38 Weeks

Week 38 Complete

How far along? 38 Weeks and 3 days

Baby is the size of: A spaghetti squash at almost 7 pounds and about 19.5 inches long.

What did the baby develop: His eye color is developing. He has his final eye color, but the amount of melanin to make it the darkest it will be is not fully there yet. He could have up to an inch of hair, he keeps producing surfactant, the substance that causes the air sacs in lungs to inflate once he is breathing in oxygen, and all his organs are functioning perfectly well on their own now. This little boy is ready and waiting!

Gender: Sweet baby boy, Adler James

How many: 1 little squishy

Showing a bump: Definitely and it changes shape when he moves like crazy!

Maternity clothes: The same stinking ones. I am so thankful for the incredible wardrobe I will allowed to borrow, but man am I ready to have my own clothes fit again with so many more choices! I just want to be in a comfy pair of jeans again.

Stretch marks: Nope.

Sleep: As long as I take my Immupro (melatonin) and rub my legs down with lavender lotion, I sleep amazing still. Well, I get up a few times to go to the bathroom, but still great for pregnancy sleep!

Movement: This little buddy has moved more and more in the last 2 weeks. Whether it is because he is actually moving more, or because he is just bigger so I can feel every one of his movements in all 4 quadrants of my stomach, I am not sure. Regardless he is movin' movin' movin'!

Best moment this week: The 2 best Thomas memories last week.
Monday as we were driving home from a possible last dinner date, and he said "We are having a kid." With a look of complete awe on his face. I think it finally hit him.
And then Friday he looked at me with a face that was completely mystified and said, "What are we going to do when he is here?" Feed him, hold him, change him, and try to sleep. World changing.
These were definitely moments when the adventure we are about to embark in hit him.

Miss anything: We also had a wonderful last over night get away as 2 to Lynden, WA about 3 hours away and it was wonderful.
Also had my weekly appointment. We had nothing really to talk about since we had covered everything in all my previous appointments. So we measured my belly, took my vitals, and listened to his little heart beat. All is well in this little world of ours.
Medical Help:  Gentle Birth, Clarederm spray, Immupro (to sleep), and lavender lotion for my crazy legs!
Emotionally Feeling: In awe of this whole process and that I actually have a full grown baby inside of me right now.

Belly button in or out: In

Food cravings: Definitely melon, but I have also been eating lots of triscuits. Mainly because they are a quick easy snack and Costco carried organic ones now!

Anything making you queasy or sick: The beloved teeth brushing action.

Symptoms/Side effects: Braxton Hicks, diastasis recti (my abs are starting to separate on the lower part of my stomach), linea nigra, gagging, not eating as much each meal, sleeping only on my left side, bathroom breaks every time I stand up, pregnancy skin, 3rd trimester tiredness, nesting, the lightening feeling just started, my uterus up in my ribs all the time, 2 ribs are pretty much permanently out of place now, and I feel very very pregnant now! :) I think it finally hit me.

Wedding ring off or on: On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Cleaning my house this weekend and then I will be ready for him to come! I know I don't have to have it clean in order for him to come, but it will definitely make me feel better about the week post partum where I am not moving as much and trying to heal. Sitting in a cluttered house while learning this whole new baby no sleeping thing might make me crazy. Lets chalk it up to nesting. :)
Things they don't tell you about pregnancy: I know you are growing a baby the whole time you are pregnant. I get that. But there is something different at the end, when your baby is completely healthy and full grown and you are just waiting for them to come. No one can describe the feeling of knowing that you have this perfectly healthy little one inside of you that you are feeding, breathing for, and giving life to. There is a sweetness that I have just been cherishing because I know before long it will be the constant work of caring for them on the outside. I am so looking forward to that, but it is just so very different caring for them on the inside at the end vs the outside. It really is so very beautiful.

38 weeks and he is really showing!

My view is just so different!

I haven't shown this in a while, but I love it! He is so close!

This was just beautiful on Friday night. My friends house is behind those 2 big trees on the right. Glorious.

Love this man.

Of course I had to finish up my canning at 38 weeks right? Thomas couldn't resist taking this pic of me. Barefoot (almost) pregnant in the kitchen.

And tell me if you did or did not track your kiddos feedings and poops. Did you guys use a specific app tracker for feedings and poops? I know it may only last a few weeks, but want to know the best ones out there in case I need to use it!

Any day now peeps! He could come any time between now and the next 26 days max!!!

37 Weeks

 Week 37 Complete

How far along? 37 weeks 4 days

Baby is the size of: A honeydew melon, or an actual baby at about 6 pounds and 19 inches.

What did the baby develop: Adler's lungs and digestive system are working with the amniotic fluid, prepping for the real world of air and milk. His reflexes are really strong including pushing back when you push on him on my stomach and kicking up when my ribs start poking him if I don't sit up straight! He can now grasp your finger too!
 In fact, when Skishy first comes into the world, he is already going to have a full set of the reflexes that would help him survive even if you didn’t have a hospital’s worth of medical advice, your whole support system, and an internet full of facts, rumors and weird opinions to help you out on your parenting journey.

