33 Weeks

Last Saturday, we reached the 33 week mark.  I know, I know, I'm a little late blogging this week... my apologies!  We have had a busy week, even though it was only a 4 day work week with Memorial Day on Monday.

On Wednesday evening, our friends (thank you again) watched Austin for us so that we could go to a breastfeeding and lamaze class.  There are five classes scheduled in all, so we will be doing that on a pretty regular basis.  Well, we drove down to Merced to attend the class, and the address couldn't be found using our phones' maps.  We knew what cross street it was near, so we tried heading that way.  This is where we ended up.

Unless the long horn bull in the field was going to teach me how to breathe through labor, we were in the wrong place.

So, we continued on our quest.  We searched for the hospital using our phones, and headed in that direction.  Apparently there are multiple hospitals with the same name, so we traveled between each one searching for the right building.  Finally, a security guard came over to our car (realizing we were lost) and gave us directions to the correct hospital.  We were able to locate it, but were over an hour late, so we missed the class.  Better luck next time, now that we know where we are going!

Belle has showed her baby brother lots more love this week... here she is loving on him while he was squirming around.  

And we weren't the only ones who have been busy...My mom has been busy this week, too.  She's mastered crocheting baby hats!  And these hats are absolutely precious... especially because they match the baby blankets that she crocheted for our baby.  Here, take a look:

Aren't they precious? 

In bible class last week, Carl referred to a piece of scripture that really spoke to me, partly because of these baby items that have been handmade for our little prince.  I know how much work has gone into making these blankets for our little prince, and I know how much work has gone into making these precious little hats.  They were made by hand, with love, every thread woven intricately together.  So when we read Psalm 139:13-14, I can't help but tear up a little bit. "For you created my inmost being, you knitted me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  Wow.  God has knitted together our baby in my womb.  And when you think of someone knitting something (or crocheting- mom) you know that that person has taken time and love to create such a gem.  Thank you mom for the blankets and hats, and thank you God for our little baby!

This week we also received a lovely surprise from my in-laws.  They sent us our car seat!  Thank you both SO much.  I had been getting anxious about how we would bring our baby home, and you guys just helped make sure we were able to do that (and safely)!  I absolutely love the pattern.

Things are getting more and more real each and every day.

Here is a photo of our 33 week baby bump (next to his cradle, which is in our room now)!

In a few hours, we will be watching Austin walk across stage at his 8th grade graduation.  Man, 8th grade!  I cannot believe he is so old.  I know the next four years are going to fly by, just like the last four did.  And we will treasure every moment with our growing family.  I will make sure to post pics of graduation next week, along with photos of Austin's birthday party tonight!  He's turning 14 next week and we are celebrating a week early.  He has another party to go to on his actual birthday, so having his own party tonight worked out really well. 

One last thing before I go: I'm asking for prayers that our little boy (the one in my belly) isn't too big.  The doctor is concerned with his size.  She says that I have gained the right amount of weight, but baby is on the big side and she is getting concerned about delivery.  She scheduled me for an ultrasound for tomorrow, so she can get more accurate measurements.  I'm looking forward to seeing what is probably our last glimpse of our baby in utero, but I'm praying that he will be the size that he should be (rather than too big to deliver naturally).  

Thank you for your prayers!  Have a wonderful weekend!

32 Weeks

Hello!  First off, I need to say that this week's post contains a video.  If you read this blog through email, it will be best if you open up the blog in a web browser (loveissomethingthatwedo.blogspot.com) so that you can view the video.

Now, on to the weekly update.  And boy do we have a lot to update!

This little baby.... I swear he knows when he's being watched.  He does all kinds of flips and turns, making my stomach move like CRAZY.  I always carefully get Carl's attention (no fast movements or shouting- I don't want to interrupt the acrobat in my tummy) and by the time Carl looks over, he sees my perfectly STILL belly.  Seriously, little dude.  Let daddy see you do your flips and turns!  Carl has seen him several times, but there are just sometimes that I think this little boy is going to jump right out of my stomach.  He will move so dramatically that I feel like I was the one that just jumped, not him.  I think FOR SURE everyone around me can see what just happened, but nope, just me.  Carl and I have decided that our baby is like this little guy from Warner Brothers.  

