37 and 38 Week Bump Update

Today is Thursday, which means I am doing the weekly bump update late (37 weeks) or early (38 weeks), however you want to look at it. I am 37 weeks, 5 days right now. We've had many ups and downs in our pregnancy journey these last two weeks. Last week, at 36 weeks, 3 days, Baby C was measuring 5.2 lbs, putting her in the 4th percentile. Then this past Tuesday at 37 weeks, 3 days, her amniotic fluid got as low as 5.29. Anything below a 5 creates concern for the doctors and can mean an induction. So, John and I have been cautiously worried and anxious about our baby's well-being these past two weeks. 

I've been trying to take it easy since Tuesday when they told me her fluid was low, but it is tough! I am not the type to be inactive. I have things still to get accomplished before little one is here, and I dislike not being able to do things for myself. John has been SO good to me these past few days. He has helped me make dinner, gets me water when I need it, and pulls out the end table when I'm done eating dinner and trying to get up off the ground (we are soaking up the last days eating in front of t.v.)! 

Despite my best efforts to rest, I did have to get a few things done this week. I grocery shopped and stocked our freezer with some meals; Mac and cheese, Lasagna, Chicken tortilla soup, Beef Stew, Peanut Butter Pie, and Italian Chicken Roll ups. I've never frozen meals before, so I hope they turn out yummy! I also picked up my breast pump. It is a very cheap, 1 sided manual pump, the only type our insurance will pay for. Since I will be home with our little girl, I thought I'd try this for the few times I leave her. If it seems too tiring and inefficient, then we'll buy an electric one. Those things aren't cheap!! We're talking $200 + for a good electric pump!  I also did some birthday present shopping this week for John and my parents. I bought my mom a REDBOX gift card and some new PJs and my dad is getting a dvd and a "World's Greatest Grandpa" hat.

The big question of last week was whether we should  have the Version or schedule a C-Section. We really thought this over and were actually leaning towards attempting to turn her. But when we received the news that she was even smaller and her amniotic fluid was low, we decided against it. The doctor said because of these reasons, the procedure had a very small chance of working and could bring about fetal distress. I really feel that all signs were pointing against the version when we heard this. There must be a reason why God put her breech and I just need to trust that she is where she is supposed to be. Even if they flip her, she might still need to be delivered through a C-section if her levels and size are still a concern. So we have October 30th booked as her birth date.  Baby girl has less than 2 weeks until she enters this world and I just can't wait!

 I must be looking good and pregnant this week because I have been getting tons of comments from strangers. Today, a lady at the hair salon told me that I am "the cutest pregnant woman she has ever seen!" While watching the Buffalo Bills football game at the bar this past Sunday, the host said I was "so adorable" and "all belly" and our waitress said I looked amazing.  When John and I were walking to a little diner for lunch last Saturday, a lady walked by and said, "oh my goodness, what a cute little belly!"  These comments have really brought a smile to my face during these emotionally trying days. My little girl is nestled in there and treating her momma good, I guess. Every time they check her on the ultrasound these past few weeks, she's been in a little ball, with her hands in front of her face on the top right side of my belly and her bottom down and her legs curled up at the bottom right.

How Far Along: 38 weeks in two days, October 19th to be exact!

Size Of Baby: According to baby center: She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she is over 19 1/2 inches long . She has a firm grasp, which we'll soon be able to test when we hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

 According to the Doctor: Last time we had the growth scan, baby was 5.2 lbs. That was almost two weeks ago. 

Maternity Clothes: Still just wearing the same old, same old.


Weight Gain:  I'm up about 24 pounds. I've been trying to eat and drink more these past two weeks to help little one grow.

Stretch Marks: OH NO!! I found about 6 ugly, red marks under my belly this week. They might have been there for a few days but I can't see them unless I lift my belly up in the mirror. They are not pretty at all and I am really bummed. I thought I was going to be one of the lucky ones to avoid these marks, but I guess not. John has been so wonderful about it. He told me to stop dwelling on them and that I should be grateful because it means our little baby is growing, like she needs to. But *sigh,* there are so many sacrifices a mother makes right from the start that her children never really understand. I'm sorry mom, if I gave you stretch marks 28 years ago!!!