Gender: Sweet baby boy, Adler James

How many:1 little squishy

Showing a bump: Yep. People actually notice I am pregnant now.

Maternity clothes: All of them.

Stretch marks: None of them.

Sleep: I am still sleeping through the night, but this last week I have been waking up about a half dozen times to go to the bathroom/get comfortable. But at least I am still sleeping!

Movement: Non stop during the day especially in the morning now which is new! Still at night when I slow down as well though. And you can push him and make him move too. :) Freaks Thomas out!

Best moment this week: With finishing up the basement last week, this last weekend we moved everything from the guest room into the basement, creating Adler's room and a guestroom in the basement. I know, I know. Pictures coming in a separate blog post. We are still busy putting together a few last details like curtains and sign projects. Pictures will be coming soon. Oh and we purchased a few of the last minute things we wanted, so we will be ready to go when they come! Yay!
And our church moved into our new church building the week before, but we were able to go this week! It looks amazing!

Miss anything: Weekly appointment went well. We marked off the desired weight goal and everyone is perfectly healthy. He is back up and moving around, but still head down. Now doing the weekly midwife appointment, weekly acupuncture appointment, and the every 10 days chiropractor appointment. This body is going to be ready for labor and birth if I have anything to say about it!
Medical Help:  My main thing is the Gentle Birth tincture I am taking 3 times a day.
Daily Vitamins - Prenatal, fish oil, Vitamin D, Probiotic, Calcium/Magnesium, and electrolyte supplement
Emotionally Feeling: Fantastic

Belly button in or out: In

Food cravings: Had some more watermelon and love it.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Tooth brushing

Symptoms/Side effects: Braxton Hicks, diastasis recti (my abs are starting to separate on the lower part of my stomach), linea nigra, gagging, not eating as much each meal, sleeping only on my left side, bathroom breaks every time I stand up, pregnancy skin, 3rd trimester tiredness and complete joy.

Wedding ring off or on: On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: 1 last get away! We are headed up to my friend's daughter's first birthday party up in Bellingham 3 hours away for an over night and I can't wait! It will be a good little last couple get away even if it is definitely not what I meant when I said babymoon months and months ago. Good thing we are already learning to be flexible right? ;)
Things they don't tell you about pregnancy: The answer to the question, "are you getting excited to meet him?" Maybe it is just me, but I know that this little guy is going to rock our world! So we are fully enjoying this last little bit of it being "just the two of us". And yes we are enjoying our sleep. That is another question/statement we get all the time. So honestly I don't know how to answer that question because I haven't thought about it because I don't know what to expect! And lets be real. I have to get through labor and delivery first. That is a little more on the front of my mind then actually having this kid in person. I can figure out all of that part day by day, where as the labor/delivery part is a bit more of an unknown to me!

37 Weeks! And you get to see a pic of my hair after it was done by Lisa the best hair gal EVER!

Another one of my points of view this week.

2 different views of this tree at the corner of our street coming down. Thomas is thrilled he doesn't have to rake the leaves this year. It is totally going to change our street though! Sadly it did have to come down because of the damage it was doing and how dangerous it was getting. And our grass actually looks green! Yay!

My time is running out!
So three questions this week.
1) Do you change your kiddos diaper before you feed, after you feed, or at a different time?

2) And what is the best nursing bra?

3) What are your thoughts on reusable nursing pads? Good/bad/favorite brand?

36 Weeks

 Week 36 Complete

How far along? 36 weeks and 2 days. Full term! Yet I want him to stay in there at least until Monday (37 weeks) so I can have him at The Birthing Inn, but he is healthy to come at any time now.

Baby is the size of: A papaya at about 19 inches and 6 pounds. I am curious how big he really is compared to these guesstimates.

What did the baby develop: Adler is developing his digestive system and putting on the squishy baby fat. Just making his sweet body ready for the real world.

Gender: Sweet baby boy, Adler James

How many: 1 little squishy

Showing a bump: Yep. It is here to stay.

Maternity clothes:All of it. Except that 1 pair of jeans.

Stretch marks: Nope.

Sleep: Still sleeping well at night, but we have been busy and gone to bed late a few nights. And that is exhausting. And no, don't tell me that is what I have to look forward too. That is 100% not helpful!

Movement: He is a mover and a shaker. Happily hanging out on my right lower side.

Best moment this week: Giggling together as Thomas and I took maternity photos with a sweet friend. I will share when she posts them on her blog.
Also my appointment with my midwife. The start of my weekly appointments! I can't believe it is already that time. Everything looks perfectly on track. My stomach is measuring 34 cm at 36 weeks which is a little small, but it is because Adler's head has already made it down into my pelvis and is no longer ballotable. A fancy word for Neva (my midwife) not being able to move it because it is so far down. His little head on Monday was occiput anterior or a fancy word for, his face is facing my spine. He is getting ready to come on out! My blood pressure and everything is looking perfect as well.

