Tick Tock.. 39 Weeks Today!

Week 38 Recap

How far along?: 39 weeks today

Total weight gain: According to the scale this morning I'm around 21 pounds, which means I lost a few over the last week

How big is baby?: 38: Celery Bunch; Week 39: Mini Watermelon

Sleep?: Still get sleep at night but have a hard time falling back to sleep after my bathroom trips, which range from 1-3 times per night

Best moments?: Going out for a fun dinner with friends (Melissa, Dan, Serenella and Mike)

Worst moments: This is a new category but I felt the need to document two things I'm not too happy about. 

1) I'm not sure if it's allergies or a head cold from Rob, but I haven't been able to deal with the amount of sneezing that's come along with whatever I have so I took a Zyrtec, which is on my doctor's list of okay meds. It has helped a little but I still feel horrible for taking something since I've held out on taking medications the rest of the pregnancy. I am just so afraid I'm going to sneeze the baby out since I can't seem to stop. From pains in my side to slightly peeing my pants, consistently sneezing while 9+ months pregnant sucks! 

2) Another not so fun part of this past week was getting my TDAP shot. I was on the fence about it for a while since I'm not a fan of getting shots (I can tolerate the pain but don't like adding crap to my body - even getting the flu shot was a huge step for me this year) but decided to get it since it will protect the baby. The shot left my arm in pain for a few days, which I guess is normal, but I'm hoping this cold/headache thing isn't a crazy side effect too.

Movement?: He still moves around but not as much or as painful. Maybe that means he's getting tight on space

Food cravings?: Nothing really..

Food aversions: None..

Labor signs?: I think I've had some Braxton Hicks contractions and lower back pain but otherwise no labor signs

Belly button in or out?: Depends on how he's laying. Some days it's half out and others its flat. Doesn't matter to me either way.. it's an expected part of pregnancy!

What I miss: Regular clothes, being able to go for a run, not feeling guilty about taking medications if I'm sick

Milestones: My son is due one week from today!

Proud Pet Parent

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a VERY proud pet parent. Recently, my brother got him a LazyBonezz collar and submitted his picture for their Facebook page. It just appeared today and of course I'm bragging all over the office about my adorable puppy (okay, he's not a puppy since he's 8 1/2 years old, but will always be my little boy). Check out my little "Stud!"

37 Weeks Down!

Week 37 Recap

How far along?: 38 weeks today

Total weight gain: 24 pounds

How big is baby?: Week 37: Leek; Week 38: Celery Bunch

Sleep?: Some nights are better than others but still manage to always get a few hours of sleep

Best moments?: It's not the best moment, but this weekend I finally finished the last bit of baby laundry. Last week was also great since my team at work threw me a nice luncheon

Movement?: OMG yes he moves around like crazy and it's really starting to hurt! I'm still amazed at how my stomach contorts to such different positions

Food cravings?: Nothing really..

Food aversions: None..

Labor signs?: I'm still nervous about every pain or kick, especially since they are getting strong, but no other labor signs just yet

Belly button in or out?: It's like half in, half out

What I miss: Regular clothes. I'm so sick of maternity pants and this has been a cold spring so I really can't crack out nice dresses or maternity skirts/shorts

Milestones: Making it through another weekend and knowing there are two more weeks to go!

Random Thoughts..

These are things that could go in my next weekly update but since they are top of mind now I thought I'd jot them down:

• My last sonogram showed that Anthony was head down but based on the funky positions he's been getting in lately I think he may have moved
• I'm back to getting up twice a night to go to the bathroom.. no fun
• Since he's getting bigger, the weight seems to shift to one side if I sleep on my side. If I'm not propped up with pillows I wake up (not sure if it's discomfort or him kicking). My answer - sleep sitting up. Rob woke up early today and I think was a little surprised to see that, but it's definitely more comfortable
• Work threw me a team lunch the other day and it was so nice. Lots of laughs, advice and a yummy lunch! It was very thoughtful
• I've come to the conclusion that I'm not afraid of labor or delivery but what does freak me out is a) not knowing when it may happen b) I won't be prepared c) I'll have a hard time juggling everything once I go back to work d) even though he's not here yet I already don't want to leave my little man

36 Week Recap

Week 36 Recap

How far along?: 37 Weeks today

Total weight gain: 22 pounds

How big is baby?: Week 36: Coconut; Week 37: Leek

Sleep?: Occassionally getting up in the middle of the night for the bathroom. Some nights its easier to get back to sleep than others

Best moments?: Getting to see the baby last Monday. Next time I see him should be when he's here! We also went to a wedding on Saturday (4/20) and had a great time with friends. I was able to last all night dancing in high heels and still felt great. That will be one of the last times we head out without having to worry about the baby (at least until the next wedding in August!)