Sleep:  With my low fluid, I've been wondering if I will be delivering sooner than later and this has caused some late night insomnia. I'm trying to take  naps here and there because I know these are the last days of sleep I will get in a while!

Best Moment of the Week:  Seeing baby's hair last week floating around in the amniotic fluid and seeing her little lips sucking in and out today, both through the ultrasound. She is such a sweet little thing. The ultrasound techs. this week said that she has been taking great little practice breaths too!

Movement: Most days she's quiet, but we had a night this past week where she was rolling and poking and it was quite the amazing thing to feel and watch.

Cravings: Nothing new.

 

Gender: My little girl.

Belly Button In or Out: In.

Wedding Ring on or Off: Still on and still majorly in love.

What I Miss: Walking at a normal pace.

Labor Signs: I've had a few days where I've felt mild cramps, but for the most part, nothing.

Nursery: Still need to put up those pesky shelves.

Symptoms: Yesterday was a tough day. It was truly the first day I disliked pregnancy and wanted baby out.  I am walking at a snails pace these days, feel so much pressure on my pelvis, and the worst of it is the feeling that I can't breathe. It is hard to get a good breathe in and it's a scary feeling. Today's been better, so I'm hoping I just had an off day yesterday.

Emotions: Excited for her arrival, scared for her health, bittersweet about these last few days of just John and I.

36 Week Bump Update

It has been a tough week.  It started off great, because it was a week scheduled filled with baby things and I love those weeks. John and I went to our first of three labor classes and we had a nice time together. It got me excited about the upcoming weeks and the moment when we meet our little one, especially since we were the furthest along among all the couples there.

Then Thursday I had a doctor's appointment. They were going to give me an ultrasound to check on baby's position and size. I was excited to learn more about her and hopefully get a confirmation on her sex. The day, however, brought bad news. The ultrasound tech. told me the baby was breech and she couldn't see the gender because of that. While I waited for the doctor, I was bummed about these two things, but still optimistic that things were ok. The doctor then told me that my little girl is measuring small. She is only 5lbs and is in the 9.9percentile. Anything 10% or under is considered low birth weight. The doctor said that she is concerned the baby is not getting what she needs from the placenta and we might need to deliver her early. Also, because she is breech, John and I have to decide whether to have a version (where the doctor flips her manually) or schedule a c-section.

Oh baby girl, I am so scared for you. I started crying in the office when the doctor told me this. I feel like I haven't given you what you need and I am so worried about your safety. Before this week, John and I were so peacefully happy and content with the pregnancy. Now, everything just seems up in the air. You could be fine (after all, ultrasounds can be off by 1lb up or down AND you are on the borderline for percentages- my doctor didn't seem to be TOO worried since you are so close to the cut off) but then again, there could be something wrong. And I can't stop worrying that you are not thriving and getting what you need.  I've been a mess the last two days, but I'm trying to stay calm so that I don't upset you in there. I will be getting a more in-depth ultrasound at a different facility on Monday to gather more information about your size. Then John and I have to decide whether we will have the doctor try and turn you. 

I'll be honest. I never envisioned a c-section as part of my delivery. Everything seemed to be going so well and I didn't really think it would part of our story. I really wanted that miraculous experience of birthing you  and testing my own strength. But now, I don't care how you arrive, as long as you are healthy and strong. AND, this planner that you have for a mom has to really adjust to all these unknowns because you might even be coming early than we thought!!  I just know these next few weeks are going to go by so slow. I am trying to stay positive and am loving you with all my heart, little one.

How Far Along: 36 Weeks as of October 5th

Size Of Baby: According to baby center: Baby weighs about 6 pounds and is18 1/2 inches long, about the size of a head of romaine lettuce. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

HOWEVER, we know you are measuring small and are about 5lbs right now.

Maternity Clothes: Since I am thrifty and my belly really isn't HUGE, I've just been wearing what I have. I can't wait to go shopping in a few months:)


Weight Gain:  I'm up about 22 pounds. I used to be happy about that, but now I wonder if I need to be gaining more to make baby bigger. The doctor, however, says my weight gain has been good and right on track.

