38 Weeks and still pregnant

I thought I was going to have this baby the day after Christmas, the nurses seemed convinced that I would be back to the hospital within hours, after a few hours of rest. Apparently, my little man had other plans ;) I'm going on day four of 3 minute apart contractions now, and just waiting for them to get strong enough to push me into active labor. I've finally resigned myself to the fact that it is unlikely to just happen at ANY MOMENT, and that I'm probably going to be waiting a while. so I might as well get some stuff done and act normally till things change. On my second visit to the hospital, they told me I have a stubborn cervix, and that what I was experiencing would have put many women into active labor already, I just need something stronger. At least I have more time to prepare. And, having it seem like it could be any day has really helped me try and appreciate the time with him inside even more. Also, don't tell Anyone outside of immediate family that you think you are gonna have the baby soon unless you are absolutely SURE. Pretty sure is not good enough. Maybe you should just wait till the baby arrives to tell anyone. Just trust me.

How I felt when they told me I hadn't dilated. at all.

How I have been spending a lot of my time. Playing Mariokart.

Christmas was so great though!!!

Christmas eve, all dressed up

Just taking bump selfies while I can! 

BABY IS THE SIZE OF: A small Pumpkin! He is still getting bigger every day! I cannot even believe I have made it this far. But he is so active and healthy in there that I don't want to rush the time I have left (well, most of the time, sometimes the 3-minute apart contractions are flat out exhausting and I want the baby to come out already)

SLEEP: Sleeping whenever I can/feel like it. I slept a ton over the weekend just recovering from my lack of sleep right before Christmas

MOVEMENT:  My little boy is so active! And it's always amusing to me to see how lopsided my tummy is, cause he likes to move from one side to the other.

BEST MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Christmas was truly wonderful <3 I loved all the time with family. 

FOOD CRAVINGS: Mini chocolate chip bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes (SO addicted right now, and the sugar rush consoles me that I'm not in active labor lol), salad (I eat salad almost every day), almond butter and honey sandwiches, and I still can't get enough of banana pancakes! Oh, and eggs, preferably the fresh ones at my in-laws since they have chickens, those are way more delicious right now. and last but not least chick-fil-a grilled nuggets with chick-fil-a sauce. 

ANYTHING MAKE YOU QUEASY: Um, well that sausage I ate last night was delicious, but I was feeling pretty iffy after lol but it was so yummy when I ate it! 

WEIGHT GAIN: I'm up about 20 pounds from where I started :) I know I don't really look it, but I've gained quite a good amount this pregnancy.

HAPPY OR MOODY: I go VERY back and forth. Sometimes (like right now) I am just content and happy. Other times, my husband puts the lid on the butter I was about to use and I give him terrifying glares while asking him why he is doing that. haha he is handling my mood swings really well though and helping me feel better when I have the harder times

SYMPTOMS: 

• back pain out the wazoo
• Acid reflux / random morning sickness
• Early labor, basically imagine the worst period cramps, then times that by several times an hour . Thank goodness for a very high pain tolerance. I will know it's going to active labor when it hits at almost the whole time instead of just part of the time.
• Mood swings 
• SO HUNGRY, all these contractions use a lot of calories! I am pretty much eating all the time I can. 
• I also get antsy if I'm at home and anything is not clean and organized.  

LOOKING FORWARD TO: This baby's arrival, I really am so excited to meet my little man!!! I'm also looking forward to the time I get to spend with just my husband till we become a family of three :) and I'm looking forward to the fact that next semester doesn't start for another week! 

37 Weeks!!! This baby will be here soon!

I am so happy to be done with fall semester! It was SO hard, but I am grateful to have done it! Almost graduated :) 3 more classes and Peru and I will have a degree! I know that I was blessed immensely to be able to do everything I needed to, and more. I have so much gratitude in my heart for all the help that was given to me from kind people, and all the love I could feel from my Heavenly Father. 
So, as of my appointment last Friday I was 1 cm dilated and 80% effaced (basically, my body is getting prepped for this birth) and then  since then, things have been progressing even more! Guys, my contractions are getting strong! Last night I was just lying in bed and one totally took my breath away and lasted for over a minute, and those are happening fairly frequently the whole past day or two. There's other signs too that are pointing to imminent labor, but most of them are gross so I won't go into detail. :) Let's just say I may be getting my new years baby, or sooner! Though, I could still be waiting till full term, you can never be quite sure of these things, and I've never done this before so I'm not sure what's normal for me. 