Movement?: Yep. Still bouncing around and some kicks are pretty tough. I'm thinking future soccer player or boxer is nesting in there..

Food cravings?: I could go for some ice cream or sherbert

Food aversions: None

Labor signs?: Nothing yet.. but now I'm more nervous about every pain or kick.

Belly button in or out?: Somewhat flat but the top occassionally pops out a little depending on his position

What I miss: If I had to say something, it's not having to worry about everything I eat or drink but it's manageable. I feel like I haven't had too much to complain about with this pregnancy. I've been very lucky!

Milestones: Being full term and asking Joey to be the baby's godfather on Saturday.

Week 35 Recap

Week 35 Recap

How far along?: 36 Weeks today

Total weight gain: 21 pounds

How big is baby?: Week 35: Honeydew; Week 36: Coconut

Sleep?: Definitely starting to get up in the middle of the night again, whether it's due to discomfort or going to the bathroom. Some nights its easier to get back to sleep than others

Best moment?: The lovely baby showers I had with friends, co-workers and my moms side of the family. It was so great to see everyone and see the love the have for Anthony already!

Movement?: Although he's quiet as I type this he's been pretty bouncy in there. Even yesterday during a sonogram he was punching my belly. I don't think he liked being disturbed when he was sleeping... like mother like son!

Food cravings?: Nothing really. Maybe milk again?

Food aversions: None

Labor signs?: Nothing yet - knock wood. I went to the doctors yesterday and there's no sign of activity yet, which I take as a good thing. Keep baking, baby!

Belly button in or out?: Still technically flat but occassionally pops out a little depending on how he's moving.

What I miss: Being able to sleep on my belly and without all the pillows to prop me up

Milestones:
- Finishing up his room and washing all the baby laundry
- My last sonogram appointment. Next time I'm scheduled to see the baby is when he's in my arms!

The baby shower cake Dom and Jorge made for the shower. The detail on the baby was amazing!

Baby Anthony's room all set up!

Last photo of our little guy, weighing in at 5 pounds, 10 ounces with 4 weeks to go!

Weeks 33 and 34.. It's coming quick!

Weeks 33 and 34

 

How far along?: 35 Weeks today

Total weight gain: I just weighed myself again today and I'm still only 20 pounds up. I'm somewhat concerned this hasn't gone up and will ask the doctor again tomorrow. In the meantime, I packed a little more food in my lunch.

How big is baby?: Week 33: Pineapple; Week 34: Canteloupe; Week 35: Honeydew

Sleep?: I'm starting to get antsy with everything that's left to do and set up, so I've been up late trying to catch up on stuff or organize myself. Once I fall asleep I'm fine and can sleep without getting up. It's just the actual process of getting into the bed that holds me up haha

Best moment?: Rob, Susan and my other friend Susan from work put together a surprise baby shower for me on Saturday with friends from home and work. I was so touched that people came out to show their support and excitement for the baby.

Movement?: Yes - he's pretty active at all times of the day and is really bumping around in there.

Food cravings?: This is still the same - none. If anything it's hard to figure out what to make for dinner because there's nothing I really want to eat.

Food aversions: None

Labor signs?: None. And I'm really hoping none for a whle. While my list of fears used to just be to have a healthy, happy, normal baby, now I'm concerned that a) he'll be underweight since I'm not gaining a lot and b) he'll come early. I'd like him to plump up and be in there as long as possible.

Belly button in or out?: Occassionally pops out a little depending on how he's moving.

What I miss:
People have been asking me that so there's kind of a running list, but nothing that I'm dying to have. The list includes: sushi, wine, turkey sandwich, coffee, regular clothes and running

Milestones: Finally making a decision on the carseat and stroller. What a long, exhausting process!

What Not to Say to A Pregnant Woman, Part 2

I'm still amazed at what people say when you're expecting. Among the recent revelations:

• Aren't you afraid of how much it will hurt?
• It took you a long time to get pregnant, huh?
• When are you getting started on baby #2?

 It also doesn't help when my husband looks at me like I'm blimp walking through the house. I think he forgets that he had something to do with this!

Weeks 31 and 32

Weeks 31 & 32

How far along?: 33 Weeks today

Total weight gain: 20

How big is baby?: Week 31: Bunch of Asparagus; Week 32: Bok Choy; Week 33: Pineapple

Sleep?: Once I fall asleep I sleep I'm out like a log, but its definitely harder to get to bed. I also find that I'm more tired mid-day and would love to sneak in a nap whenever I can.