Stretch Marks: No new ones. But, I did cut my belly while cutting up cheese and I also left a little burn mark on my belly when draining potatoes.  I'm sorry little girl. John says you are well protected in there and should be fine. I will try to be more careful and conscious of my growing belly.

Sleep:  It's been better this week. My back pain has subsided a bit. I still toss and turn every 1/2 hour from my hips hurting. Poor John.

Best Moment of the Week:  It's been a tough week. Every moment up until the doctor's appointment seems like it was the best.

Movement: Baby moves every day. I'm really trying to pay attention to her movements and make sure they are consistent.

Cravings: Nothing new.

 

Gender: The ultrasound tech. couldn't confirm her sex because her butt was down, but I know she's still a girl.

Belly Button In or Out: Innie

Wedding Ring on or Off: Still on and I think it will stay on.

What I Miss: Not worrying about little one's safety every second of the day.

Labor Signs: No and I don't want them. I need her to stay in there and get stronger.

Nursery: We are at a standstill. We still need to put some things on the wall. We set her swing up though. It is so precious.

Symptoms: Back pain and constant worrying.

Emotions: Scared. Sad. Excited. Worried.

35 Week Bump Update

33 weeks

34 Weeks

Lots of exciting things have been happening these past few weeks, baby!  Football season has started, as I'm sure you can tell from all the yelling and jumping that has been going on. I'm trying to contain myself, because I don't want to scare you in there, but I'm sure you are still wondering what all the racket is going on outside in the world. 

John and I attended our first baby class! I had to do a bit of convincing to get him to go, since it was the breastfeeding class, but I'm glad he caved in. There were other dads there and they sure had a lot of questions! We learned how to hold a baby in different positions for feeding and it was so exciting, but definitely nerve wrecking. John and I had quite the laugh when we realized I had been bending the poor baby's arm back without even realizing it. I promise I will be more careful when Baby C. arrives. But boy, as the weeks are counting down, I'm getting nervous that I won't know how to care for my little one properly. I've been reading all that I can, but let's face it, I'm great at academics, but actually using the information logically, well, that's another story. 

I had another doctor's appointment last week. I know it's getting closer because now I'll be going every week! I was relieved to hear that the baby moved from being transverse, to head down. But she still isn't settled comfortably in my pelvis. I'm hoping she's there now, because all this week I've felt a ton of pressure and have had very bad lower back pain. I'm getting an ultrasound next week (at 36 weeks) to check on her position. I've been reading about women going to the doctors and learning that their baby has changed sex and I'm so nervous about this. I would be blessed with a boy or girl, but I've been bonding with this little one for so long, I would be so crushed if she turned out to be someone else. I don't know why I can't trust in God and the ultrasound tech. I am just so blessed and excited that she's a girl, I feel like I can't be that lucky in life to have her. I've never had any sisters and I just can't wait to have a little girl to raise and love. I hope that makes sense.

 

How Far Along: 35 weeks as of September 28

Size Of Baby: According to baby center: Baby weighs about 5 1/4 pounds and is 18 inches long, about the size of a honeydew melon. Because it's so snug in there, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Maternity Clothes: I've gotten creative these last few weeks and have found some non-maternity clothes that are looking quite cute. It's getting chiller out now that fall has arrived, so I'm also layering cardigan sweaters on top of my shirts.


Weight Gain:  I'm up about 20 pounds. I haven't worked out much lately. It poops me out and makes my back ache at night.

Stretch Marks: So far so good. Fingers crossed. Five weeks to go!

Sleep:  AWFUL!! This is the worst symptom I've had all pregnancy and it started at week 34. I've had lower back pain that stems from my tailbone and reaches out to my hips. Since I have no choice, but to sleep on my sides, sleep just isn't happening. My hips are so painful! I've resorted to sleeping on the living room chair a few times this week. But that isn't so comfortable either. Needless to say, I haven't gotten much sleep this past week.

Best Moment of the Week:  I loved going to the breast feeding class with John last week. It's making everything seem more real. 

