Side-by-Side

Had my 39 week check-up today. Along with one of my many, many non-stress tests. Kaelyn did amazing today. Moving right away and constantly. She wanted to get in and out, that's my girl :-) Met with one of my doctors (first time meeting her, she's new but I like her) and she mentioned that it's up to my OB specialist that I've been seeing to determine how far he wants me to go in this pregnancy. If she's not growing enough, then they'll induce me. If she is, then they might let me go as far as 42 weeks. UGH! I pray they don't let me go THAT long :-/ She also checked to see if I was dilated at all... NOPE!!! But I am "soft" and things could move. I was kind of disappointed. Ha. I was already dilated with Autumn at this point. But that usually doesn't mean anything. I'm also measuring even smaller than I have before. I'm measuring at 36 weeks right now. My other doctor's don't like patients to go above or below 2 cm and I'm 3 cm below. So it's a good thing I have an ultrasound tomorrow. As much as I want to have Kaelyn this weekend, I do pray that everything is okay in there.

So, I'm sure I will update you after my ultrasound tomorrow. For now, enjoy a side-by-side survey (Kaelyn's pregnancy is in bold and Autumn's pregnancy isn't) and also enjoy a side-by-side photo. Boy do I look HUGE with Autumn!!!



How far along? 39 weeks (39 weeks)
Total weight gain/loss: Ugh! I was doing so well. Now I've gained a total of 33 lbs... Blah :-( (You're gonna laugh... Gained 49 lbs (UGH) It's sad, I weigh more than my husband!!!)
Maternity clothes? Like there's anything else to wear... LOL (Definitely about to wear my Dad's clothes now (and he's a big guy).)
Stretch marks? Adding a few more on my sides this time... Oh, and my belly button too. Weird... (Oh yes :-) Starting to get a few on my sides.)
Sleep: It's interesting to read my sleep schedule that I had with Autumn because it's totally different now! I am SO glad we spent the extra money and got a tempurpedic bed!!! Now I usually go to the bathroom once within 10 minutes after climbing in bed. Then I wake up around 2:30-3ish and go again. Then I'm fine until the morning. Sigh, so much better than what I was doing with Autumn! (Sleep is over-rated. HA! Here's my schedule. In bed around 10pm. Get up and go to the bathroom every half hour until around midnight. Up around 2:30am to pee. Back to sleep til around 4:30/5ish to pee again. Up at 6am to make Jordan's lunch then FINALLY able to sleep til around 10:30am. SIGH!!!)
Best moment this week: That I didn't have to have 3 non-stress tests this week. WOO HOO!!! (That I'm dilated! WOO HOO!!!!)
Movement: Kaelyn is a moving machine still. She likes to push my uterus sides all around. Looks funny and Jordan thought it even looked painful (which it can be sometimes). (Autumn's finally maturing in there so her movements aren't so jerky anymore. I feel like she's in slow motion right now.)
Food cravings: Not really craving anything right now... Weird huh? (Pickles and ice cream (but not together))
Gender: Haha, again, still a girl! (Still a girl :-) Confirmed it in 3 ultra sounds!!!)
Labor Signs: Had a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions last week that I was hoping would progress into labor, but it stopped after a couple of days. Very disappointing :-( (A few contractions here and there, but nothing too serious.)
Belly Button in or out? OUTIE!!! (Definitely an outie!)
What I miss: Being able to move in general without being in pain. Oh, and I miss wearing my cute clothes! (Being able to get in and out of bed without being in so much pain!!!)
What I am looking forward to: Same thing, being able to hold Kaelyn and introduce her to Autumn!!! (Holding Autumn in my arms and giving her lots and lots of kisses!!!)
Weekly Wisdom: I guess I don't have any... Ha... lame... (Walking is your friend! I feel so much better since I've started walking again!)
Milestones: SO CLOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!! COME OUT KAELYN!!!!! (SO CLOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Realization of the week: It all comes down to what my OB specialist says at tomorrow's ultrasound. I could have Kaelyn this weekend or I could have her as far as 3 weeks from now. My regular doctors wouldn't mind letting me go to 42 weeks. Wow... :-( (Seriously will have Autumn in no longer than 2 weeks (my doctor won't let me go more than 7-10 days past my due date). AHHHHHHHHHHHH :-D)

The countdown begins...

Had my last "monthly" OB appointment today. Now I start going every 2 weeks until September. Ugh, that's just going to make these next couple of months fly by that much faster :-/ I feel so unprepared for Kaelyn's arrival. I know I have 9 weeks left (give or take) but it feels like there's not enough time. Sigh. I just wish I could snap my fingers and her room would be ready. That's all.

