable.  

Sleep:  Steve has been snoring like every night and I have to pee all the time so I've been getting up and sleeping in the other room.  I get so thirsty too at night so I get up to use the bathroom and drink a lot of water which just continues the cycle.

Best moment this week: Seeing my mom after her surgery.  She had it on Monday and my sister and I went to visit Tuesday after work.  It was hard to see her like that but she is doing very well.

Gender: It continues to be a mystery.  And I somewhat wish we had found out and either a)didn't announce the name or b)didn't tell anyone the gender.  It's tough!

Belly button in or out: Still in so far

Food cravings:  This pregnancy continues to be like my first in that I really don't have crazy or strong cravings.  I still love yogurt and frozen blueberries, homemade granola and really anything fruit.  But that's me pregnant or not.  My appetite is a little better than it was but I still am not very hungry overall and get full pretty easily.

Movement: I think this little one is going through a growth spurt because I can feel a jab on my left side near my ribs at the same time as another jab to my right hip.  It can be pretty uncomfortable at times.  

What I miss: Having more energy and ability to do more.  I struggle spending a full day with Joey because he's going through a phase where he just lets loose with only me.  He can be happy and easy going with everyone, except me.  Of course we have a lot of good times but the 'bad' times really are tougher for me now.  And maybe it's just the hormones and all that are making it seem worse but I hope he gets through this phase or whatever it is, quickly.

What I'm looking forward to: Seeing my mom this weekend.  She should be coming home either Friday or Saturday.  It's hard not being able to see or talk to her when we pretty much communicate in some way every day.

34 Weeks and Dr Appointment

How far along: 34 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Scale says up 18.5lbs, gained 1lb since last appointment which is perfect

Maternity clothes: Haven't bought anything and trying to wait until after baby now.  

Stretch marks: Hoping to avoid these again....time will tell!

Symptoms: Nothing unusually different.  I have more soreness/pressure down below especially when I stand up or start walking around.  I'm trying to do some stretching and ab exercises every day but it doesn't always happen.  I also think my stomach has dropped a little.  I still feel full a lot but not nearly as out of breath as I had been.

Sleep:  Not much has changed since last week.  Except turning over from side to side is getting a little more difficult.

Best moment this week: My parents took Joey out on Saturday morning so I had a couple hours to get some things done.  Steve and I also went to the mall to do some Christmas shopping on Sunday while Joey stayed at the Lozens and visited with Baba and Dedo from Ohio.  I missed being with Joey as much this weekend but it was nice to get some time to myself and with Steve.

Gender: Not as many people guessing this time around however since I'm carrying the same and there isn't a ton different this time around, most of the family say boy.  But not everyone has really weighed in.  I am getting super anxious to know now though.

Belly button in or out: Weird looking but still in

Food cravings:  Nothing really ever sounds good except yogurt with frozen blueberries.  I've also been eating bread with Baba's peppers and some feta cheese.  But really I never am very hungry or excited to really eat anything.

Movement: Baby has active and quiet moments.  Movements don't seem as intense as with Joey.  I remember him jabbing my ribs regularly and it would actually hurt.  I feel this little one more on my left side and occasionally my right hip.  Literally it feels like he or she is hitting or kicking my hip bone.  Little one also gets hiccups all the time and I always feel them on my lower left side.

What I miss: Being able to do more especially with Joey.  It takes a lot out of me after being with him all day.

What I'm looking forward to: I'm off until next Monday and we are spending Thanksgiving Day with my mom's side and then Friday with the Lozens.  

I saw the midwife today (Wednesday) and everything was good.  I forgot to ask her how I was measuring but I'm guessing I've grown since last appointment.  My ultrasound last week was fine which she told me and also my thyroid results were within range.  It was 1.64 which is great.  So I'm continuing to take that until my first postpartum visit.  Hopefully I'll be able to get off of them after that.  The baby was pretty quiet at the appointment but the heartbeat was 140bpm.  The midwife told me the baby was measuring in the 43rd percentile and if I went full term it would mean a 7lb baby which is good.  Joey was 7lb 7oz and I delivered him 6 days early which makes me think this little one might be a little smaller.  She said she wants to do another ultrasound at my next appointment on 12/7.  I'm going to call and ask if this is truly necessary because they aren't cheap and my insurance doesn't cover the total cost.  Obviously if she thinks it is a good idea, I will have one but if it's just to see, then I might forgo it.