Movement: Little Peanut loves to kick, hiccup, and squirm in the middle of the night when I'm trying to get comfy in the arm chair. I love the hiccups. The squirms are very low and are a bit painful, but I'm trying to enjoy feeling her in there.

Cravings: Still cottage cheese and anything sweet.

 

Gender: Pink Pink Pink!

Belly Button In or Out: Innie

Wedding Ring on or Off: On and not feeling tight at all.

What I Miss: A good night's sleep.

Labor Signs: No, but I am anxious to learn the signs. Only 2 more weeks until she is full term and I want to be ready. You know me, always need to be prepared.

Nursery: This has made me so happy this week! We finally moved the computer desk out of the baby's room. Everything is in order, we just need to hang a few more things on the wall. I put together the pack 'n' play and the baby swing. I am finally feeling like the house is getting in order:)

Symptoms: Just back pain, sleepless nights, on and off pelvic pain, and fatique.

Emotions: They vary from excitement, to anxiousness, to saddness that our time as just husband and wife is ending.

32 Week Bump Update

How Far Along: 32 weeks as of September 7th

Size Of Baby: According to baby center: Baby weighs 3 3/4 pounds, about the size of a large jicama, (don't ask me what that is) and is about 16.7 inches long. I'm gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to my 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.

Maternity Clothes: Nothing new to report. I'm getting sick of wearing the same outfits.


Weight Gain:  I'm up about 17-18 pounds. I'm starting to feel large and uncomfortable, mostly at night, after I have eaten dinner. She's either getting bigger or has changed positions because I feel like I have less room underneath my breasts than before.

 

Stretch Marks: Good so far.

Sleep:  Ouch, the night before last, I woke up muttering some not-so-nice words, as I attempted to untangle myself from the sheets. I had a leg cramp. Yup, one of the symptoms I dreaded most going into this pregnancy (besides gaining weight and vomiting). They are just SO painful. I didn't get much sleep last night because I was trying to make a conscious effort not to stretch my legs a certain way, for fear that it would happen again.

Best Moment of the Week:  The nursery is almost nearing completion. The pink curtains are up, the toy box is assembled, baby's blankets are washed, and her elephant prints are on the walls. I just can't wait to hold her in my arms and rock her to sleep in the glider.

 

Movement: Lots of kicks and turns, mostly at night while cuddling with John on the couch, or while I'm lying on my side, trying to sleep. I love feeling her in there. ♥

Cravings: So, I've decided that I have had a craving these past few weeks, and it is cottage cheese. Weird, right? But every morning, I look forward to my scoop of cottage cheese that I have on my plate at lunch.

 

Gender: The room is decked out in pink!

Belly Button In or Out: Still in and I think it's staying that way.

Wedding Ring on or Off: Still on. But baby brain kicked in this week big time when I couldn't find my rings. John and I spent a good 45 minutes searching the house for them. Turns out, they were in the pocket of my maternity capris that I wore a few days earlier. I am normally a very organized person and rarely misplace things. John gave me a kiss and said, "What are we going to do about that baby brain of yours?"

What I Miss: Feeling athletic. I just feel so mushy and large. I've walked a few times this week and completed my workout dvd twice, but I feel like I lack the motivation and drive I had last year. I'm afraid it won't come back once the baby gets here. That scares me because running and exercising are a HUGE part of my identity. They make me feel beautiful and confident. John seems to be on board with letting me join my gym again in January for a few months. It's just so expensive. I hope I get my exercising mojo back, though.

Labor Signs: No and No.


Symptoms: That dreaded leg cramp, occasional nightly back pain, getting harder to breathe, lack of energy or motivation to work out.

Emotions: How will I ever survive 8 more weeks of waiting?

Maternity Photos

While we were home for my shower, my brother Joe took some photos of our little family. John and I look a bit tired, because it was a long day of baby showering fun. But I'm glad we got a few snapshots in.

30 and 31 Week Bump Update

Wow! A lot has happened in the last 3 weeks. I keep meaning to update this little blog of mine, but my to-do list just keeps getting in the way. I feel like I have a million things to do, but each individual task is so large that it takes so much effort to check one off my list. But, I love my lists, and keeping track of what needs to be done makes me feel reassured. 

