34 Weeks!!

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

Well we're getting closer and closer! This week is going to be the beginning of fun! I'm having THREE baby showers this week! Three! I'm so excited! I'm excited about finally starting to get things set up for Nugget but I'm also excited because there are people coming to my showers that I haven't seen in ages and so I'm looking forward to catching up with old friends as well!

I'm still doing well and feeling great. I'm hoping this carries over and continues for the next 6 weeks. My only complaint is the lack of sleep. I fall asleep easily, but I do find myself getting up at least once if not two or three times during the night to go to the bathroom or because of leg cramps. So despite going to bed at a reasonable time, I'm usually still feeling pretty tired when I wake up every morning. But it could most definitely be worse and so I'm thankful that's the worst of it for now.

I can remember when we first found out I was pregnant, I was about 6 weeks along and now I only have about 6 weeks left to go. It is truly amazing to me how FAST this time has flown by. I really thought back in February that this would take FOREVER to get here and now I'm thinking, slow down! I'm not ready yet! I still have so much I want to get done in the nursery and so now my weekends are filled with trying to get all of that accomplished.

Joe gets to come home this weekend and I can't wait! It's been 3 weeks since the last time he was home and it feels like forever. Although I'm sure that the 3 days he's here will fly by as well.

I also get to go back to the doctor on Thursday morning for my next checkup. The last two visits have had me losing weight and so I'm kind of hoping to either have stayed the same or at least gained a pound or two back because I feel bad losing weight, like I'm not giving Nugget enough of what she needs! I never imagined that I would actually have a problem with LOSING weight during pregnancy! I'm not complaining, but I just want to make sure Nugget is getting all the nutrition she needs! I've also been having a lot of problems lately with feeling lightheaded and dizzy and so I really want to bring that up to the doctor and see what could be the cause of that.

I can't believe that I'm only 2 weeks away from being considered "full term" and that she is going to be here (hopefully) next month! Yikes! I'm so excited and nervous all rolled into one!

33 Weeks!!

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

We're getting ever closer and I'm getting more and more excited with each passing day knowing that it's going to be SO very soon when she's finally here and I can hold her in my arms.

My mom and I got a lot of work done this weekend as far as getting everything that I have so far in place in the nursery and planning out what else I have left to do. I am having a wall decal made to put over her crib with her name and I went ahead and got that ordered yesterday. I've also got a cross-stitch piece that my mom made for me when I was a little girl and we're going to take that and get it re-framed to match Nugget's nursery. I also am looking to hang up floating shelves and a collage frame in the room so I can display pictures of her all the time. I've also got an old medicine cabinet with a mirror that was once in my grandparents' house and I'm going to refinish that and use the mirror to go right over her changing table. I am really excited about the plans we have for the nursery and I can't wait for it to start really coming together!

I went to the doctor last week for my checkup and got to meet another one of the doctors in the practice. As I may have mentioned before, my doctor wants me to make sure and get an opportunity to meet the other 3 OBs in the practice in case one of them is on call when I go into labor. That way it won't be like I've got a total stranger delivering my baby. :) I wasn't exactly in love with the first doctor that I got to see. There wasn't anything wrong with him, he just didn't really have much of a bedside manner and I just imagine that when I'm trying to push this baby out, I'm gonna want someone a little less gruff. So this was my second doctor of the three and the only female in the practice. She was nice and from the 15 minutes or so I spent with her, I liked her, so that's a relief. Everything was still looking good at this visit. Somehow I've managed to lose 2 pounds since my last visit back at the beginning of July but this doctor didn't seem to be too concerned with that. That takes me up to only gaining a total of 3 pounds. I'm not complaining, but I do want to just check with my doctor and make sure that he's on board with it. My blood pressure was lower than normal, but still in the good, healthy range and so that was a plus. I was right at 32 weeks but I am apparently measuring 34 weeks - who knows what that really means in the grand scheme of things though. Also, Nugget is still breech. Not acceptable little girl! She needs to work on turning and get into position! The doctors keep telling me I have time for her to turn though. So I'm optimistic. If she doesn't turn that means a c-section for me and that is something I most definitely DO NOT WANT. So lots of prayers that she'll get to turning! I'm hoping when I go back to see the doctor on the 19th that she will have turned by then.

Well that's all the updating I have for today! :) I'll fill in more next week!

32 Weeks!!

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

Well we're definitely getting closer!!! I can't believe we're down to only about 2 months to go. I was ripping off calendar pages at work yesterday and thought, goodness! She's going to be here next month! It seems like just yesterday that we found out I was pregnant. This time has flown by so quickly! I am so eager for September to hurry up and get here because I'm ready for her to be out and available for cuddling! I can't wait to meet her and get to know her and for her to develop into a little person! I know it's all going to happen so fast but I am so ready for it!