Oh hey 36 week baby bump!

celebrating finishing finals at the Hobbit!

My own plate holder, and a really terrible picture of me haha

Ward Christmas party! 

William has his own stocking!! 

Best Buy is my new favorite store just for having this parking! Why is this not everywhere??? 

BABY IS THE SIZE OF: A huge squash! This kid is likely in the 6-7 pound range, and his full height that he will be at birth (my guess is 21 inches) 

SLEEP: Sleeping as much as I can while I can! I don't have much sleeping time left. 

MOVEMENT:  it's amazing how much he can move while being all squished up in there! He dropped though which gave him a bit more room (and me a bit more breathing space, ahh) 

BEST MOMENT OF THE WEEK: I have officially passed all my classes! and not Just passed, I did Well in all of them! It is basically a miracle.

FOOD CRAVINGS: Toast, avocados, salads, and chicken nuggets, yum!

ANYTHING MAKE YOU QUEASY: Let's just say I am always grateful for Zofran and Tums. 

WEIGHT GAIN: Another 3 pounds in the past couple weeks :) love it!.

HAPPY OR MOODY: Mostly happy! And Nervous, and excited :) 

SYMPTOMS: 

• back aches
• Acid reflux / random morning sickness
• peeing so much!
• bloody show (gross but true, and means labor is coming soon!) 
• Braxton hicks  getting strong and more consistent :) 
• So much Nesting!!! Must clean all the things before baby gets here! 

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Christmas in 2 days!!! and this baby getting here :) possibly sooner than I expected him

34 Weeks! 6 to go!

This week was amazing! I love having a break from school, even if it's short and I spend two of the days catching up on homework and getting a head start on my many final projects. Also got all baby essentials now (i think). Been starting to organize all the baby stuff and get things ready slowly. It's starting to feel close now <3 so excited to meet my little man! Also, Bradley and I took our Christmas card picture yesterday! They turned out pretty fantastic if you ask me ;) 

Cuddles with my favorite cat

He thinks laying on my tummy and chest is comfy (cue sneezing)

Feeling more of an understanding of what Mary went through, and the love and sacrifice that she gave to help give the world the greatest gift

Loved all the beautiful lights at Temple square!

We got married here, always great to go back and see this gorgeous place!

Cousin time! 

Love this man!!! 

Thanksgiving day!

Guys, my belly gets lopsided like this all the time! And then he moves around like crazy. It looks like Alien, but way cuter haha p.s. that is totally his head sticking up.

BABY IS THE SIZE OF: A Cantalope! This kid is coming up on five pounds and over 18 inches. He is basically crammed in there pretty tight these days! Which is probably why he is so high up in my ribs!

SLEEP: Most of the time I sleep great, which is good cause I cry a lot when I don't sleep enough.

MOVEMENT: He is crazy in there! When does he sleep?? I'm starting to get used to the whole kicked in the ribs feeling, however it's rough when he gets a direct hit to my stomach.

BEST/WORST MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Thanksgiving!!! I had a really good day filled with family, fun, and food. 

FOOD CRAVINGS: Gluten free chicken nuggets dipped in applesauce. Tuna, and salad! My husband is basically grossed out by everything I want these days

ANYTHING MAKE YOU QUEASY: anything that gives me heartburn. which is most things. 

WEIGHT GAIN: Steadily gaining half to a whole pound each week!

SHOWING: I feel like my tummy area is huge now! But it's all baby so I'm still smaller than a lot of people are at this point. 

HAPPY OR MOODY: So back and forth, but more happy than not 

SYMPTOMS: 

• back aches
• Acid reflux / random morning sickness
• breathless (high baby!)
• hormonal 
• Braxton hicks  
• Tiredness is coming back in full force

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Being done with this semester in a few short weeks! Can't wait!  

33 weeks!

I am just so grateful this week! I woke up in the middle of the night and just felt my little guy moving. He;s getting so big! I love it! He's just so full of energy and life. NO matter how hard this pregnancy has been there are always those little moments where it all becomes worth it! Also, had the Best time at the baby shower! Loved it so much!!

Growing bigger every day!

Maternity t-shirts are my favorite thing ever!

Been working on little man's blessing outfit

Baby shower!