Today's appointment was definitely a little more exciting than other appointments. This is the first time that my uterus wasn't measuring like it's "supposed" to be. I was measuring at 29 inches (or weeks) when I'm actually 31. My doctor said that they usually like you to be within a couple of inches; but if that doesn't change by my next appointment, then she's going to order an ultra sound to make sure that everything's ok in there. Goodness :-P

My doctor also took a look over the rest of my charts just to see what else was in there and she noticed the notes about my Mitral Valve Prolapse (or MVP). For those of you who don't know what this is, feel free to check out this website to kind of get some background information on it. But basically this is important because I had to have antibiotics while I was in labor (just before delivery) and anytime I go to the dentist or surgery. Well, apparently my doctor's think that things have changed and that they don't require that anymore. And since it's been almost 10 years since my last appointment with the cardiologist, she figured that I should have it checked out and see what the recommendations are for the remainder of my pregnancy (and future ones). So now I have to go to the cardiologist in a couple of weeks. I know I still have MVP, I can feel it often. I'm just curious if they're gonna make me have antibiotics still or not...

Everything else is looking good. I got recommended to take Tums twice a day to help with my Restless Leg Syndrome (which is worse this pregnancy) and that doesn't bother me any because I have horrible heartburn as well. Oh the things we go through to have beautiful children :-) Enjoy my survery!

How far along? 31 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Gained only 17 lbs so far. Woo hoo!
Maternity clothes? Is there anything else to wear? :-P
Stretch marks? Getting new ones... Around my previous belly button piercing... Now why did I get that again?!
Sleep: I'm definitely sleeping better this pregnancy (thanks to our tempurpedic bed), I am starting to wake up to use the bathroom more often though... Sigh.
Best moment this week: I always enjoy watching Kaelyn move. She's crazy in there!
Movement: Anytime I sit down, even for mere minutes, she's moving. Which is definitely reassuring to me. However, sometimes a little uncomfortable (tap dancing on my bladder).
Food cravings: Cool Ranch Doritos!
Gender: It's a girl!!!
Labor Signs: N/A
Belly Button in or out? Yup, it's an outie.
What I miss: Being able to fall asleep right away. My restless leg syndrome is worse this pregnancy :-(
What I am looking forward to: Finishing Kaelyn's room!!!
Weekly Wisdom: God is in control. I have to put my faith in this pregnancy in Him and trust that it's in His will.
Milestones: Reached the single digits for how many weeks are left in this pregnancy. Yikes!
Realization of the week: My next appointment is in August... I'm due in September... I NEED TO FINISH KAELYN'S ROOM!!!!!!! :-P

Two surveys for the price of one!

I had my 28 week check up today, which went well. The best part of it was that Kaelyn decided that we didn't need to hear her heartbeat today. She worked really hard at trying to move away from the little machine and even kicked it several times. The nurse and I had a good laugh. We were able to hear the heartbeat (because lil Kaelyn can only go so far) and it sounded beautifully. A nice 145 bpm.

One thing I was definitely not crazy about was how much weight I gained this past month. Ugh! My doctor told me that this is completely normal to have a month where you spike really high (I did the same with Autumn as well). I just wasn't prepared for it. Like I stated before in my last blog post, I've been working at trying to not gain as much weight this time around. However, when I asked what my start weight was, I felt much better because I've only gained a total of 15 lbs so far. I looked back at one of my surveys and I had gained 24 lbs at about this time with Autumn. So a huge sigh of relief for me. Hehe.

Speaking of surveys, I thought it would be fun to compare surveys from now and back with Autumn. So my pregnancy with Kaelyn will be in bold and my pregnancy with Autumn won't. Enjoy!

How far along? 27 weeks and 6 days (28 weeks and 6 days)
Total weight gain/loss: Gained 15 lbs (Gained 24 lbs)
Maternity clothes? Definitely in the maternity pants and still trying to wear some of my old t-shirts. (I'd rather wear my lounge pants (that I made) with a sports bra and an oversized t-shirt... Ahhhh, sounds so much better than tight clothes!)
Stretch marks? My old ones are getting darker and I've noticed some new ones around my belly button (whose idea was it to get my belly button pierced?) (None (so far...))
Sleep: Ugh... Sleep is overrated. Especially now that I have to get up with Autumn in the morning. I don't get to sleep in til 10am like I did last pregnancy. LOL (Sleep? What's that?! Definitely tossing and turning or up and peeing... Take your pick!)
Best moment this week: Having Jordan feel Kaelyn's hiccups. He thought that was kinda funny. (Actually being woken up by her moving. I know it sounds crazy, but I kinda enjoyed it :-))
Movement: She moves, a lot! I'm beginning to think it was more than Autumn did. She's very active and isn't very shy. She's definitely let a lot of people feel her move. (Everyday, several times a day. She's a very active baby!)
Food cravings: Cool Ranch Doritos!!! (Pickles and Culver's Icecream (but not together... Ewww))
Gender: It's a girl!!! (It's a girl :-D)
Labor Signs: None... (None (yet...))
Belly Button in or out? Belly button is definitely an outie now. (Neither. It's more of an even-ny... LOL... I guess it depends on how I am sitting. But definitely more out than in sometimes.)
What I miss: Again... Sleeping on my stomach! (SLEEPING ON MY STOMACH!!!!!! :-/)
What I am looking forward to: I would have to say the same thing, being able to hold her in my arms and introduce her to Autumn and Jordan. However, I can wait (hehe). (Being able to hold her in my arms, kiss her little cheeks and see that beautiful face that Jordan and I created. Miracle of life is such a beautiful thing!)
Weekly Wisdom: Your house doesn't always have to be 100% clean. Anybody who has kids (recently or not) will understand that there are toys everywhere and food everywhere. If they don't, don't invite them over. Hehe (Make sure you don't sneeze on a full bladder....... :-/)
Milestones: I think it's funny how excited I was with Autumn that I was going to have a baby in 3 months. But now I'm going into panic mode, because I have nothing ready for this baby that's coming in 3 months!!! (I think just being less than 3 months away from my due date is a milestone.)
Realization of the week: SO MUCH TO DO IN 3 MONTHS!!! (I'm gonna have a baby in 3 months!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!)