33 Weeks

How far along: 33 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Gained 1lb, my scale says up 17-18lbs

Maternity clothes: No new purchases.  Haven't gone clothes shopping in ages!

Stretch marks: Continue to use the oil at night and cocoa butter cream during the day

Symptoms: I think I have more round ligament pain this time around.  But nothing really 'new' or different going on.  Of course I continue to have to pee a lot but that's not going to change anytime soon!

Sleep:  Pretty good.  I seem to fall asleep well but when I wake up to pee I have a harder time falling back to sleep.  I feel more awake at night too but I still make myself go to bed by 11pm at the latest.

Best moment this week: Seeing baby on the big screen last Friday.  Had a growth ultrasound since I hadn't grown since the last appointment (still measuring 28-29 weeks).  I measured small with Joey so it didn't surprise me.

Gender: I keep seeing the name Alexandria in odd places.  But it could very well be a little boy in there!

Belly button in or out: Weird looking but still in

Food cravings:  Red/black grapes, yogurt with frozen blueberries and homemade granola.  I found a recipe and have made a couple batches so far.  I've been struggling to eat most days.  I'm just not hungry and it doesn't take much to fill me up.  I seem to do okay with breakfast but after that I could go until dinner without really eating much.

Movement: I can definitely tell baby is getting bigger/running out of space.  I feel more kicks and jabs.

What I miss: Wearing cute clothes and not feeling so out of shape.  I just struggle doing as much.  I don't miss alcohol as much this pregnancy but wouldn't mind if I could have a sip here and there when everyone else is having something.  

What I'm looking forward to: Next week is Thanksgiving and it will be nice to celebrate and be around family.  Baba and Dedo are coming into town and we haven't seen them since July.  

Dr Appointment and Growth Ultrasound

I had my check up on Friday (11/9) which on my calendar makes me about 32.5 weeks but the doctor says my due date is 3 days earlier so they say I'm 33 weeks.  I know it's really not that big of a deal and I'm just being detailed for my sake.  Either way it was my last monthly check up and now I go back in 2 weeks.  I finally got to meet with one of the midwives, Kathy, which was nice.  I really like the midwives.  I was weighed (gained 1lb) and then the lab came to draw blood to check my thyroid levels.  Since I've been on the thyroid medication for about 5 weeks now, they want to make sure it's working properly and my levels are normal.

32 Weeks

How far along: 32 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Next appointment is on Friday the 9th.

Maternity clothes: Haven't bought anything.  I miss shopping and actually finding cute things too.

Stretch marks: Continue to use the oil at night and cocoa butter cream during the day

Symptoms: Nothing out of the ordinary.  Braxton Hicks contractions are more noticeable but they don't hurt or come regularly.  I feel like my hair, skin and nails this time around are much drier and brittle.  I've been trying to grow my nails out at least a little and they just seem to be less healthy.  Could also be the cooler weather, who knows!  I don't think I'm as emotional as I was with Joey either.  There are times I think "oh no here come the waterworks" and I'm kind of surprised when it doesn't happen.

Sleep:  About the same as last week.  Some nights I have a tough time getting comfortable.

Best moment this week: Spending a Sunday just Steve, Joey and I.  It was a nice relaxing day and all of us had fun.  

Gender: Still a mystery!

Belly button in or out: In

Food cravings:  Grapes and yogurt with frozen blueberries.  I wouldn't even call those cravings, although the grapes is something I don't normally really like.  I've been buying them every week at the grocery store and was slightly disappointed when they only had organic green grapes this past weekend.  I bought them anyways but they weren't as satisfying as the red or black grapes.

Movement: Baby has quiet and active days.  I actually noticed more movement last night than usual.  I remember just about every night Joey would be rocking and rolling in my stomach when I was reading in bed before turning the lights out.  This one doesn't seem to be as active at that time.

What I miss: Having more patience and ability to do more.  Joey had a rough day on Saturday which made me more impatient and frustrated with him.  He loves to be held while I'm trying to do something so he can see/help too.  But sometimes it's just too hard or I need a break and he does not like that.  He wouldn't nap without sleeping on my chest and although I love that, I needed to get some things done while he slept and needed a mental break.  So he got about a 20 minute nap (normally 1.5-2 hours) and cried in his crib for about 45 minutes.  Steve got home and I just burst into tears.  I felt better afterwards.

What I'm looking forward to: My appointment on Friday which is with one of my favorite midwives and I get to hear little one's heartbeat :)

31 Weeks

How far along: 31 weeks

Weight gain/loss: My scale says about 16-17lbs.  Next appointment is 11/9.