I was fortunate enough to have Joe home for the last week and so we were able to do a lot in preparation of Nugget's arrival. We had our 3D ultrasound and we were able to go check out daycare facilities. Joe got the changing table all set up in the nursery and I think we've got the basic set up arranged at least. Then this past weekend we got to go to our birthing class over at the hospital. It was interesting to say the least. I don't think there was much that we learned that we didn't already know, but there were a few techniques for breathing and relaxation that hopefully will help come Nugget Day. What really surprised me is how many of the girls in the class had no idea about some of the things that I thought were pretty basic. Maybe it's because I'm older, but I've just tried to read as much as I can about pregnancy and about delivering and tried to get as much information as I could so that come Nugget Day I'm not in the dark and get hit with something I wasn't expecting.

I've got three showers coming up this month and I can't wait! I think that actually getting little Nugget things is going to make this even more real for me and it just really signifies that she's almost here! This is really going to be the greatest day ever for Joe and I and I know that we both can't wait!

31 Weeks and 3D Ultrasound!!

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

I tell you what, the above is not a lie. She is moving like crazy! Kicking and somersaulting all over the place. My mom finally got to feel her move yesterday morning and then Joe felt her again yesterday afternoon and so I'm glad she's finally willing to make her presence known to people other than me. Joe was getting upset that she would never kick for him. I just kept telling him that she felt he was a calming presence. :) I also think the growth spurt part is right on because my belly is sore these days and I can't fathom its from anything other than trying to grow, grow, grow in these last 9 weeks.

9 weeks??? Yikes! I can remember that I found out about Nugget and we had our first ultrasound when I was about 9 weeks. Insane. That seems sooooo long ago and back then it seemed like getting this far was going to take FOREVER! Now 9 weeks seems like no time and I think Nugget will be here before we know it!

Well yesterday morning Joe, my mom, my step-brother Brian and I all traipsed to the doctor's office to undergo the 3D ultrasound! I was so excited and ready to see Nugget and finally be able to imagine what it would be like when she gets here! Of course, because Nugget is our child, she's already stubborn. She so didn't want to cooperate and kept putting her hand AND foot in front of her face so we couldn't get a clear shot of her for long. I swear! This child is either going to be a contortionist or a gymnast or a really great yoga instructor with this serious flexibility she's got going on! :) Here are just a few of the images that we got yesterday:

I think she is so cute here! I don't know what the bubble is in front of her face though...

Here's another one. So precious! Her cheeks already look good and pinchable!

This one is one of my favorites. It was getting towards the end of the ultrasound and she had been giving us fits the entire time and the tech pointed out that she had her tongue sticking out. I said, "she's mocking us!!!" Figures... she is our child. :)

This one is a good example of her ridiculous flexibility already. I mean, there's no way I'd be getting my face, foot and hand all in one shot! Doesn't she look uncomfortable??

And again, she's trying to be shy for the camera. Her cute little hand and foot are helping to block her face. I just cannot get over how detailed her fingers and toes are! These 3D ultrasounds are just simply amazing!!

We finally got our changing table and Joe just put it all together this morning as well as our swing that I received as a birthday present. The slipcover for the recliner also came in today and I think things are really moving right along. I hope to get the room kind of set up tonight and get some pictures taken. Then all we really have left to do is get some things to hang on the wall and get the valances hung. I am really loving her room! I hope she loves it too. It's amazing that I've managed to get any work done today because I just keep looking at these pictures over and over again because they are so amazing to me. I can't believe in only 9 short weeks (give or take) she's going to be here and changing our lives completely! I honestly cannot wait!!!

The Big 3-0!

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Wow. 30 weeks. When I was reading my weekly update this morning on the baby website, it said "feel like you've been pregnant for forever?" Um, no, actually I don't. It honestly feels like just yesterday that I found out I was pregnant! The past 30 weeks have honestly flown by and I just know the next 10 (or so) will probably go by just as quickly and Nugget will be here before we know it!

We went over the weekend and finally picked out a changing table and ordered it and so I'm excited about that coming in and finally getting the nursery set up. I still need to order a slipcover for the rocker/recliner that's in there and I guess I should do that soon too! I'm starting to have the realization that she's going to be here soon and I'm not ready yet!!! YIKES! I've started making guest lists for baby showers and it's just more and more evidence that little Nugget Day is right around the corner. Will I ever really be ready for her?