Miss anything: We have finished the deck and the railing completely! I will post an entire post just on that, because I can, but let me tell you the visible relief radiating from Thomas with having that major project finally complete.
Medical Help:  Daily Vitamins - Prenatal, Vitamin D, Probiotic, Calcium/Magnesium, electrolyte supplement and now Gentle Birth tincture.
Emotionally Feeling: Great. Love these last moments just Thomas and I working together to get everything ready. It really has been a beautiful time together and I am so thankful for the relationship that we have. our adventure in life so far could have so easily destroyed our relationship and instead it was made even more beautiful.

Belly button in or out: In. My belly button is so high on my stomach, I am not sure it will ever pop out.

Food cravings: A wee bit of watermelon on the few hot days this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Sugar early in the day.

Symptoms/Side effects: Braxton Hicks, diastasis recti (my abs are starting to separate on the lower part of my stomach), linea nigra, gagging, not eating as much each meal, sleeping only on my left side, bathroom breaks every time I stand up.

Wedding ring off or on: On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Moving stuff into the finished room in the basement and starting to decorate Adler's room!
Things they don't tell you about pregnancy:
How much your husband will be disappointed that...

1. You did not have weird cravings.
2. You never waddled (ok, I still have 4-6 weeks left!)
3. You don't make enough pregnancy noises (you all will have to ask him what he means by that).
4. You have not had cankles (water retention) even when flying.
5. Lack of Lamaze classes (yes we did a birthing class, but he was bummed it wasn't Lamaze, hehe).

Men. Funny little guys. He still lights up when he sees my little stomach though. I love seeing his grin when it catches him off guard.

36 Weeks!! Full term, yay!!

Black is not helpful when you are trying to look pregnant!

My post maternity view of my belly. Not exactly what you see in my maternity pics though. I am so much bigger in my head from my view!

 

 Adler is already helping Dad with projects around the house! Finishing up the deck!

Question - Things to pack for the birthing center? Being that it is not a hospital it will be a little different, but I will still need the basics. I have read a million lists, but what did you find necessary no matter where you were?

35 Weeks

 Week 35 Complete

How far along? 35 weeks and 3 days. 8 months along today! 1 month left!!

Baby is the size of: A honeydew melon or a bunch of carrots, between 18-19 inches and 5-6 pounds.

What did the baby develop: Most of Adler's organ and skeleton development is complete. He is still growing stronger and his lungs are still developing a little more. He is still piling on the baby fat and man I can definitely feel him most constantly! I think he is now starting to run out of room in my long torso! He is still head down, but his back is on my right side and optimal birth position is on my left. So hopefully over the next month he will move on over there. But yay! Head down!

Gender: Sweet baby boy, Adler James

How many:1 little squishy

Showing a bump: Yep. It is here to stay.

Maternity clothes: Completely

Stretch marks: Nope. Being faithful about my oils.

Sleep: Still pretty good. I stopped having to fall sleep on the couch. Still 95% on my left side.

Movement: Non stop during the day. Crazy active from 6-7 pm, and I can now poke his little rear and get him to move around. And you can watch my stomach and see him move it!

Best moment this week: Having friends in town and getting quality girl time!

Miss anything: Got lots of canning done, loved having lots of girls nights, and got tons done in the basement! Potentially will start moving stuff in this weekend!
Medical Help:  Daily Vitamins - Prenatal, Vitamin D, Probiotic, Calcium/Magnesium, and electrolyte supplement. I also started a tincture called Gentle Birth formula to prep my system for birth.
Emotionally Feeling: Awesome with a side of the urge to nest.

Belly button in or out: In

Food cravings: None.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Brushing my teeth and eating sweets.

Symptoms/Side effects: The most consistent ones have been tender gums, linea nigrea, gag reflex, smells, but I think I have to add the symptom of relaxin in my hands because I keep dropping food on my plate.

Wedding ring off or on: On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Getting some major organizing done this weekend with the basement getting finished after work the next 2 days!
Things they don't tell you about pregnancy: The no matter how much I read or prep, I still feel like I have no idea what to expect for labor. Just going to do this thing athlete style.

35 Weeks people! 5-7 weeks left!

Lets talk about Thomas' new sleeping bag and the reason we got rid of his old sleeping bag. Fleas people. We have no animals and the fleas returned 5 times because of his sleeping bag. The story is ridiculous. Ask me about it sometime.

Twice a day this week and then 3 times a day until Adler joins us. Prepping this uterus for birth!!

Chased a sunset with Laura. It is her thing and God showed off His promises for us that night.

These ladies with a few others used to have monthly girls nights. Until 2 of them moved away. So beautiful to catch up again though!

Lots of canning in session! Pickles, relish, and pizza sauce for the year. Working on all the apple items too. Because we all know I don't have a million other things to prep before this baby comes, right?

Ok, so nursing advice? What was that one piece of advice that helped you the most? The one piece that you had never thought of before? I love all the tidbits you all have graciously offered!