Now and Then

I was finally able to take a picture of my baby bump today. I've been lazy when it comes to makeup and making myself look decent. And on the days that I do, I forget to take a picture. Well, I enjoy Jordan taking my picture for me. That's a chore in and of itself ;-)

As I was posting my picture on facebook, my friend Jen asked if I had one of my pregnancy with Autumn around the same time (27 weeks). Sure enough, I did! I had one of myself at 27 weeks with Autumn. Perfect! After emailing the pictures to Jen, she did a little side by side... Wow... What a difference!

I've been working really hard on being healthier this time around. I gained way too much weight when I was pregnant with Autumn (almost 50 lbs to be exact). I wasn't going to let that happen again. With Autumn I was lazy, I didn't go out much, I sat on my computer all day. Ate the wrong foods. Wasn't having the best sleep schedule (sleeping too much or not enough). Just basically being lazy in general. I ate way, way too much fast food as well. Ugh, I feel sick just thinking about it. Now I am walking 1 1/2 miles a day with Jade. Running around with Autumn ALL DAY LONG. Eating much, much healthier. It helps having Autumn around to feed because I don't want her to eat junk food period. I'm still struggling with portions. My eyes are bigger than my stomach and I feel like I always have to eat what's on my plate. So it's something I need to work on.

I went back on my blog to my 27th week with Autumn, just to see what I wrote about. It wasn't what I was hoping for, but it'll do. I was really more curious about numbers and my survey that I usually do. But that was at 28 weeks so I think I'll wait until my doctor's appointment on Wednesday before I compare those numbers. For now, enjoy the picture that Jen sent me. It's amazing, how much healthier I look this time around. I feel much better too!

And the survery says...

How far along? 23 weeks and 6 days
Total weight gain/loss: Ugh, I think I've only gained 8 lbs so far. I forgot where I started. LOL
Maternity clothes? Definitely maternity pants. Kaelyn sits way too low for me to wear bella bands on anything non maternity. I can't stand the pressure on my uterus!
Stretch marks? No new ones, but old ones are getting darker.
Sleep: I have officially begun the "uncomfortable" stage of sleep. I really miss sleeping on my stomach and my RLS are keeping me (and Jordan) up at night. I have to attempt to reposition myself in the middle of the night. Then when I sleep on my back, Kaelyn kicks me to let me know that she's not ok with it.
Best moment this week: Having another ultrasound and seeing Kaelyn wave at me :-)
Movement: She moves for me a lot during the day and crazy at night. Jordan and I love watching her make my belly move.
Food cravings: Pickles... :-)
Gender: It's a girl!!!
Labor Signs: N/A
Belly Button in or out? Yup, it's an outie.
What I miss: Being able to fall asleep right away. My restless leg syndrome is worse this pregnancy :-(
What I am looking forward to: Seeing if Kaelyn will really look like me (my mom and I were comparing ultra sound pictures between her and Autumn and we think she'll look like me, hehe).
Weekly Wisdom: God is in control. I have to put my faith in this pregnancy in Him and trust that it's in His will.
Milestones: I only gained 2 1/2 lbs in the last month. That made me super excited because I gained way too much weight with Autumn. Yay for long walks!!!
Realization of the week: I am going to have a 2 year old and a newborn in less than 4 months. AHHHHHH :-D

40 weeks

So today I am offically on my due date! I read somewhere that only 3% of all births occur on the due date (or something like that). I wouldn't mind adding to that statistic!

Had my doctor's appointment yesterday. Had an ultra sound to do measurements and check amniotic fluid levels. The tech estimated that Autumn weighs about 8 lbs 7 oz (give to take a pound). Not a bad size. Given I was 9 lbs 10 oz and Jordan was 7 lbs 13 oz. So I kinda figured she would be up there anyways. I'm still guessing that she's gonna be 9 lbs 2 oz. So we will see. We have a poll going in my family. And (if you follow facebook) I'm sure you've seen that my brother is guessing 10 lbs. He is 100% CONVINCED that she's gonna be that big. And I told him that if she is, I'm gonna smack him the second he walks into my room. HAHA.