30 weeks!

31 weeks... at home in Lockport for my baby shower.

So, what has been going on in the life of the Cullen family?

 Great Times with Great Friends
Well, at exactly 30 weeks pregnant, on August 24th, two of my high school friends surprised me with a little Momma-to-be outing. Christen had sent me a message on facebook a few weeks prior, telling me that she had to come into RI to visit Brandon's aunt, and she wanted to get together for lunch.

Pedicures!

Well, when the day arrived, I stood waiting for her at Luxe Burger Bar, and when she tapped me on the shoulder and I turned around, I was in for a BIG surprise! My other friend, Ashlie, flew in from NY to visit me and the two of them had planned a girls day for me!!! They took me out to lunch, where we caught up on all the awesome things happening in our lives. 

We found a photobook at the movie theater.. just like we're back in HS!

Pedicures... I was ticklish!

Then we got pedicures and went to see a movie. It was SUCH a great day and I'm so lucky and grateful to have two life-long friends that will always be there for me, no matter how many miles apart we are. The weekend couldn't have come at a better time, because I was feeling down the previous day. *blame the pregnancy hormones*

Movies!

 ER Visit
 The following week, August 29th, I ended up in the ER for a little visit. My tummy had felt weird all night after eating dinner and walking, and I got a severe pain in my right sight that left me leaning against the bathroom door in agony for a minute. It hurt so badly that I got nauseous from the pain. Although the sharp pain went away in a few minutes, I had pain in the same spot ALL night and couldn't sleep. It went away by morning, but the Doctor wanted me to go to the hospital to get it checked out because I hadn't felt my baby girl move in the morning.


I hopped in the car right away and was so scared the entire way that something was wrong with my little one. I felt in my gut, that everything was ok. That's why I didn't go to the hospital at night, but the nurses voice rang through my ears to get to the ER as soon as possible. On the way there, I felt my baby girl kick, reassuring me that everything would be ok. That finally calmed my nerves a bit.

When I arrived, they took me in right away, had me give a urine sample, and found the baby's heart beat. They gave me a pelvis exam, checked my cervix, and gave me an ultrasound to check fluid levels. I had hoped they would confirm that she was a little girl, but they told me they would have to look special for that. I did get to see her precious little face for a second and oh my gosh, it was so perfect. She has a cute little button nose and just looked like the sweetest little thing to me. I have LOVED every single ultrasound I have gotten. I know she is in my belly because I can feel her every day, but seeing her is so magical. It really reminds me that, yea, there sure is a little baby in there and she is yours.

John was just the best husband on this day. He left work and walked across the street to Women and Infants to visit me. He looked so handsome and professional  in his white coat and the nurses thought he was my doctor at first!!! I love seeing him in action. Unfortunately, this has only happened during the times I've been in the hospital, but still. He calms me down and makes me feel so safe.

They couldn't really make any definite conclusions about what caused my pain, but everything looked good, so they sent me on my way. The midwife who gave me the ultrasound said that my baby is transverse, with her head on the left and butt on the right. So her bottom must have been pushing on my belly. She told me to have a talk with my daughter about hurting her mama. hehe.

Baby Shower
We also had our 2nd and final baby shower right on the 31 day mark. It was so wonderful, it deserves it's own post.

29 Week Bump Update and BabyMoon

BabyMoon time! John and I went on vacation this week to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary. We decided to stick relatively close to home and go to Atlantic City. I really pushed for this idea because it allowed us to drive, which meant I could bring my beach chair and umbrella, but more importantly, my body pillows:) I probably looked quite silly carrying my pillows through the casino to our room, but hey, a momma's gotta do what a momma's gotta do:) 

YAY!! A real baby bump!! The casino had a lot of mirrors, so I really noticed my growing belly this week.

John, at my favorite casino, the Wild West

Standing in line at a pregnant lady's dream: Lunch Buffet

Add caption

Waiting in line for a magic show

It was a fun show!

Beach time!

I love my hubby!

