Isaac's Entrance

I finally found myself a few extra minutes to write down dear Isaac's birth story....enjoy!

My first two labors/deliveries were very FAST so I was (with good reason I think) anticipating the same with this one. That said - the last 2+ weeks of my pregnancy I was very 'aware' of my body and every time I would have consistent Braxton Hicks I would worry (excited-ly of course!) that it was it and plan out how I would manage a fast delivery with 2 kids etc...

After 2 false alarms of thinking I was in labor and then it wasn't I began to throw caution to the window and 'ignore' (as much as you can) my Braxton Hicks and try to go about life as usual.

At my 39 week appointment my midwife (who was VERY surprised I hadn't delivered my baby yet!) swept my membranes (again..I had it done at 38 weeks too) and said I was dilated to 2+cm and she would be surprised if I didn't have this baby soon. Trying not to get my hopes up I went about my day - and the next day - and the next day.....

On Friday (my 39 week appointment was Wednesday) I started to spot a little...hooray! Always a good sign (it means you're dilating!) and tried again not to get my hopes up. I went about my normal Friday - went to tutor math (College Calc and Pre-Calc...no biggie in pre-labor right? ;) and came home. Around dinner time I noticed my 'Braxton Hicks' were starting to feel a little different....not harder or more painful just different. I told my mom (who was at my house watching the big boys while I tutored math) and I talked to Joe. We decided we better be safe and sent the kids home with my mom for the night...just in case. Still my Braxton Hicks/contractions weren't hurting or anything but we all knew how fast I went with the other two.

I had Joe pick up Chipotle for dinner - partially because it sounded good and partially because we have quite a few friends that swear Chipotle pushed them over the edge into labor. We enjoyed our delicious dinner and went for a walk. My non-hurting-contractions were still there about 10 minutes apart and we were just waiting for them to start hurting and get closer together. We went to bed and I told Joe I'd wake him if anything changed. I woke up quite a few times in the night to time them (still not hurting - still trying not to get my hopes up that it was the real deal) and they were still 10 minutes apart.

Fast forward to morning - we got up - got dressed - etc and headed out. Did lots of walking trying to get my contractions (that didn't hurt still) to start hurting. I think it's funny how I was trying to inflict pain on myself! We walked and walked and walked. Walked the mall - walked stairs - had an Orange Julius (MMmmm) and sat down to discus what we should do. I had been timing them on my handy iPod Touch and we reviewed the times - every 5 minutes for an hour lasting a minute each. Textbook for when to go in. We all know the 511 rule right? 5 min apart. Lasting 1 min each. For an hour? That's where I was but they still didn't HURT. I noticed them but I could still talk and walk.

We made the decision to go in and get checked *just in case* it was the real deal. I halfway thought we'd be sent home but the timing and consistency made it appear as if I was in labor.

We went to the hospital at noon and I got checked at Triage - I was FULLY EFFACED, dilated to a FOUR and baby was REALLY LOW. Ok. Good thing we went in:) I got admitted and we went to our room. I paced around the room a little and they were starting to come a little closer together - still not painful though. Right when we got admitted they had a nurse switch so we got a new nurse - our old nurse poked fun at me saying (to the new nurse) and you can't tell when I'm having a contraction except that my face gets a little red! I still was talking through them and everything. If it weren't for the monitors they had me hooked too I don't think they would've believed I was in labor! They checked me again and I was a SIX at this point.

They let me walk around with my monitors on (I had like a 3ft sq to wander in being attached) - they were monitoring baby because he wasn't showing the variation in heart rate that they wanted. His heart rate was right in the normal range (hooray!) but he wasn't showing them the increases that they wanted (like if he got excited or something). Also, when I would have a contraction his heart rate monitor would drop low - there was some question as to if the drop was HIS heart rate dropping or if the contraction made baby move so the monitor was picking up MY heart rate. Either way - they wanted to see him have some accelerations and he wasn't so I had to stay monitored. The midwife told me they would need to see 20 minutes of no decelerations and have some accelerations for me to have my desired water birth *just to be safe*. I'm cool with being safe.