Other than that. My amniotic fluid is border line low again. So I have a non-stress test Friday morning followed by another ultra sound. If I don't bring up the fluid levels by then, I will be induced Friday night. Which means I could have Autumn by this weekend. AHH!!! Although, I want to make this as safe for her as possible while she's still in there. So definitely resting more and drinking lots of water. Good thing I'm done doing hair now. Great time to sit back and relax. Catch up on my tv shows :-) If I bring the fluids back up by Friday, then I have another doctor's appointment on Monday to discuss the possibility of inducing (since my doctor won't let me go 7 - 10 days past my due date). So it's just the waiting game right now. I can't believe I'm here. On my due date! I never thought this day would come. I still feel like we just found out. My how this year has flown by!!! It's driving Jordan crazy not knowing when. I'm afraid to call him at work cuz he's anxiously waiting for "that" for call. He went to a concert with my brother and my sister's boyfriend on Monday and in between each song he said he checked his phone to make sure I didn't call him. So sweet :-) He just wants to hold her so bad. He's ready to be a daddy!

I must say, God has truely blessed this pregnancy for me and Jordan. It has been pretty easy and a wonderful experience. I didn't get morning sickness and haven't had any major complications throughout. I've been measuring "on time" the whole pregnancy, which makes my doctor's job much easier. I hope and pray for a safe delivery and that Autumn comes out healthy and ready for the outside world. I love to just sit back and think about the miracle of life! How 2 people who love each other so much can create something so amazing!!! I can't imagine going through this alone. I am so honored and blessed to have Jordan as an absolutely AMAZING husband who has journied with me through this pregnancy experience and about to entire into the joys of parenthood. I have watched him grow so much since we've gotten married and it is wonderful to see the work that God has done in his life! We have definitely gone through our rough time, but God knew what He was doing and I couldn't be any happier than I am now :-) I cannot wait to see what's in store for our future. And welcome Autumn into our lives with open arms.

Autumn Rae Baldwin, 20 weeks ago :-)

Another week...

Had my weekly doctor's appointment yesterday. Blood pressure was a little high when the nurse took it, but then my doctor retook it and got a much better number. I had the mean nurse yesterday and I don't think she knows what she's doing half the time. UGH! Don't like her at all. Just no people skills what-so-ever. Anyways... Doctor checked to see if I was dilated and I am. About 1 1/2 cm, but stretched to 2 cm. Also about 75% effaced. Doctor said that I'm super soft so I won't be long before I'm 100% effaced and that's also why she was able to stretch me a little more too. Hopefully that'll get things moving, soon! Definitely ready to be done being pregnant!!! It doesn't help that I have a cold right now. Sore throat (which finally ended today), runny nose, starting to cough. Yeah, definitely not fun when you're pregnant. Jordan and I went on a walk last night. Felt soooo good! Can't wait to take Autumn on walks with me :-D

And now I leave you with my 39 week picture and a survery. Enjoy!

How far along? 39 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: You're gonna laugh... Gained 49 lbs (UGH) It's sad, I weigh more than my husband!!!
Maternity clothes? Definitely about to wear my Dad's clothes now (and he's a big guy).
Stretch marks? Oh yes :-) Starting to get a few on my sides.
Sleep: Sleep is over-rated. HA! Here's my schedule. In bed around 10pm. Get up and go to the bathroom every half hour until around midnight. Up around 2:30am to pee. Back to sleep til around 4:30/5ish to pee again. Up at 6am to make Jordan's lunch then FINALLY able to sleep til around 10:30am. SIGH!!!
Best moment this week: That I'm dilated! WOO HOO!!!!
Movement: Autumn's finally maturing in there so her movements aren't so jerky anymore. I feel like she's in slow motion right now.
Food cravings: Pickles and ice creeam (but not together)
Gender: Still a girl :-) Confirmed it in 3 ultra sounds!!!
Labor Signs: A few contractions here and there, but nothing too serious.
Belly Button in or out? Definitely an outie!
What I miss: Being able to get in and out of bed without being in so much pain!!!
What I am looking forward to: Holding Autumn in my arms and giving her lots and lots of kisses!!!
Weekly Wisdom: Walking is your friend! I feel so much better since I've started walking again!
Milestones: SO CLOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Realization of the week: Seriously will have Autumn in no longer than 2 weeks (my doctor won't let me go more than 7-10 days past my due date). AHHHHHHHHHHHH :-D

Story of my life

Yes, I'm still pregnant... Sigh... Starting walking again today. I really need to walk more often anyways, but now I have a purpose... To get Autumn OUT!!!!!! So 2 walks it is. Morning and night. Jade loves it :-) Have my next doctor's appointment on Wednesday. If I don't deliver by then, I'll be checked to see I'm dialated at all. I have a few more hair appointments to do this week and then I'm done doing hair til 6 weeks after Autumn's born. It'll be a nice break! Jordan's really looking forward to having a vacation as well :-) Not much else to write about...