Loved all the super cute decorations!

This gorgeous girl put in so much work to make the shower amazing!

First time seeing this girl since she got back from her mission!

BABY IS THE SIZE OF: A durian fruit. haha I have no idea what that is. He is over 4 pounds, and over 17 inches long. crazy! And he just keeps having growth spurts! and did I mention that there are only 7 more weeks till this kids due date??

SLEEP: I sleep surprisingly well for being so preggo! I think it helps that the Zofran makes me sleepy half the time.

MOVEMENT: Oh man, he is so active!!! We are constantly fighting over rib space ;) little man likes to stretch those ribs out. But I'm so glad he moves so often cause it helps me know he is doing well so I don't worry!

BEST/WORST MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Best moment was definitely the baby shower! It was so great! Love all my family and friends who came and made it so special!

FOOD CRAVINGS: Celery. This child LOVES his veggies! Always craving celery either plain or with hummus. And then all my usual cravings :) but the crazy love of celery is new.

ANYTHING MAKE YOU QUEASY: I pretty much just can only eat small amounts constantly otherwise anything can make me queasy, but at least I can eat!

WEIGHT GAIN: Steadily gaining half to a whole pound each week!

SHOWING: It is no longer a question of if i'm pregnant or not when looking at me. Except when I wear a coat.

HAPPY OR MOODY: Mostly happy and just super grateful! 

SYMPTOMS: 

• back aches
• Acid reflux / random morning sickness
• breathless (high baby!)
• hormonal 
• Braxton hicks  

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Thanksgiving! and no more classes for the week!!!! family time, food, and no classes, doesn't get much better than that!  

2 months to go!

Can hardly believe there is only two months left till Chubs due date!!! I am more uncomfortable than I have ever been in my life, but I know it will be all worth it to have my baby boy in my arms. 

In a related note, this is a pretty typical outfit these days. Hubs sweatpants with a comfy (Gap, the best) maternity t-shirt. Please ignore the fact that I am not wearing make-up didn't do hair, and I'm in a public restroom at school. This is the only picture I took this past week. I always forget to take pictures when I actually look nice!

BABY IS THE SIZE OF: A pineapple!!! About 3 and a half pounds and over 16 inches long! big baby! and he is having a serious growth spurt. 

SLEEP: Up a lot of times, but I sleep hard when I sleep. Also, what the crazy weird vivid dreams constantly?? 

MOVEMENT: This kid LOVES to stretch out, i feel him in my ribs and at my pelvic bone at the same time! It is painful. haha. My ribs a bit bruised again from said stretching. Apparently I get a really focused face when he hits my ribs real hard as I try to get him to move a little bit down lol. He fights me on moving down though, the more i push and nudge him the more he fights back!

BEST/WORST MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Saw Interstellar! It was so dang good! Worst moment was my random crying mood swings lol 

MISS ANYTHING: breathing room, but hopefully he'll drop down in a few weeks

FOOD CRAVINGS: Same as last week! Coconut, almonds, and lots of oatmeal. Yum!

ANYTHING MAKE YOU QUEASY: I pick the chocolate chips off of granola bars. no joke. Just don't like it right now.

WEIGHT GAIN: I think I've gained another pound since last week

SHOWING: I look pregnant now! I don't think I can hide the bump anymore! 

HAPPY OR MOODY: So many mood swings! I am mostly happy, but have random crying times and moodiness. 

SYMPTOMS: 

• back aches
• Acid reflux 
• breathless (high baby!)
• hormonal 
• Braxton hicks  

LOOKING FORWARD TO: My baby shower in a couple weeks! Can't wait to see everyone!!  

30 weeks pregnant, which means only 10 weeks left!

Had a great week in a lot of ways. Counting my blessings for sure. I was able to make it to all my classes and get all my grading work done! made Halloween costumes for fun too!. I may be crazy uncomfortable a lot of the time, but at least I'm still able to do stuff. Also, can you believe there is only 10 weeks left till Chubs due date?? I have been pregnant for well over 7 months now! So crazy! oh and one last thing, had a great doctors appointment on Halloween! I passed my glucose test, and my iron levels were perfect and thy gave me permission to take flinstones chewables instead of prenatals!!!!! ;) I hated prenatals, all of them made me nauseous for half the day. chubs is measuring right where he should right now, and I loved hearing his strong heartbeat. It makes everything worth it knowing he's growing and doing well in there. oh wait this is really the last thing, hubs finally felt the nighttime craziness that is our child's insanely active time!! He got to feel about a hundred kicks and stretches in a row, in about 10 minutes. I have a feeling our boy has inherited his daddy's hyperactivity.