Best moment?: Watching my little brother's face when he got to feel the baby move.

Movement?: Yes - he's pretty active at all times of the day and is really bumping around in there.
 

Food cravings?: This is still the same - none. If anything it's hard to figure out what to make for dinner because there's nothing I really want to eat.

Food aversions: None

Labor signs?: None

Belly button in or out?: Has stayed consistently flat but occassionally pops out a little depending on how he's moving.

What I miss:
- I could go for a cup of coffee today.. I'm definitely dragging after the busy weekend we had.
- I miss regular clothes. These maternity pants are getting to be a pain and I feel like everything makes me feel fat.
- I could go for a long run. Even though I walk I'd still like to get more toned. Oh well. after the baby's out I'll start running again.

Milestones: Less than 50 days until he's here. And I'd like all 50 days please. As much as I'd like to meet you, don't come early, baby!

Taken at a friends wedding on March 22

Nearly 33 weeks

Side view to show "the bump"

 

Cuddly Little Buster!

Things That Make Me Giggle

One of my favorite side effects, if you will, of pregnancy has been the random giggles I get. I'm not sure what makes them come on but for some reason they're so funny that when I think of it even days later I still laugh. Here's the short list of some words:

• Breadcrumbs
• Mashed potatoes
• Some episodes of "Friends," like the one when Joey gets his eyebrows tweezed and the one comes out looking like a caterpillar
• Rations: When my family made fun of me for how I feed Buster at Easter dinner
• A video my co-worker showed me of her nephew's first kiss. Apparently he was so smitten with the kiss he fell down after his girlfriend gave him a peck on the cheek.
• The word "vagina" - not to act like a 10 year old, but the woman running the labor and delivery prep class made Rob, the only guy in a class full of girls, state where babies come out of. Not only was he tired and hungry, but I'm sure he wasn't crazy about me volunteering for the demonstration. Lucky me, it was back rub techniques during labor. The way he said it reminded me of when Steve Carell said it in the movie "40 Year Old Virgin"

I'm sure there have been others but these definitely stood out, even 7 months into the pregnancy. Let's hope the baby enjoys a good laugh too when he's here :)

32 Week Sonogram

I just came back from a 32 week sonogram appointment and everything is looking good so far, thank God. The only thing that somewhat concerned me is how his weight is in the 30th percentile. He's at 3 pounds, 11 ounces which should put him in the 6-7 lb category by birth but that can change over the next few weeks.

I'm sure if he weighed more I'd be nervous too. Either way I loved seeing my little guy and can't wait to meet him in eight weeks (hopefully not sooner.. I want him to bake in there!) Here's a photo of him using the placenta as a pillow:

Weeks 29 and 30

Weeks 29 and 30

How far along?: 31weeks today, 1 day

Total weight gain: Up a little.. maybe 1.5 pounds. So figure 17.5

How big is baby?: Week 29: Butternut Squash; Week 30: Large cabbage

Sleep?: Luckily I am still able to sleep through the night.. yay!

Best moment?: Getting the results that I passed my 3 hour glucose test! 

Movement?: Yep. The movements are getting more painful and frequent.. he's definitely a mover and a shaker when he wants to be.

 Food cravings?: None. If anything it's hard to figure out what to make for dinner because there's nothing I really want to eat.

Food aversions: None

Labor signs?: None

Belly button in or out?: Still flat and I think it's slowly becoming an outie

What I miss: I was at a bridal shower on Sunday and the girl was talking about her one year old daughter and her pregnancy experience. While I always thought I'd want sushi after, I'm also adding that I'd like a turkey sandwich.. maybe a Jersey Mike's #7: a turkey and provolone sandwich with lettuce, tomato, veggies and vinegar

Milestones:
- I broke down and bought my first baby items. The majority of my family is superstitious so I've been hesitant to get anything. However, on an outlet trip with my aunt I bought a few outfits that were on sale.
- I completed all of the hospital preregistration paperwork so that's starting to make it feel more real too.
- We hit the two month mark.. our little guy should be here in 2 months! 

Cute Moment of the Day

This morning while laying on my side in bed Buster thought my belly would be the perfect pillow. Not sure if he liked getting kicked by the baby or hearing the hearbeat but it was still precious nonetheless as he propped his head up for a little nap.

Hello 3rd Trimester!