Nesting

So yes, I was offically "nesting" today. LOL. Had this sudden urge to clean everything in the house (well, the basement, which is kind of our house). Autumn's room is ALL set up and ready to go. Cleaned our bedroom inside and out. Cleaned the laundry room, did some rearranging, painted letters (that spell Autumn's name) and stocked up on diapers! Pretty much was cleaning all day today. Jordan kept bugging me... "Are you nesting?" He was really hoping I was so that Autumn could arrive tomorrow. But nesting doesn't always mean you're gonna go into labor that night. Just means I'm gonna be bored for the next 2 weeks (give or take) waiting for Autumn to arrive :-)

Real quick!

I just thought I'd throw on here a quick update from my appointment on Wednesday... Had another ultra sound to see how my amniotic fluids were and I brought the levels back up! So lots of rest and LOTS of water helped a lot. Just gotta keep drinking that water :-)

Had a baby shower from church on Wednesday as well. Got lots of cute stuff! Have another one for my friends tomorrow (Sunday) and then it's just wait until Autumn decides to arrive! Wow, 3 1/2 weeks til I'm due. I can't believe it.

I was babysitting one of my friend's baby from church yesterday. Such a cutie. But the point of this is that I really got to see how Jade's going to react when Autumn comes into this world. Besides the face wash/bath that she gave Danielle (the baby) when she first arrived. LOL. Jade did very, very well. She was always curious about Danielle. Checking her out, seeing if she's ok. She even slept with her face on Danielle's car seat while Danielle was taking her nap in it! Loved it!!! She'll be a good dog when the baby comes :-) Can't wait!!!

And the survey says...

How far along? 35 weeks & 4 days
Total weight gain/loss: +41 lbs (believe it or not)
Maternity clothes? I'm all about the homemade capris and over-sized t-shirts!!!
Stretch marks? Finally got some... Mostly hidden though... Underpart of my boobs and on my butt :-)
Sleep: Sleep is over-rated!!! LOL... Lack there of is definitely going on right now. Whether it's because of restless legs or constant bathrooms runs!
Best moment this week: After having a stressful day following a "routine appointment"... I'm very grateful that everything's ok :-)
Movement: Wish I could show you the big FOOT that's sticking out on top of my belly right now. HAHA. Yeah, she's way more active than a normal baby. Even the nurse during my non-stress test said she was a little hyper and that was on a slow day!!!
Food cravings: Pickles!!!
Gender: Little girl (well, knowing us, she might be very LONG)
Labor Signs: Few contractions, but I was dehydrated so it's all good now.
Belly Button in or out? Definitely an outie!!!
What I miss: Sleeping on my belly, sleeping in general and being able to BREATHE!!!
What I am looking forward to: Being able to hold our little girl in just over a month :-)
Weekly Wisdom: Water is your friend!!!
Milestones: Not sure if this is a good thing, but Autumn has definitely located my ribs and LOVES to rub her foot on them.........sigh........
Realization of the week: I'm due in just over a month... 1 more birthing class and 2 baby showers to go!!!

Here's me at 34 weeks. Seriously cannot believe how big I am!!!

WOAH!!!

Today was definitely an interesting day. Just when I thought my pregnancy was fine and I was bragging that I haven't had any problems. LOL. Next time I'm keeping my mouth shut :-)

Went into my doctor's appointment today. Nothing out of the ordinary. Doctor did the Group B test and then checked to see where Autumn's head is. She wasn't really 100% sure. I was hard at the bottom and top of my uterus. So then she checked to see if I was dialated so she could feel her head and I wasn't. So then my doctor ordered an ultra sound just to check to see where her head is. Not a big deal. The ultrasound tech had time to squeeze me in right away, so that worked out great. Found her head right away. It's down, where she's supposed to be. Checked to make sure she's still a girl :-) She is. HAHA. Makes me breath a lot easier now that I have all this pink around the house!!! Then the ultrasound tech started checking the amount of amniotic fluid I had around Autumn. That was cool to watch. After she was finished, she went to my doctor to discuss what she did... Came back in and said that my amniotic fluid was border line with being low. So now I have to rest more (I feel like I'm being lazy as it is) and drink more water!!!! Sheesh. I already pee enough as it is. I'm about ready to go get me some diapers so I can sleep more than 2 hours at night. LOL. I don't think my advice will work for this situation Jen ;-)

So now I'm at my inlaws house. Doing my sister-in-laws hair. Get a call from the doctor's office (but I didn't get to answer it) and they left me a message saying that my doctor wants me to take a non-stress test...not an emergency...but they want me to do it before the weekend. So I call back, the nurse that called me is gone and my doctor is busy. So the nurse that's on the phone has no idea what's going on. They transfer me to scheduling and back to nurses again. AHHHHH!!!!! What's going on?!?! Finally make me an appointment for this afternoon to have the test done. Kinda freaking out. Get there and have the test done. The nurse there asks me if I know why I'm there.... NOPE!!!! But everything looked good. Autumn got a little "hyper" for the machine, but she didn't move as much as she normally does. Tee hee. She'd probably break the machine then! So, now what? No idea. I dunno what my doctor was looking for, but my mom thinks that they were just making sure she's ok in the environment with the border line amniotic fluid that I have going on in there. Now I have another ultra sound for my appointment next week. My goodness!