For the moment I'm choosing to try and focus on my upcoming 3D ultrasound, which is scheduled for next Monday, July 26th. I can't wait to see her in all her 3D glory! It's been a while since I last had an ultrasound and I'm starting to go through withdrawals!! :) I'm also looking forward to the fact that Joe will be done with his first full rotation down in South Georgia on Friday. I'm flying down to meet up with him on Thursday and then riding back home with him on Friday. Then he gets to be home for an entire week! HOORAY! We're also going to our birthing classes at the hospital on July 30th and the 31st. I'm looking forward to those as well. So we really have quite the busy end to this month.

August will probably be just as crazy with showers going on and trying to finalize everything in the nursery for Nugget's arrival, plus the increased frequency of the doctor's visits. I honestly can't wait for September to get here so I can meet my little girl! It's going to be so wonderful and awesome!

29 Weeks!!

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Wow. I'm down to only 11 weeks to go (give or take). It is going to be here so quickly and I'm suddenly feeling incredibly panicky that I have nothing accomplished! There is so much to be done!

The past 5 days have been incredibly hard on my family as Thursday afternoon, July 8th, my step-father Harold passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly. It has honestly thrown my world into a tailspin. I've gone through so many emotions and cried so many tears. I honestly thought that I was just about out of tears but they seem to keep finding their way into my day. Despite getting plenty of sleep the last few nights, I still just feel mentally and emotionally exhausted. I just feel like there are so many thoughts swimming around in my head that I can't quiet them all and I cannot calm my heart. I have been very blessed, however, to have such a wonderful loving family - some of whom are still here in town with us that are honestly such a godsend to my mother. I don't know what we honestly would have done with out them. I feel like we're at such a point of uncertainty in our lives right now and all we can do is just trust that God will give us peace, comfort and strength through these difficult times.

One of my favorite Bible verses that my brother shared with me when I was going through my divorce back in 2003 and it has stuck with me ever since: But we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. - Romans 5:3

I know that Harold is in heaven and it makes me happy because I know my grandparents and his parents are there with him and I can just imagine all the fun Harold is having with his dad and my grandfather doing some sort of project. I just miss him so very much and I know my life will never be the same without him. I am just absolutely heartbroken that Nugget will never have the opportunity to know him and to learn all that I have learned from him. I know he was so happy that she was coming. I am just so grateful that God did allow me to have him in my life for over twenty years.

28 Weeks!!! Officially the Third Trimester!

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Hooray for the third trimester! I really feel like this is the home stretch! Actually, this morning I had a doctor's appointment and he told me that I'll have another appointment in 4 weeks and after that I'll start going every 2 weeks. When he told me that it finally hit me in the face - oh my lord! She's going to be here before we know it!!! Yikes! I have so much to do!!!

I am so incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful family who really go above and beyond to take care of me and to help me prepare for Nugget's arrival. The first thing is the rocker/recliner for the nursery. We are using this old rocker that my parents have had since like the beginning of time. Ever since the early 2000s or so, it has been in my brother Robert's possession and recently that meant it was with him and my sister-in-law, Rebecca, in Herndon, Virginia (i.e. - about a ten hour drive from here). My sister-in-law made the trek down here, by herself mind you, to bring me that chair! I mean we're talking 20 cumulative hours of driving alone just to bring me that chair. I am just so eternally grateful that she was willing to do that, more than I can ever express in words!

Secondly, I've just been gone to St. Simons Island to visit Joe for the past 5 days or so and I got home last night. When I arrived home, I found that the nursery had been painted thanks to my mom. It looks amazing! I can't wait to start getting everything in there and seeing it all come together. Now, I knew that she was going to paint the nursery, but what I didn't know was that while I was gone she and my step-dad would clean my house! They spent 10 hours cleaning!!! And it's not even finished! If that doesn't give you some indication to the condition of my house... I was just overwhelmed and thrilled to find that my house was cleaner than it had ever been. I mean, I don't even think it was this clean when we moved in! It was so nice to come home from vacation and not have to worry about coming home to a dirty house! Now, I just have to keep it this way! Which shouldn't be too hard with my mom threatening me with bodily harm every time we talk if I even think about letting it get the slightest bit dirty. :)

Like I said above, I went back to the doctor today for my 28 week checkup. The doctor says everything is looking great! My weight is exactly the same as it was 3 weeks ago - so no gain (hooray! holding steady at only a 5 pound gain) and my blood pressure is at 130/72 (give or take my bad memory) and that's pretty normal for me. He said everything is going great and he said as long as things continue he's just thrilled with the progress. I go back again on August 4th and then I'll start coming every 2 weeks. Insane! I can't believe we only have about 12 weeks to go! 12 weeks! It all seems like just yesterday that we started this journey. Oh I can't wait to get to the conclusion and finally meet Nugget and start getting to know her! How exciting!!!