Weeks 27 and 28

How far along?: 29 weeks today

Total weight gain: Same as last time - 16 pounds

How big is baby?: Week 27: Cauliflower; Week 28: Iceburg Lettuce; Week 29: Butternut Squash

Sleep?: Still sleeping okay, although it can be hard to fall asleep when I feel he's moving around in there. It's also tough to fall back to sleep after I doze off on the couch.

Best moment?: I went to a friends bachelorette party (dinner/sleepover) on Saturday night and it was awesome seeing how excited the girls were feeling him move.

Movement?: Now it's more like tsunami waves in my stomach more than kicks, although those jabs still happen pretty often. It's crazy when he shifts position and my stomach is completely uneven.

Other symptoms: Nothing too painful but after a trip to the dentist I was informed I have pregnancy gingivitis. I think it's mild because my teeth don't bleed when I brush them, but apparantely my gums are a little inflamed in certain spots. I also failed my 1 hour glucose test so I'm going tomorrow for the 3 hour. Fingers and toes crossed I don't have gestational diabetes. I feel like it's been one issue after the other with these stupid tests.

Food cravings?: None

Food aversions: None

Labor signs?: None

Belly button in or out?: Still flat and I think it's slowly becoming an outie

What I miss: On Friday there were a few things I could have gone for after talking to people around the office: sushi, alcohol and hot yoga. It was a Friday during Lent so people had sushi all over the place, several of which were the spicy tuna rolls I love. That marked tease #1. Tease #2 was talking to someone about how great hot yoga is.. I'm counting down the months till I can take a class again. Our office did a happy hour in honor of National Margarita Day.. after the week I had I could totally have gone for a margarita, and they definitely didn't have any virgins.

Milestones: Starting the 3rd Trimester and getting the nursery set up. The crib, dresser and glider are all in and Rob did a great job getting the room ready. Now it's just a matter of slowly getting the stuff we need before he arrives!

Weeks 25 and 26

How far along?: Kicking off 27 weeks today!

Total weight gain: 16 pounds as of this morning, which marked the start of week 27

How big is baby?: Week 25: zucchini/canteloupe; Week 26: eggplant; Week 27: cauliflower

Sleep?: Still getting my sleep and starting to get tired early again.. probably because I'm approaching the third trimester

Best moment?: Getting to check in on my little guy during a sonogram and seeing that everything is growing healthy and on track (in fact, they said he's about 9 days ahead of schedule so we'll see if he ends up coming early). At 26 weeks 3 days he was already 2.2 and apparantely hamming it up in there. He seems to look like Rob.. bald and his mouth was open the entire time :)

Movement?: Still loving every time he moves!. I think I'm really cherishing every kick, punch and sumersault since I know we only have a few months left of this special time together. It's crazy how he really boogies when he wants to and is quiet other times. Like when I first felt the kicks, now I like laying down with my shirt up a little so I can see when he moves in the belly. So cool and such a little miracle!

Other symptoms: Still just the occasional heartburn

Food cravings?: Although I like a cold glass of milk, there are still no weird or intense cravings to report.. boo!

Food aversions: Still none

Labor signs?: None

Belly button in or out?: My innie is definitely gone and I'm afraid to say it, but I'm pretty sure that by the end I'll have an outie for the first time in my life.

What I miss: That disposable income would still be nice lol

Milestones: Rob got promoted to Area Director of Sales (I'm calling him ADOS) and we both turned 30. That's enough of a milestone for me!

Here's some shots from our 26 week sonogram:

Where does the time go? Weeks 22, 23 and 24

Weeks 22, 23, 24

How far along?: 25 weeks today
Total weight gain: 15 pounds as of this morning, which marked the start of week 25
How big is baby?: Week 22: papaya; Week 23: pomegranate; Week 24: grapefruit; Week 25: zucchini/canteloupe
Sleep?:Surprisingly, yes - and better than the first trimester
Best moment?: When my mom told me she'll throw me a baby shower. Even though it will be very small and with just one side of the family, it is still very touching since it's the only one I'll have.
Movement?: Yes and I love it. Although our "routine" of morning and evening kicks has changed, it's nice to feel the surprise kicks or punch. I love the little miracle growing inside me!
Other symptoms: So far I've been very lucky and haven't had any symptoms besides the occasional heartburn. Despite what Rob says, I don't think I've been very emotional.. just one issue gets me upset.
Food cravings?: Still no cravings to report. If anything, I really don't want to eat anything as nothing appeals to me, but force myself to eat for my little guy
Food aversions: Still none
Labor signs?: None
Belly button in or out?: Flattened out more. My innie is definitely gone!
What I miss: I miss having a somewhat disposable income. I always watched what I spent but now everything I do I have to compare to what we need for the baby. I'm sure it will be worth it but right now its tough.. baby stuff is expensive!
Milestones: I got ride of my cute, sporty Mazda 3 GT for a 2013 Chevy Equinox. It's not a full mom mobile but for me it's a big step.