So that was my exciting day. I didn't really want to post only some of it on facebook so that nobody freaks out. Even though I did a little bit :-) But everything's looking good. Just need to drink more water.... Story of my life! I'll post pictures of my belly tomorrow. God Bless!

Too long...

Yeah, definitely need to get in a habit of updating on this thing. It doesn't help that I'm getting really busy as my due date is getting closer.

So where do I begin? Well, I ended up quitting at the Whitecaps. I was ending up in too much pain in my back everytime I worked there. It was getting too much and Jordan finally had to say "I think you had enough". It was nice to have the little extra income, but it wasn't worth the amount of pain I was in, unfortunately. So now I'm just doing hair until a few days before my due date. Hopefully I won't have her too early, but if I follow in my mom's footsteps, I probably won't. She had all three of her kids within a week of her due date. So not too bad :-)

On a scarier note. A week ago, Sunday, I ended up getting a little dehydrated and starting having some contractions. Definitely not the normal Braxton-Hicks that I've been having. I was just about to brush my teeth and felt a little tight. But then it kept getting worse and worse and worse to the point where I was almost bent over. Jordan rubbed my belly for me and started timing them. I had 5 within 20 minutes. So I called my mom (she's a nurse and it was midnight, so I wanted to see if I should call my doctor or do something on my own) and she told me to drink a glass of water and lay on my left side and see what happens within the next hour. So I did and only got one more. PHEW! Jordan was all excited, thinking that he would be able to see his little girl, finally. But I had to remind him that if she came now, she would be in the NICU for a while and we couldn't take her home right away and he didn't like that so much. But he was so good to me :-)

Had my first baby shower this past Saturday. This one was given by my mom and aunt for my family. So much fun! We did this diaper game that had melted chocolate candy in it and we had to guess what kind of chocolate candy bar it was. So creepy, but so much fun. Some of those diapers looked real and I was almost naucious trying to sniff it. HAHA. I did horrible though. I had to cheat off my neighbor cuz I'm not a huge chocolate fan (I know, weird). So a lot of them I didn't know. But I got a lot of nice stuff. Including the Jeep Running Stroller that Jordan really wanted :-D Got 2 more showers to go. Due in 5 weeks.... I can't believe she'll be here within a month (or so). Just can't even really grasp that yet.

Jordan and I have been going through Birthing Classes through our hospital. It's a 5 week program and next Monday will be our last week. Jordan wasn't too thrilled about it, but we really learned a lot. I really can't imagine someone trying to give birth without this. I don't think Jordan really understood how much a coach/support person's role really is important when it comes to labor and delivery. But he got to practice with my little episode the other week and he did good. Remembered everything that he learned, so I know he'll do an awesome job! It's funny... I've always wanted to try to do a natural birth. And I say try because I don't handle pain very well, but I want to go in with the attitude that I want to go that route. But if it gets too much, I will do an epideral. However... After watching how they do an epideral, kinda made the idea of a natural birth that much better. HAHA! I just can't stand the thought of having the huge needle in my back the whole time. EWWWW!!! Makes me squeemish just thinking about it!

I'll start updating more often. Now that it's getting closer to my due date, I feel like I have more to write about. September will be here before we know it!!!

31 weeks

Wow! I'm down to the single digits in weeks left of my pregnancy. This is absolutely craziness!!! I'm really starting to get uncomfortable now. Autumn is sitting really low with her head LODGED in between my legs. So it's basically just hard and uncomfortable to do anything these days. In order to roll over at night, I have to sit up, get up, adjust pillows, then lay back down. Not to mention the several times waking up to use the bathroom :-) Oh the joys!

Had my doctor's appointment today and definitely not a friend of the scale ne more. I gained 9 lbs in 3 weeks!!!! What's up with that? I walk on somewhat of a regular basis, eat really really healthy. Sigh. The doctor thinks it's just water weight and guessed that I'm not drinking enough water. He guessed right. So he told me to start walking everyday, that'll help move things around and it'll make me want to drink more water as well. So I went and bought some really nice walking shoes (something light weight for the summer) and took our dog for a walk today. It felt really good :-) Everything else is measuring on time. Autumn's bpm was 139, blood pressure was 120/78 and I got 9 more weeks (give or take) left... Starting my every 2 week appointments now. I feel like I live there already! Good thing my doctors are pretty much amazing.

Other exciting news... On my way home from the Whitecaps yesterday, I saw a mini van pulled over off the highway, engolfed in flames!!! Talk about a bad day for them. It's just something you usually only see on T.V., not in person. So that was kinda scary and weird. Then, when I got close to my neighborhood, a deer jumped on the hood of my car, while I was driving! I was minding my own business, looked to my right and watched a lady walking her dog (to make sure the dog doesn't jump out in front of my car) and to my left came a deer, out of no where. Hopped right on top of the car and hopped off. Kept going like nothing ever happened! Totally freaked me out and probably gave me the biggest heart attack of my life. Wow. Just something you don't see everyday. So now I have 3 nice little dents on my hood. Thanks little deer.