I am totally allergic to this cat, but he's so dang cute I can't help myself!

BABY IS THE SIZE OF: A cucumber or large cabbage (how do they even decide these things? He is about 3 pounds now! And he's pretty dang tall. His favorite things to do right now are stretch as high as possible and kick like crazy!!

MATERNITY CLOTHES: I bought some cute maternity shirts!! Used the rest of a giftcard I had and then found some nice sales going on! A normally long torso with a baby bump is really making everything very short. Even some of the maternity shirts were a teeny bit short on me. Oh geez. and that is why I have some of my brothers extra large t-shirts for in case I get too big at the end.

SLEEP: I wake up 2-3 times a night most nights now, but Sometimes I can sleep for a 6 or 7 hour stretch before waking up! It's hard for me to get to sleep, but I've found that scripture reading and keeping a gratitude journal help my mind relax so I stop worrying about the future and can actually sleep. 

MOVEMENT: My rib that chubs bruised is finally healing, even though he still kicks it a ton! Also, he stays active even while I'm walking. So I'm pretty sure that's why I keep cramping or having braxton hicks anytime I walk more than a little ways. The doctors assured me that it is rare to actually have your child break your rib from kicking too hard.

BEST/WORST MOMENT OF THE WEEK: I've just had a lot of good moments. trying to continually focus on the good things of each day, there's always good somewhere.

MISS ANYTHING: Bending down is getting pretty tough, or getting back up when I've bent down. Only 10 more weeks right?

FOOD CRAVINGS: Almond butter and honey sandwiches, eggs, tuna, avocado on toast, banana pancakes and omg caramel apples!!!!! slightly obsessed with them. I've also been loving anything with coconut. Pretty  sure i could live off of macaroons if they weren't so expensive to get the ones I like haha

ANYTHING MAKE YOU QUEASY: Onions. They are on the bad list right now. and the usual red meat and chocolate. All of those just sound so gross to me all the time. 

WEIGHT GAIN: I'm up 12 pounds from pre pregnancy weight! steadily gaining

SHOWING: I still don't get many people realizing I'm pregnant unless they already know, even though I think I'm starting to show quite a bit. 

HAPPY OR MOODY: I'm happy unless I get too tired, then I am pretty moody. 

SYMPTOMS: 

• back aches
• Acid reflux 
• mild nerve pain 
• breathless (high baby!)
• hormonal 
• Braxton hicks every couple of hours, but that's a normal thing for me. 

LOOKING FORWARD TO: The fact that I only have 10 weeks till I meet this little dude!!!! Also, I am loving that it is getting really cold here in Utah, I am SO looking forward to snow!!! I have already begun listening to christmas music in celebration of it being cold and us being into the holiday season.  

Welcome to the third trimester!

I am feeling so grateful to have this little dude growing inside of me. As hard and uncomfortable as it can be, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am so excited to meet him! 

BABY IS THE SIZE OF: An Eggplant. Chubs is over two pounds now! and just develops more and more each day. Only 12 weeks till his due date 

MATERNITY CLOTHES: My brother has kindly donated some of his large t-shirts to the cause :) I am also buying some actual fitted shirts later this week too

SLEEP: I'm starting to wake up a lot more during the night, but still getting plenty of sleep! My dreams are crazy though.

MOVEMENT: Baby chubs has decided he likes to be up within kicking range of my ribs. But it's still so cute watching and feeling him move! He responds to music and voices now too.

BEST/WORST MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Worst moment, found a dead spider in a clean sock I was putting on. Terrifying. Best moment was having an awesome impromptu date night with the husband! 

MISS ANYTHING: breathing room, this kid has decided he wants to be up high. Cue breathlessness and nausea/heartburn. 

FOOD CRAVINGS: Eggs, scrambled or hard boiled. toast with honey. salad. granola bars. Cereal.

ANYTHING MAKE YOU QUEASY: any food I am not currently craving 

WEIGHT GAIN: starting to really gain again! Thank you zofran!