All ready for some sun! With my hat, umbrella, chair, and lots of sunscreen in tow.

Baby Bump!

Tanning. Let's hope baby girl gets her momma's skin and not her daddy's fair, prone to burning skin.

ooo, look at those tan lines.

Yummy lunch

I really wanted a fruit beach drink... so I settled for a strawberry banana smoothie

Love

John on the 'set' of one of this favorite shows:)

How Far Along: 29 weeks as of August 17th, 2013

Size Of Baby: According to baby center: Baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds, about the size of 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.

Maternity Clothes: I am getting sick of wearing the same outfits, but I also don't want to go shopping and buy new clothes that I will only wear for a few months. The good news is that the last two times I went to the mall, I didn't buy anything! I just can't fathom spending money on new clothes when my tummy might out grow them in the next 10 weeks. I'm telling myself that my reward for losing the baby weight will be new clothes:)

Weight Gain:  I think I'm up about 14 lbs.

 

Stretch Marks: Just the same ones on my back.

Sleep:  We had to keep the light on in our hotel bathroom because I wasn't used to the room and it was pitch black thanks to the great curtains. The first night of our vacation I slept great. Then the next few nights, I tossed and turned quite a bit.

Best Moment of the Week:  I just loved going on our babymoon! It was wonderful spending a week with just John, not worrying about anything and just being together. I have to admit that I will miss this once little one comes. But life will just be fulfilling in another way:)

 

Movement: Baby girl is still low. She has been moving around quite a bit now, especially when it's time for bed. I love it!

Cravings: Nothing different. Just sweets, sweets, sweets!  Which isn't good because I received the phone call from my doctor this week while on vacation, saying that I failed by 1 hour glucose test. I am nervous about having diabetes now and have to take the 3 hour test on Tuesday. Geesh, the things they make pregnant women go through!

 

Gender: I've been so nervous throughout my pregnancy that 'she' will become a 'he.' Not that I wouldn't love a little boy, but I am a planner and ever since I was told I'm having a girl, I've been dreaming about what she will be like and filling her room with all things pink. Well, the start of our vacation caused a little baby gender anxiety for me. John and I stopped at a rest stop in New Jersey about half way through our trip to Atlantic City. While I was drying my hands at the hand dryer, the cleaning lady came up to me, pointed to my belly, and said, "You are having a boy. Definitely a boy." I replied, "Um, I hope not! They told me it was a girl." She said, "No, definitely a boy. I've had 3 boys. You are having a boy."  
So, the happy news is that I finally look pregnant and I love that someone asked me about it. 
But the not so happy news is that this stressed this momma out!! For the next hour in the car, I was googling positions of babies and old wive's tales of what boy and girl bellies look like. Ahh!! I really did not need this stress on the start of my vacation!

Belly Button In or Out: A wide innie.

Wedding Ring on or Off: On and happy about it, since we are celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary in a few days:)

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: No

What I Miss: Being active. I really want to run, twist, bend, and move around without making sure my belly is protected. I miss feeling athletic. But I am trying to soak in these momma-baby moments before they are gone.

Labor Signs: NO!!! Not for at least 10 more weeks.

Symptoms: Ugh, baby girl really tested me this week. I've been feeling so great this pregnancy and of course, the week I go on vacation is the time where the pains set in. Baby must be in a very low position this week because I have had the sensation to pee literally, every 30 minutes. Also, John and I walked a lot this week on the boardwalk, and every so often I would get a sharp, painful stab down below. So bad, sometimes, that it stopped me in my tracks. John and I had to take many rest breaks on benches and even more potty stops. By the end of the week, I knew all the casino bathrooms by heart! I was nervous about what was going on, but since I was in another state, I figured that the Doctor couldn't really do anything. I go see her on Tuesday, so I will ask her about it then. But it comes and goes and hasn't been too bad the last two days, so I think it was just the baby's position.

Nursery: Can't wait to decorate soon!

Emotions: I am getting excited to be approaching 30 weeks soon. Time seems to fly by at times (I can't believe we are almost there) but then at other times, it seems like I've been pregnant forever.