Baby showers start in 3 weeks. Can't wait! Enjoy my new belly pictures. I think I look funny because Autumn is sitting so low right now :-)

So right now I'm pretty much living in t-shirts and capris that I made.

I'm all about the comfort now :-) Can't believe how big I'm getting!!!

4th of July

It always seems like I get sick or a migraine on or around the 4th of July. Still not quite sure why... On Friday, we spent time with family up in Grant. Hanging out with all my younger cousins, eating food, watching all the crazy kids going swimming. I used to be that crazy, HAHA. One of my cousins sat on my lap for a long time and was very fasinated by my baby belly. Her mom just had a baby not 3 months ago, so she understood very well (for a 2 year old) what was going on in my belly. She was SOOOO excited that she would scream out to her sisters everytime they walked by that I have a baby in my belly! I love my cousins. Family get together's are so much fun. The next one, I'll have my own baby!!!!!! Craziness.

So yeah, definitely came home Friday night with a sore throat and woke up Saturday with a super stuffy head, pounding head ache, runny nose and worse sore throat. UGH! Plus, I had to call into work, don't like doing that. I try so hard to not call in sick, but Jordan threatened to pin me down. So here I am again, trying to get over this, whatever I have. Had to call in sick again today, sigh. It's been somewhat enjoyable laying around though. Cuz I've really been able to feel Autumn moving inside me. Watching my belly move and guessing where her hands and feet are. Jordan even got to feel her cute little butt :-) He really liked that and gets more anxious everyday to finally meet her! (Random thought) I'm half tempted to ask a nurse to take a picture of Jordan's first reaction when he gets to hold her in the delivery room. I can't even begin to imagine, sigh...

Things I'm looking forward to this month:
~ Jordan's birthday next week (can't wait to see his reaction with my mom's gift to him).
~ House sitting in Caledonia (on a farm) all this week. My own little mini vacation. Pool included!!!
~ Birthing classes in a few weeks (Jordan's not looking forward to those).
~ Planning BABY SHOWERS!!!! :-D

Braxton Hicks

Most definitely the weirdest thing I've felt so far this pregnancy. Last night I was just minding my own business on the computer and randomly felt really tight all over my belly. So I ran to my mom to show her and she just giggled and said "oh, you're having a contraction!" I thought they hurt!!! But then she explained it to me what a Braxton Hicks was and yeah, interesting. I love having a mom for a nurse. She's definitely made this pregnancy a lot easier and more knowledgable for me! It's kinda funny that there's a lot of questions I'd rather ask my mom than my own doctor. I guess it's because my mom is right here and my doctor is 2 weeks away. LOL.

Oh, I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but my mom FINALLY got to feel my baby kick!!! :-) Oh yes, she's very excited now. She was beginning to think that her grandbaby didn't like her. Hehe. I had Jordan do his typical "wakie wakie Autumn" and pat my belly. Then I made mom put her hand on my belly and watch tv. Told her just to ignore where your hand is and she'll eventually move. And she did! I think I almost saw a tear coming too!

My goal today is to get a belly picture up!!! I'm saying it on here so I can make myself do it. I just gotta take a shower first ;-)

Registering

Definitely had way too much fun registering with my mom today! My goodness, there is SO MUCH STUFF!!! It just amazes me just how much you really need for a baby. Good grief. Yeah, as much as I want to finally meet her, she's definitely cheaper being inside me right now. LOL. That's what I keep telling Jordan. But I think I got everything... We'll see...

Next doctor's appointment, I'm asking about what I can do with my restless legs. I'm really sick and tired of either not falling asleep or not being able to be in bed with Jordan while he's trying to fall asleep. So here I am, online, at midnight, waiting for my legs to calm down or Jordan to fall asleep. Whichever is faster. It's really been messing with my sleep schedule and making me more grouchy. Not such a good thing right now. Oh, the joys of pregnancy.

On another note, starting to pick out dates for baby showers. Seriously, 11 weeks away (til my due date). That's CRAZY! I can't believe how close it is. Wow.

Yeah, definitely ran outa things to say... So I figured that I would borrow a survery that my fello preggo got from one of her friends. Looked cute, so enjoy ;-)


How far along? 28 weeks and 6 days
Total weight gain/loss: Gained 24 lbs
Maternity clothes? I'd rather wear my lounge pants (that I made) with a sports bra and an oversized t-shirt... Ahhhh, sounds so much better than tight clothes!
Stretch marks? None (so far...)
Sleep: Sleep? What's that?! Definitely tossing and turning or up and peeing... Take your pick!
Best moment this week: Actually being woken up by her moving. I know it sounds crazy, but I kinda enjoyed it :-)
Movement: Everyday, several times a day. She's a very active baby!
Food cravings: Pickles and Culver's Icecream (but not together... Ewww)
Gender: It's a girl :-D
Labor Signs: None (yet...)
Belly Button in or out? Neither. It's more of an even-ny... LOL... I guess it depends on how I am sitting. But definitely more out than in sometimes.
What I miss: SLEEPING ON MY STOMACH!!!!!! :-(
What I am looking forward to: Being able to hold her in my arms, kiss her little cheeks and see that beautiful face that Jordan and I created. Miracle of life is such a beautiful thing!
Weekly Wisdom: Make sure you don't sneeze on a full bladder....... :-/
Milestones: I think just being less than 3 months away from my due date is a milestone.
Realization of the week: I'm gonna have a baby in 3 months!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!