Weeks 20 and 21

Weeks 20 and 21

How far along?: 22 weeks today
Total weight gain: 11 pounds as of this morning, which marked the start of week 22
How big is baby?: Week 20: banana; Week 21: carrot; Week 22: Papaya
Sleep?: Yes, but I have a cold so waking up with a sore throat and congestion isn't fun
Best moments?: Finding out we have a healthy baby boy on the way
Movement?: Yes and I love it. I'm getting used to when he's most active (at night) although it still catches me off guard when I'm doing something else (e.g. working at my desk) and feel tapping and punching coming from inside my belly
Other symptoms: Still the occasional heartburn but the best symptom was the giggles I had around the holidays. The smallest thing would set me off into crazy nonstop laughter. For example, on Christmas Eve I was cutting cake for my grandfather - not very well I might add - to take home and he thought I was giving him the other piece. I guess you just had to be there but I was nearly on the floor laughing. Then during Christmas Day dinner I had two incidents of crazy giggles: 1) when my dad was making a big deal of the rosemary bread he got from the bakery, and apparently I was too busy eating that could have cared less. People thought it was funny and when they re-enacted it I couldn't stop laughing. Then we were talking about this one recipe with breadcrumbs and just the word sent my mashed potatoes flying out of my mouth and me keeling over with laughter.
Food cravings?: Honestly, no cravings to report. Just trying to eat healthy. I think Rob plays the cravings card more than I do.
Food aversions: Still none.
Labor signs?: None
Belly button in or out?: Starting to flatten out a bit but still technically an innie
What I miss: Being able to carry heavier stuff. I hate having to rely on Rob to carry the heavier things for me since I used to be able to do most of them. Yesterday in my cleaning frenzy I did move the living room coffee table and rug (I'm type A, so it had to be properly centered) all by myself. I moved it slowly but it probably wasn't the best thing for me to do.
Milestones: Since this recap fell around the holidays I have a lot of special moments:

• Telling more people that we're pregnant and letting them know we're having a little boy
• The gender reveal cake cutting on Christmas Even.. the pictures are priceless!
• Identifying what baby decor we'd like to use for the room (it's a puppy sports theme and luckily something we both agree on!)
• Cleaning out the closets and making room for baby. I forgot how much crap we have tucked away
• Narrowing down the furniture to a few sets I really like
• Getting the Coach diaper bag that I wanted for Christmas.. fun how it's the little things in life now haha
• Finally starting to show, although some days I just feel fat

2013 Resolutions

2013 is shaping up to be a big year, with several weddings, celebratory events and most importantly to Rob and I, our first baby! This year, I've narrowed my resolutions to three key initiatives:

1. Be the best wife and mother I can be: I know I nag Rob a lot about stuff to do around the house, and my type A-personality drives him nuts, so this year I will try to be more patient. I'll also try to be the best mother I can be to our baby and enjoy each minute with our little bundle.
2. My health: I'd like to keep up with eating healthy and exercising. I know winter is tough to walk outside when it's freezing out, but doing little things like yoga or making my way up to the gym will go a long way.
3. Keep plugging away two of my standard resolutions: curse less and don't text while driving

2012 Resolution Recap

Below are last year's resolutions and how I did with those goals. Looking back I'm happy with how I did, although there are certain things that no matter how much I try they're hard to stick to.

• Be more patient - I tried and feel I accomplished this by being more patient with family drama. I did not succeed in being more patient while driving
• Curse less - ehh.. I try but never do too well with this
• Exercise (aim for at least three times per week) - I feel like I did pretty good, and had a really good running routine for most of the year
• Try one new recipe per month - If you count how I tried multiple new recipes per month, I'm sure that would add up to more than 12. I will admit, I slacked off a bit mid-year
• Have better posture - Made a concious effort but could always improve
• Don't text while driving - I tried but could always be better at this. At least in the first part of the year I only really used my phone while stuck in traffic (and if you know NJ, that's pretty often!)
• Don't rest my hands on my face - Made a concious effort
• Be better about communicating with family members - Was good with this for the first part of the year
• Travel to someplace new - check! Went to London and Paris
• Start a family - check!! Rob and I started our family and our little baby will be here this spring! :)