His agent (me) keeps trying to get others to see the talent of his performance... but soon as others lay eyes on him, he is still and content (ribbit.).  I've even had several times where I am video-chatting with my mom and I say "Look, he's moving a ton!" And soon as I bring her attention to him, he holds still.  Seriously. 

In other news, we are 32 weeks this week.  I'm beginning to get a little anxious because I feel like we aren't nearly prepared enough... we don't have even have the car seat to bring him home from the hospital!  If I had it my way, the car seat would be installed, my hospital bag packed, and the nursery complete.  Unfortunately, these things take time.  We will order the car seat in a week or two, and I'll probably start slowly putting together a hospital bag so I don't forget anything.  I told Carl, even if we were able to bring him home, my poor baby doesn't even have sheets yet! But that will come.  Things are slowly trickling into our home, making it more baby friendly each week.

This past week, we received some amazing gifts from family members.  My Aunt Karla, Uncle Gene, and family sent this gorgeous cradle for our sweet boy to sleep in.

We assembled it downstairs and then moved it into our bedroom upstairs.  I absolutely love the timelessness of this cradle, and how classic it looks.  I can't wait to get bedding for it!  It will be perfect!  And, just for scale, here are the fur babies in the cradle.

Also this week, we received gifts from my Aunt Donna, Uncle Scott, and family!  They sent us the diaper bag for our sweet boy (which I love more in person than I did online- I can't wait to use it!) and a sling for our baby boy to be carried in!  I love the idea of having him close to me, nestled up against me like he has been inside of me for the past nine months.  I'm hoping he will enjoy it as well.  I tried the sling out with my fur-babies and both of them liked it.  Belle liked it a little bit TOO much... so she won't be going back in it so as to avoid confusion (read: jealousy of baby).  The sling disperses the weight of the baby (or fur baby) around my entire back so it honestly doesn't feel like I'm holding ANYTHING!  I thought it would be like wearing a backpack in the front, and I would feel the weight, but I don't feel a thing.  Here are some shots of the fur-babies in the sling.  Notice how Belle is so cozy she can't stop yawning.

"I like being this close to you, momma."

Belle loves her momma!

Kisses!

"This sling is pretty cozy, momma!"

"I could just.... go..to..sleep....."



Sugar also got in on the sling action...although she sat in it differently...

 
Thank you for sending us such special gifts.
You guys are so thoughtful!

As far as new pregnancy symptoms go, I haven't really had any "new" ones.  My belly is getting a little sore these days, with all the kicks coming from within and having less padding of amniotic fluid and having more baby instead.  I have had to use the restroom about a bajillion times a day, though.  The other day, I ran past Carl to get to the bathroom and he responded "Again?! You're in there all the time!".... How do you think I feel, hun?  Haha!

I'll wrap up this weekly post with 2 belly bump photos.  32 weeks as of last Saturday.  Less than 8 weeks to go.  Oh boy, oh boy!

31 Weeks

We are 31 weeks along, this week!  Time is still flying by.  People keep asking if I have reached the point where I want him out of me yet.  I tell them that while I am eager to meet him, I kinda want him to stay in there forever.  I love knowing he's safe and happy!  

Last Tuesday night, I covered up in bed and just as the covers came over me, my stomach moved in a HUGE way.  I asked baby what on earth he was doing in there, but he settled down so I figured all was well.  That night, I had to get up to use the bathroom several more times than usual, and I had a sharp pain in my lower abdomen.  The next morning, after reading, I learned that baby might have just decided to turn upside and down and his head was now resting in my pelvis and on my bladder (which explained both the sharp pain, and the more frequent bathroom trips)!  It was much more uncomfortable to walk for most of the day, and for the first time, I felt like I was doing the waddle (you know the one...)!

At some point, he turned around again and I was feeling back to my old self.   Wednesday night, though, I laid down in bed again and covered up, only to have him flip again!  Once again, he did it one swift movement, as opposed to slowly rotating throughout the day.  I started wondering if this was going to be a habit... turning upside down at the end of the day and working his way back to being right side up while I was up and moving around.  He stayed that way into most of Thursday, but at some point, he (again) turned right side up (or the breech position...but I don't like that word because it has a negative connotation)!

Saturday, he turned upside once again and I was back in discomfort.  Maybe this was the feeling people keep asking me about; maybe this is why they are expecting me to want him to come out of there.  It's definitely less comfortable than when he is in the upright position!  As time gets even closer, one of these days, he will be turning upside down and staying that way (Lord willing). 