So, here I am hooked up to the monitors (thankfully NOT in bed - who wants to be in bed while in labor? not me.) I decide on the birthing ball. That ball is AWESOME! I would sit on it and Joe sat next to me on a stool and my nurse (who was the BEST by the way!) on my other side watching the monitors (and me since I go so fast..) I would get a contraction - put my hand on Joe's leg - he'd put his hand on my back and I'd rock back and forth. All while having a conversation with our awesome nurse:)

I hung out on the ball for a while and chatted with Joe and our nurse. Side note: Our nurse was absolutely AMAZING! She was my age, from Australia (wonderful accent!) and a Christian! I loved how she would say "you're doing wonderful doll!" - "you're amazing dear, keep it up sweetie" all in her adorable Aussie accent!

Midwife comes in to check on us - she is amazed at what the contraction monitor is saying compared to what I am showing emotionally (being able to talk through them all still) - we chat about options and she concludes that because of the baby's heart rate we can't do my water birth. BUMMER. The pool had been filled and staring at me this whole time. So they empty the pool. The plan is after the pool is empty my midwife would come and check me and break my water if I wanted.

I tell my nurse that I'm starting to feel the urge to push with my contractions now - hooray! I'm partially in denial that I would feel that because I felt SO GOOD while I was having contractions. Still not 'hurting' in the sense that my others did and still being able to talk through them.

My midwife comes back in - I move onto the bed (boo! I hate the bed) and she checks me. I'm a NINE and my bags of water is RIGHT THERE. She breaks my water and boom I'm a TEN. First contraction after my water is broken I push with all my might and HELLO there's my baby!
Break down of the last few minutes:
6:19pm - midwife checks me - NINE cm, Breaks my water
6:22pm - FULLY DILATED TO TEN
6:24pm - contraction - PUSH - Baby's born!

so FIVE minutes on the table - not to shabby:) I pushed for one contraction (1 min) and he's here!

NO tears, NO stitches, no complaints from this mama!

I got to hold him all gooey and new for 45 minutes!! He latched on right away and nursed like a pro. He also pooped and peed on me. Rock star baby.
Whew. I loved it. Every minute of it. Call me crazy:) I felt SO in control. SO empowered. SO strong. I want to do it again...Joe thinks I'm crazy for that:) My labor never got to the point of unbearable pain. I was able to talk through my whole labor. I'm glad we went in when we did because otherwise I don't think I would have 'believed' I was in labor till it was too late.

I am so in love with my new baby. I was sad a didn't get to do a water birth but in the big picture I don't care. I had a wonderful birth experience!

He's Here!

Introducing.....

Isaac Joshua!

He was born Saturday September 17th at 6:24pm

Weighing in at 6 lbs 3 oz and measuring 18 inches long

Such a little stud! I'll write more about labor and delivery later (which was awesome!)...

now is time to soak in my adorable baby:)

Still cooking...

I'm still pregnant. I totally forgot my 38 week post...opps. Pregnancy brain all the way! I'll be 39 weeks this Wednesday - oh boy!

I keep telling myself I can't be pregnant forever - even though it feels like it! I think I'm spoiled because my other two babe's came early -- Judah at 36 weeks and Ethan at 39 weeks; subconsciously I think I've been expecting this baby sometime between there (36-39) and now that I'm basically 39 I feel like I'm 'over-due'....which I know I'm not!

Soooo here's to hoping that this little guy decides to come out soon!

37 weeks - FULL TERM!

Hip Hip Hooray - I'm officially full term today!

How Far Along: 37 weeks! Officially full term!

Size of baby: Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). (thanks, BabyCenter.com!)

Milestones: Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Thanks again, BabyCenter.com!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 20 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Yep! I've been sporting my maternity yoga capris and yoga shorts a lot and loving my stretchy maternity dresses (hooray for no-waist!)