28 weeks (and counting)

So I had my 28 week check up (last Thursday, lol) and everything's looking great. The doctor wants me to start counting the number of kicks every day, 3 times a day. Gave me a log to keep track. It's been fun watching the numbers and seeing when she's most active. Definitely got the least painful shot of my life then too. I was all worked up over nothing. SHEESH! I also had an awesome nurse too :-) Autumn's BPM were 144 and my blood pressure was 112/70. Gained weight, LOL... It's so crazy to step on that scale, because I know why I'm gaining it, but I've never weighed this much before. I just have to sigh and say "oh well". It'll go away when she arrives.... Hopefully....

Tomorrow is going to be a very exciting day for me!!!!!!!! My mom and I are going to register for baby stuff. AHHH!!! I can't wait :-D Jordan's super happy that he doesn't have to do it. I had to drag him to do our wedding stuff. Oh well, I'll have tons of fun with my mom! Starting to pick out dates for baby showers. I can't believe I'm due in less than 12 weeks. Wow has time flown by! Three months seems like a long time, but I feel like I just found out I was pregnant. And that was 6 months ago...

Definitely not enjoying this humidity. I think I've taken off my wedding ring for the last time. I never wear them (I have another ring that Jordan gave me while we were dating) at night, because of bad circulation in my hands. They swell up too much and makes my fingers go numb. But with the heat and me being pregnant, I've decided that I shouldn't risk forcing them back on anymore. I'll just get a cheap band and wear that instead. Sigh. Oh the joys of pregnancy ;-)

Overdue

Yes, I'm definitely overdue for an update. Just really haven't had a lot of time to sit down and think of what to say. It hasn't been very eventful in the pregnancy world here. Just getting bigger, started getting puffy ankles (YUCK) and Autumn's moving around like crazy. Jordan's newest kick is that he likes to pat my belly and say "Wake up Autumn!" until she starts kicking. He LOVES it :-) He did that last night and just sighed and said that he can't wait to hold her. Just melts my heart!!!

Did my glucose testing last week. And I'm assuming since I didn't get a phone call that nothing abnormal, but I'll find out for sure tomorrow at my regular check up. A lot of my other preggo friends made a big deal about the sugary drink you had to drink before hand. Made it seem like it was huge and you could barely drink it in the 5 min they allowed you too. I actually really liked it. It honestly just tasted like a kool-aid drink that my brother would make (with extra sugar). So thanks Bryan, for preparing me for the glucose test. HAHA! Definitely didn't like the needle poking they had to do. Sigh... Will this ever get easier?!?!? First time I ever bruised too from it. Looks worse today than it did last Thursday. I guess that's what I get for an overly chatty nurse poking my arm. LOL.

Definitely looking forward to house sitting for my best friend's parents this coming July (first full week of July). Out in the country, taking care of their farm animals, laying in the pool ALL DAY LONG! I might actually be able to tan my back for once. SOOOO excited. Nothing relaxing me more than just being out there in the quietness of life. Enjoying the farms noises and smells (yes, I love the smell of farms) and the cool breeze of the country air. SIGH. I'm getting relaxed just thinking about it! I would love to live in the country. But not sure if my clients would want to drive down to Caledonia to get their hair done (that's where they live and they found a house for sale that they want me to move into, teehee). Someday...

Oh yes, something exciting did happen to me this past week. My car brakes failed on me. NICE. I knew they were pretty bad. Every now and then I would touch the brake pedal and it would slowly go to the floor, but I would still stop. So until we could afford to fix it, I would just pump my brakes everytime I got into the car and I wouldn't have any problems. Until this day... I believe it was Monday. Just driving home from a client's house. Through construction (so I'm going super slow and keeping my distance) and everyone stopped cuz someone wanted to turn. Touched the brakes and went STRAIGHT to the floor. Started slowing down, but not fast enough. There was no way I was swerving, too many cars and other people around. So I just went straight into the Jeep's tailgate in front of me. SIGH. Pulled over and there was no damage to his car, a little to mine (very, very minor) and he just said "Get home safely" and took off. Fine by me! Super scary though. AHHHHH! However, my super awesome and talented husband fixed them for me and it's all better now :-) I love how handy my hubby is!!!

Offically in my third trimester today. WOO HOO! I'll make sure to post a picture of my belly up soon. I know, I'm WAY overdue...