SHOWING: Definitely :) baby bump is poppin. though probably still questionable between chub and preggo to most people. A girl at school yesterday didn't know I was pregnant lol 

HAPPY OR MOODY: So back and forth. Sunday I cried at church because I needed a nap. Some days I'm just happy all day!

SYMPTOMS: 

• back aches
• Acid reflux and morning sickness
• mild nerve pain 
• breathless (high baby!)
• hormonal (cue the random waterworks)
• Braxton hicks all the time, but that's a normal thing for me. 

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Halloween coming up! I love the holidays, and Halloween always marks the start of holiday season for me! Also, this is hubs last week of night shift for awhile!!!! :D 

27 Weeks!!

I have only 3 months till this baby is due!!!! I think it's finally starting to sink in that I should maybe start to get things ready for when this kid comes. I ordered my first pack of diapers through amazon mom this week. Baby steps. Also, for the first time this whole pregnancy, a complete stranger asked when I was due!!!! Most people still do the stare at my stomach and then look at how skinny the rest of me is, and look like they are debating whether I am pregnant or not still, but I'm glad I'm at least starting to Look pregnant! Also, I have been pregnant for over HALF A YEAR! yeah. that is a long time. Some pregnancy things say I am now in the third trimester. I'm not counting it till 28 weeks though since all of the countdown calendars I've seen are definitive that that is definitely the third trimester. 

 Oh hey tiny baby bump!

 At Provo Fashion Week! Sad I had to drop out of it, but I am so proud of everyone who was in it! Turned out amazing!

 Bradley cracks me up! Such a fun pumpkin carving date night with siblings and cousins! Also, no judgment, I totally wore that sweater twice this week. it is so dang comfy! And long enough to go over my belly.

can you tell fall is my favorite??? between pumpkin carving and the leaves changing colors I just can't get enough! I especially love the cool and crisp weather!

BABY IS THE SIZE OF: A rutabaga (I seriously don't even know what that is) He is about 2 pounds now, and 14+ inches long! Chubs is breathing amniotic fluid now, and his eyes will open this week! He looks like he will when he's born only skinnier. or at least that's what my pregnancy apps tell me. Chubs will likely be 8+ pounds if I go full term. 

MATERNITY CLOTHES: Maternity clothes are amazing, especially now that I am big enough to need them :) I think I finally really popped this week!

SLEEP: I love sleep. I could sleep all the time if I was allowed to. I have crazy dreams, and wake up to pee a lot but I get back to sleep really quick. Unless I am hungry, in which case I eat a good sized snack and then fall back asleep quickly.

MOVEMENT: Starting to get more of a pattern to when baby is moving. I can tell when he's usually awake. He gets hiccups all the time! Also, have you ever been kicked in the crotch from the inside? I have. lol not comfortable.

BEST/WORST MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Best moment, was getting to spend all weekend with my love!!! He was off work :) doubled with my bro and sis-in-law, went to a fashion show, and watched a ton of the tv show arrow! Also, got as much cuddle time as my pregnant heart desired! I'm pretty clingy so that is a lot.

MISS ANYTHING: having a big stomach. haha It's small and consistent meals these days, baby is just taking up so much room in there.

FOOD CRAVINGS: Almond butter and honey or banana sandwiches. Also, avocado and turkey bacon on toast. Pretty much both staples right now. Also, I really want some caramel, haven't had any though.

ANYTHING MAKE YOU QUEASY: Still red meat. and milk chocolate. or milk anything. 

WEIGHT GAIN: I only weigh myself every couple of weeks. I try not to worry too much about it since my doctors aren't concerned.

SHOWING: FINALLY!!!! After looking like I had just eaten too much for several months I now have strangers asking when I am due!!!!! It only took a little over 6 months for that to happen. No more odd looks when I choose an elevator over the stairs!

HAPPY OR MOODY: I was soo happy a lot of this week. Yesterday I had a moody/crying day. Oh hormones. lol my husband is a saint for putting up with me. Seriously he has been so amazingly supportive. I'm so grateful for all he does for me. 

SYMPTOMS: 

• back aches
• Acid reflux 
• sciatic nerve pain, but it's fast and I can walk it off within a couple minutes, or shift and it goes away
• super tired
• hormonal, welcome back mini mood swings

LOOKING FORWARD TO: The weekend! I am planning some serious drive time through alpine loop to see the fall colors and hoping to work a date in with my hubby! (hard to do with his night shift schedule)