Gender: BOY:)

Movement: YES.

Sleep: It's getting increasingly harder to fall asleep and I'm up several times a night to pee...but that's ok:) I still get a short nap in the afternoon (until I have to go potty:)

What I miss: Hmmm...shaving my legs is getting harder! So - bending over?

Cravings: Mexican! I've had the pleasure of eating yummy Mexican food both last night and tonight:) MMmm.

Symptoms: My belly, waddle, moans getting up and down, etc...

Best Moment This Week: Being FULL TERM! If I go into labor I can do my waterbirth! I needed to be at least 37 weeks to do one at my hospital and now that I've passed that mark I'm ready to roll:)

What I'm Looking Forward To: Meeting my little baby soon! I cannot wait:) Come on babe...

Full Term Tomorrow

I cannot believe I will be FULL TERM tomorrow! well, I guess I can believe it since this little man have inhabited my body for the last 9+ months:)

The past 37 weeks have both flown by and seem like forever (more so on the 'flown by' side though..)

I have been having lots of Braxton Hicks the past few weeks/months and I'm hoping soon they turn into the real deal! I had a few today that were noticeably harder so.....hopefully soon! Getting the prep work done downtown I say;)

Any guesses on when the babe will come? I'm guessing within a week or 1.5 week - that may be wishful prego-mama talk but I've dropped and I'm 'softened' and Braxton Hicks are taking up my days....only time will tell!!

I would post an almost 37 week pic but I don't have one and honestly I don't want to move off this couch to take one right now -- sorry folks. I'm hoping to get one for tomorrow's actual '37 week' update post. Just take last week's picture and add an inch and some bags under my tired eyes:)

p.s. I got the most adorable swimsuit top for my waterbirth today! Well, as adorable as you can look full-term prego in a sports bra-ish swim top... The one I was originally going to use was an old top of mine and when I tried it on and remembered how my ribcage gets much bigger when prego - good excuse to buy a cute one right? I think so.

Freezer Meals

I've said it a million times...I'm nesting. A lot:) The last two days I've gone to town with making freezer meals!

Earlier in the week I sat down and made a list of oven meals that I could easily make and freeze. With my list in hand I hit up two grocery stores (I couldn't get all my ingredients at my 'discount' grocery store so I had to stop at good ole Target:) and picked up some tin-foil baking dishes to ease cleanup!

Yesterday was the big day: I had half my meat thawing in the fridge over night; I got up and got to work! At 7:30am I made myself at home in the kitchen and cranked out 4 meals by 9:30am - way to go me! By 9:30 the boys were eager for some more attention and I was eager to get out of the kitchen. Ethan did help me with 2 of the 4 meals - and was actually a help!

This morning I was determined to crank out the remainder of my meals I had planned...I didn't start as early (come on..it's Saturday) but I had the added bonus of Joe being home and playing with the kids. I browned up a HUGE 3 lb tube of ground beef then made the rest of my meals!

Here's what my list of freezer meals:
Oven Mac-n-Cheese (big dish)
Ravioli Lasagna (big dish)
Tator Tot Hotdish (2 small dishes)
Turkey Chili (2 meal size baggies)
Sloppy Joe meat mix (1 meal sized bag)
Beef/Bean Enchiladas (2 small dishes)
Chicken Mexican Lasagna (1 small dish)

Count 'em TEN meals! And the 'big dish' meals will definitely give us leftovers:) I'm hoping that these meals in conjunction with meals from my MOMS group and meals from friends/family will keep me out of the kitchen for dinner time for a good chunk of time!

9 months!

*don't mind the tired eyes, forced tired smile and general "do you really need to take a picture of me?" look - It's after 10pm and I was productive today!*

How Far Along: 36 weeks! 9 months! Crazy to think that my little Judah was born at this time...

Size of baby: Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. (thanks, BabyCenter.com!)