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One night this past week, Carl and I were getting into bed and I non-chalantly told him "I have a feeling this baby is going to come early."  I fully expected him to say something along the lines of "Oh no, this is your first baby, you'll definitely be late... you're just anxious so you think he'll be early."  But..... that wasn't what Carl said.

"Me too!" was what he actually said.

I almost spit out my water in utter shock that he, too, thought this baby would be early!  "What do you mean?!" I asked.  He chuckled at me and said he just has a gut feeling that baby will be a little early.  That was not the affirmation that I was looking for.  I was expecting to hear I would be late, not early.  Maybe we are just both anxious, and completely wrong.  Gut instincts can be wrong!  

The next morning, I told my mom about my feeling (and I was about to tell her what Carl said when she interrupted...) "Yeah I'm thinking he's going to be early!  That's why I'm coming out there well before your due date!"  Once again, people... not the affirmation I was expecting.

Anyway, as long as he comes after 38 weeks, I'll be a happy camper.  Don't rob me of those last two weeks of pregnancy, baby boy.  Although, it will be an extra two weeks I get with you face to face, so if you do come then, I think we will still both be pretty happy.  

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I told my mom that I was expecting to be bigger than I am at this point.  Her response?  "Honey, you're pretty huge..."  I guess I just don't FEEL big (most of the time).  I was expecting to not fit behind the steering wheel of the car...but I still can.  Yesterday I couldn't buckle my shoes for the first time so my sweet Carl helped me out.  So even though I don't FEEL big, when Carl takes his weekly picture of me and I see my profile, I can't help but think I look like a house.  So, I'm bigger than I feel.  That's okay.

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Yesterday was Mother's Day.  Happy Mother's Day to all you mommas out there!  I hope you all had a relaxing day with your family.  I was greeted with three gift bags and flowers when I arrived downstairs yesterday morning.  Austin and baby got me a combined card that was very very sweet, and Austin gifted me with a gift certificate to my favorite fabric store!  Carl gave me a card (that made me cry) and a bottle of some perfume I had been loving.  And, last, but not least, my little baby gave me a gift certificate for a prenatal massage!  I was truly spoiled yesterday.  All three boys were far too sweet to me.  Thank you!

Here is my 31 week photo (taken after church yesterday).

And with that, I must say farewell.  I hope you have a lovely week!

30 Weeks

Hey, y'all!  We're 30 weeks pregnant!  Just 10 more to go (if he comes on time and not early or late)!  Woohoo!  I can't believe we are SO close to meeting our little prince!  He still has not turned upside down... but there is still time.  He seems pretty content, if you ask me.  I kinda hate to make him come out of there.  He's all warm and cozy.... my sweet boy.  My doctor said she won't let me go longer than 41 weeks.  So, baby boy, if you are still in there being all cozy at 41 weeks, I'm sorry but you're going to be served an eviction notice.  As much as I'd like you to stay in there, we've got tons of people who REALLY want to meet you!

Here is my 30 week picture.  As Carl took this picture, he said "Holy crap, you're huge!"  I know he means it in the nicest way possible (if there's a nice way to say that to someone)... he isn't calling me fat.  I just wanted to be clear on that, for those of you that don't know my sweet husband.  He knows better than to call me fat, haha! :)  

Here is our weekly update on all things baby belly:

Best moment of the week? Carl put his hand on my stomach and baby put his little hand or foot against Carl's hand.  It was very sweet.  It felt like he was giving his daddy a high-five, or trying to hold his hand.  I thought maybe I was imagining feeling him at that particular spot (or that my body was confused because Carl was touching me on the outside), so I pushed around to feel where he was and in that little spot, there was a tiny tiny lump.  Like a tiny hand or a tiny foot, or maybe a heel or elbow?  One of his little body parts was definitely there pushing against my skin, and it was the sweetest thing.  "High five, daddy!"  I had Carl push too, and he could feel the tiny lump as well.  Precious!

Best thing about being pregnant? Feeling baby boy kick, and move around, and snuggle.  I love feeling him, it just never gets old.  I think I will really miss this when he is out!  I have some sweet friends who have been letting me know that when he does come, I will most likely feel overwhelmingly sad that he is out.  I'm just trying to brace myself.  I know it is natural that he comes out, but my momma-bear instinct wants him where he is safe and happy! 