Maternity clothes: No new purchases but I'm getting really sick of the same outfits every week for work.  I am usually in yoga pants and long sleeve tops on my days off and as soon as I get home from work.

Stretch marks: Still using the oil and cocoa butter

Symptoms: The cramping/pains I was having my my lower abdomen have gotten a lot better.  Wondering if maybe I pulled something or baby shifted?  Either way I'm glad it's not as uncomfortable.  

Sleep:  Not bad, just need to get to bed a little earlier.  Story of my life!

Best moment this week: Spending time with my family for my dad's birthday.  

Gender: Wishing I knew.  Part of me just wants to find out but I've made it this far and I don't want to ruin the amazing feeling we had when Joey entered the world.  It's harder this time because no one is really "sure" of what I'm having.  Everyone said boy with Joey so I didn't even think it could be a girl, haha.

Belly button in or out: In, but looks funny

Food cravings:  Still love grapes.  And apples!  But really nothing jumps out at me.  I got a new cookbook, Weelicious, and have made crock pot chili and a chicken wild rice casserole.  Both turned out great and are super easy.  Need to try a few more recipes since she gives instructions on how to freeze them.  Would be great to have in the freezer before this little one gets here.

Movement: Here and there.  Was very quiet on Sunday but made up for it on Monday and Tuesday.  Movements are definitely noticeable but I feel like they are less strong than with Joey.  But the baby has plenty of time to grow stronger!

What I miss: Being able to bend over without a beach ball in front of me.  As much as I am nervous to have this baby, I'm looking forward to feeling more like my self.  But not ready for the new changes that follow!

What I'm looking forward to: Not too much planned right now with the holidays coming up.

30 Weeks and Dr Appt

I had my monthly check up on 10/19 (last Friday) with one of the nurse practitioners.  I wasn't a huge fan of her and definitely would have preferred a midwife.  My next appointment is in 3 weeks and with a midwife, thankfully.  

Baby's heartbeat was 140bpm and I was measuring about a week behind.  Normal for me and they aren't concerned.  I was the same with Joey and it's just the way this baby is positioned.  I asked about the pain/pressure down low and she said it was normal although she did mention the pain could be a bladder infection.  I'm hoping not and didn't push the issue so they probably won't have results from my sample until Monday.  They also won't be checking my thyroid levels again until my next appointment.  Hopefully it all checks out okay.  Overall it was an uneventful appointment which is fine with me!


How far along: 30 weeks

Weight gain/loss: I have my next appt in 3 weeks.  

Maternity clothes: Haven't purchased anything.  Joey and I went to Somerset on Saturday morning to hang out/walk around and it was kind of depressing to see all of the cute fall clothes that I can't fit into right now.

Stretch marks: Staying strong hopefully until the end!

Symptoms: Still having pain in my lower abdomen/pelvic area.  I'm going to call the doctor tomorrow and see what they say.  Other than that just feeling full and not able to eat often or much when I do.  Also peeing all.the.time!

Sleep:  It's okay, but could be better.  I wake up often to go to the bathroom and sometimes struggle to turn my mind off and go back to sleep.

Best moment this week: We took Joey to the Rochester Hills Cider Mill on Sunday.  It was his first time tasting a cider mill donut, which he really liked.  He only liked the plain ones though.  He tried a cinnamon/sugar donut and put it back in the bag to pick out a plain donut.  Sort of made me happy that he didn't want all that extra sugar!  He wasn't a fan of the cider though.

Gender: I still feel like it's a girl but would be ecstatic if it's another little boy

Belly button in or out: In, but looks funny

Food cravings:  Red or purple grapes, apples, yogurt and that's about it.  They aren't really cravings either.  Just the only foods that sound relatively good.  And soup....I've made soup every weekend and had it for lunch at work every day.  Either Chicken Noodle or Broccoli Chowder.

Movement: Baby seems to have more active moments than before.  But also is quiet too.  I still think Joey was more active than this one.  He or she is definitely getting bigger because my stomach jumps and sometimes there are little bulges sticking out.  Baby likes my left side as well.  I don't feel/see as much on my right side.

What I miss: Having more energy and being able to move around easier.  I feel bad but I get so frustrated with Joey when he is cuddling with me and jabs his elbows into my stomach.  It normally wouldn't bother me but it hurts and I get annoyed when he does it repeatedly. 

What I'm looking forward to: Halloween is next week.  Excited to take Joey out and hopefully get some good pictures of him in his golfer costume.