Milestones: He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his 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 his first bowel movement. eww. (Thanks again, BabyCenter.com!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I had my 36 week appointment today and I'm 19 lbs up from when I got pregnant! Not too shabby!

Maternity Clothes: Yep! I've been living in my maternity yoga pants, yoga capris and yoga shorts. What can I say...they're super comfy!!

Gender: BOY:)

Movement: YES.

Sleep: Hard to fall asleep but once I'm out...I'm out...till I have to pee. Which is like 2 times a night:)

What I miss: Sleeping through the night? (see peeing comment) I am FULLY aware that it will be quite some time before I sleep through the night again though:)

Cravings: I was able to conquer my watermelon craving from last week and single handed (almost) eat an entire personal size watermelon-- they call them 'personal' sized for a reason right? :) Today: Not sure what sounds good enough to be called a craving....maybe an ICEE?

Symptoms: Same same...Belly - check. Absence of lap - check. Swollen fingers - check. Pregnancy brain - double check!

Best Moment This Week: Having my appointment and getting the great news (and anticipated) that baby is HEAD DOWN, DROPPED and I'm 'softening'...I'm also dilated to 1+ but that doesn't mean much seeing that when I labor everything goes FAST (ie: dilation from next to nothing to 10 in record time!) Now hopefully baby will stay in and cook another week...I really want to do a water-birth and they won't let me unless I'm at least 37 weeks!

What I'm Looking Forward To: Laying low for the next week; I wanna keep him in there for another week then watch out - I'm back at the gym (I've taken a week off) and will try and encourage little man to make his entrance!

Missed It

I was so excited to do a fun post when I hit my 35/35 mark! I've seen a few friends and fellow bloggers do it and had it tucked away in my brain waiting for it to happen....

...and then I totally missed it. argh.

It should've been last Wednesday - 35 weeks done + 35 days left till my due date! How cute is that? 35/35!

I don't know how cute it is now that I'm 35wk5daysDONE/30daysLEFT. ah well. You win some and you forget some...this prego seems to forget:)

I must be a bird...

..'cuz I'm nesting like mad!

Remember when I said I made my 'to-do' list for pre-baby? and that is was super long? I am proud to say that I have crossed off a good ole chunk of it! Thank you nesting!

Here's what I've been up to:

*went through the boys clothes
*changed the bunk beds to traditional format
*moved the boys toy kitchen and blackboard/whiteboard to the sunroom (make more room in their room!)
*got a new shelf to store/organize the boys toys in their room
*went through ALL (when I say 'all' I literally mean ALL!!) their toys and reorganized them! whew. that was a back breaker.
*got all our preemie and newborn boys clothes out of storage and washed them
*got a free (thanks Heather!) drawer-storage thing for the baby clothes - it's going to fit on top of the boys dresser so it won't take any floor space...score!
*got our infant car seat down from the attic - cleaning it is on my to-do list for tomorrow:)
*bought material at Walmart (who knew Walmart had fabric? I didn't! that rocks.) to make a Moby wrap! I spent $11 on enough fabric to make TWO wraps (so if one's in the wash I have an extra) $11. enough said.
*rearranged (Joe..not me) our bedroom to accommodate the cradle - there's a beautiful little spot right next to my side of the bed:)

Do I sound productive? I sure feel it!

Here's an uber-embarassing photo of the ridiculous amount of toys my kids have....I have ALL of the toys they own in the room here (everything from their room, the living room, the sunroom, etc..) Don't think that they were living with all that in there - I went around and got ALL their toys and pulled them out of bins and organized everything....like I said - back breaking! But I did it! Pat on the back for me:)

Here's the new shelf we picked out to help organize all their stuff; the boys LOVE it! It's nice that everything (or almost everything) has a place and the boys know where to put it. I hope this will help maintain a clean room - so far so good! I can say "clean up your toys before we go" and within 5 minutes their floor is clean - all I can say is awesome.