Do you get morning sickness?  Yep.  No big deal though.  Not anymore, at least!  I've gotten used to it.  However, that first trimester was a doozey... the CONSTANT nausea was overwhelming!  I think it's pretty amazing how us women forget the bad sides of pregnancy (and childbirth).  We had some friends over a couple weeks ago and the girl was asking me how it was being pregnant.  I could only thing of all of the happy and wonderful things I've gotten to experience.  Carl interjected though, reminding me that the first trimester was awful... but somehow I've already forgotten that.  I can consciously remember it if I prompt myself (or if Carl prompts me), but it is definitely not the first thing that comes to mind.  It's exactly how John 16:21 puts it: "A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world."  Except, I've already forgotten some bad parts without him being in my arms!  God's design is just perfect, isn't it?!

Do you cry a lot? Not "a lot" necessarily... but more than I'd like to.  But after I cry, I feel much better!  Carl is always very sweet to me when I cry.  He's kind of gotten used to it, and isn't as concerned when I spontaneously burst out in tears.  But he's still sensitive to me, and always gives me hugs and love, and lets me cry it out.  Such a good guy.  :)

What was the first thing you bought for the baby? This adorable outfit:

Who will be in the delivery room with you?  My wonderful husband and my amazing momma :)  (This morning we got to talking about who will be at my head and who will be at my feet... apparently BOTH want to be at my feet!  We might have to do some rotations because I'm going to need a hand to squeeze!)  I haven't asked my dad if he wants to be in there, but he is welcome in as well, if that is what he wants.  My philosophy is this: if you changed my diaper when I was a baby, or if you're my husband, you can come in the room.  :) And if my dad did come in, then both Carl and my mom would be at my feet and dad would stay at my head!

Have you had any pregnancy dreams?  Yes.  And so have my mom and Carl.  My mom dreamt baby came out in a hard hat, as a toddler.  Carl dreamt that baby came out walking and talking.  I dreamt he came out as an 8 month old (a very happy one at that!), and then a couple nights later I dreamt I gave birth at 7 months (but he was 8 pounds and healthy).  In the dream, I called my mom to tell her I had the baby and I said, "My heart is now outside of my body!" She didn't understand what I meant and asked if I was okay, then I told her "Yes, my heart is outside of my body…your grandson has been born!"  

And one more pic, just for the cuteness...

Here are our little ladies.  Traffic jam on the staircase to our bed!  

29 Weeks

How old were you when you got pregnant? 25

How old will you be when you give birth? 25

How many months along are you in your pregnancy? 7.5 months! Wow!  Where has the time gone?!  As of Saturday, I was 29 weeks.

What was your first reaction when you found out?  I was pretty shocked!  I didn't really expect that little plus sign to appear; it was a very surreal moment.  Click here to get the details!

Were you scared? Nope, I wasn't scared...just excited!

Was it hard for you to tell others, or was it easy? EASY!  I was dying to tell everyone about it but we waited until we could tell our family first.  To hear how we told my parents, click here.  To hear how we told Carl's parents, click here.  To hear how we told Austin and our friends, click here.

Who was the first person you told?  This little dollface, Belle!  Does she count?  I had to practice saying it aloud; then I shared it with Carl.  You can read about that story, here.

Do you fear birth? No, not yet at least!  I get a little anxious when I start thinking about it, but I know God designed my body to do this and I will be just fine.

One thing that stresses you most about being pregnant? At first I was really worried baby wasn't getting enough nutrients since I was so sick, and the dehydration cramps that landed me in the hospital really scared me.  But I don't get too worried now, I feel like we are in the groove of things.

Do you know if the baby will be a boy or girl yet?  He's a little prince.  :)

Can you feel your baby kicking now? Yes!  Constantly!  I can now tell (most of the time) what position he's in.  He is basically doubled over inside of me, still in the upright "breached" position (and sometimes he's stretched out horizontally).  I don't like calling it breached since he technically shouldn't have even turned upside down yet.  A couple nights ago, he woke me up doing some stretches.  It felt like he was stretching his toes as far as they would go, while also "raising the roof" with his little hands.  I felt him stretch all the way from my left to my right side!

As of this Saturday coming up, we will have ten weeks to go!