We had to give our free drawer-storage-thing a quick rub-down with soap and water and I enlisted my little helpers...They had a blast washing them out! And I had a blast NOT bending over to wash them myself;)

I still have a few things (ahem...more than a few) on my list but the big ones are getting crossed off! SO exciting! We're picking up the cradle this Sunday and will have that in our room to stare at and dream of our baby - awwh:) Way to go nesting!

35 weeks post!

How Far Along: 35 weeks, 1 day! (opps I forgot to do this last night...)

Size of baby: Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon) (thanks, BabyCenter.com!)

Milestones: His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. (Thanks again, BabyCenter.com!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 20/21ish pounds. We'll find out 'officially' next week at my 36 week appointment.

Maternity Clothes: Yep! I've been living in my maternity yoga pants, yoga capris and yoga shorts. What can I say...they're super comfy!!

Gender: BOY:)

Movement: Yes. Double Yes. This kid is a mover!

Sleep: I nap almost everyday again. It takes a while to fall asleep at night...that whole getting comfortable thing:)

What I miss: My lap? I'm almost positive I dropped and hence when I sit I don't have a lap at all! My baby belly is sitting right where my use-to-be lap is. :) It's a funny feeling.

Cravings: Right at this second: watermelon. Do we have any? nope. I've still been guzzling water like no one's business (oh the joys of pregnancy in the summertime!)

Symptoms: Belly - check. Absence of lap - check. Swollen fingers - check. Pregnancy brain - double check!

Best Moment This Week: My birthday was Tuesday and was really fun! I got to eat out both meals (hooray for NO dishes for me!) and got to tutor math (well, that's a weekly deal but it was fun to use my math brain on my birthday). Everyone who saw me on my birthday agreed that it looked like I dropped...stay in there baby!

What I'm Looking Forward To: My 36 week appointment next week! I want to see if all my braxton hicks and my what-feels-like dropping is doing anything! But on the other hand I REALLY want this baby to stay in there till 37 weeks so I can do a water birth...they won't allow water births unless you are 37 or more weeks. 2 weeks. Stay in there 2 weeks. Watch...I'll go till 41 weeks...wouldn't that be funny? not really:)

Nesting

Ahhh the wonderful burst of organizational, motivated, let's get-er-done right now that comes with the end of pregnancy! Honestly, I don't remember ever having 'that' with Judah (probably because my dear Ethan was still a BABY! They're a mere 18 months apart..)

But this time around? Watch out. I'm on a roll! The other day while sitting outside watching the kids decorate our driveway (side note: our new fave outdoor activity? Each boy has a box of chalk and mama lounges in a chair and watches the masterpieces unroll!) -- anywho, I was sitting outside and had this urge to write down EVERYTHING that needed to be done *ideally* before baby comes....

...yeah that was a BIG list. I then took my crazy long list and organized it into categories of
*TO DO
*TO BUY
*TO GET FROM ATTIC --which is a 'Joe' list...I'm not climbing up there!

I fit it all on one sheet of paper (with 3 columns - hooray for dorky-ness!) and am now planning how to work through it all.

This morning I awoke with some strange, strong, desire to conquer a part of that list! So I did. Booya. I'm calling it nesting.

8am this morning I plopped myself in the boys room with my cup of decaf coffee, my phone, turned on classical radio and got to work!

My goal today: Go through ALL the big boys (Ethan and Judah) clothes and pack away stuff that doesn't fit, pull out the upcoming/current sizes and clean off the top of their dresser (which was piled HIGH with jammies and other random clothes!) FOUR (yes...4!) hours later I emerged victorious! Those kids had a lot of stuff crammed in that dresser/closet!

I think some of my nesting energy must've rubbed off on Joe because he came in and helped with some of the BIG moving (which obviously I can't do!) - we had the boys' bunk beds staggered to we could sit in the bottom and we (aka: JOE) re-arranged them so they are right on-top of each other now (think classic bunks). This way we made room for the crib! wahoo!

Our home is a 2 bedroom so we have to be creative with beds and toys storage; hence the changing of the bunk configuration and we are going to invest in a mini-crib...I found out about mini cribs a few months ago and LOVE LOVE the idea! Babies never take up all of their crib anyways so why do you need a full-sized one? Plus, we make small babies and our older 2 were out of the crib by 1.5 and 2 yr old.

All this jibber-jabber to say that my nesting is in full-swing and hopefully we'll have the 'boys' room set up and ready to roll soon! I didn't take any 'before' pictures today partially because I was lazy and partially because I was embarrassed of how messy their dresser/closet was! I WILL take pictures of the finished product though:) We're planning on throwing some blue paint on the walls as well to make it a 'boys' room (they have lovely white walls now).

Ahhhh nesting. Please stick around...I only crossed a few things off my massive list!

34 weeks!

How Far Along: 34 weeks! Didn't I just do my 33 week post? Like I always say....time is flying!

Size of baby: Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. (thanks, BabyCenter.com!)

Milestones: His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. (Thanks again, BabyCenter.com!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I would guess 20...I don't have a scale but I know I'm getting bigger!

Maternity Clothes: Yep:) Maternity for anything other than lounge/workout clothes. I wore a non-maternity top today (shown in the pic above) and it was fine in the morning but by the evening it was riding up and my belly was making an appearance:) *Hence my hands under my belly hiding the skin!*

Gender: BOY:)

Movement: Yep! He gets REALLY crazy right around the time I'm exhausted and want to go to sleep...gee thanks bud:) It's kinda hard to get comfortable and sleep when you have an active baby in you.

Sleep: Piggy-backing off the 'movement' thing - I love to sleep but my babe likes to play when it's bedtime:) It takes a while to fall asleep and I'm up once (sometimes twice) a night to visit the potty. Thankfully I am still able to take naps almost daily - there are a few days a week were my schedule won't allow it.

What I miss: Lately I've been missing sleeping on my back - it's hard to find a comfortable position on my side but I freak out about laying on my back...it's only temporary though! Soon enough I'll be laying on my back with my cute baby next to me!

Cravings: I've been eating a lot of grapes and clementines lately and guzzling water...currently chocolate chip cookies sound good to me!

Symptoms: big ole belly, swollen fingers, my little waddle, starting to get some sharp pain around my tail-bone, lots of braxton hicks. The end is in sight - no time for complaining:)

Best Moment This Week: I've been able to work out 3-times/week though my whole pregnancy (dance-cardio-class) and last Friday our normal instructor was out of town and her sub didn't show up.....so yours truly taught the class! (background: I've been in 'training' to teach for a while now so I know all the choreography) I gave myself a pat on the back for teaching an hour class (obviously showing the lower impact option) at 33.5 weeks! p.s. it was a blast:)

What I'm Looking Forward To: Two things...
#1: my birthday is next Tuesday! I don't have anything extraordinary planned yet but I always enjoy my 'special' day and I wanted to make it past my birthday with this babe and all is looking well for that!
#2: my appointment in 2 weeks (36 weeks) and to see how things are 'progressing', I've been having lots of braxton hicks and hoping they're all doing something!

33 weeks!

Me with my 3 boys! I figure I should have some pictures of my prego belly with my adorable kids - glad I did:) Aren't their little bellies so cute?? yes they are.

Onto my weekly updates:
*like our new walls? I do!*
How Far Along: 33 weeks! It's flying by!

Size of baby: This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (like a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. (thanks, BabyCenter.com!)

Milestones: He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. (Thanks again, BabyCenter.com!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 19 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Yep:) Maternity for anything other than lounge/workout clothes.

Gender: BOY:)

Movement: All the time! He lets me know he's in there:)

Sleep: Once I find a comfortable position (key word: once) then I'm good to go! It does take me a while to get comfortable...

What I miss: I recently started getting (I think it's called) acid reflux - I remember having it with Judah near the end...not so fun revisiting what I recently ate...ick. It's worse when I'm laying flat - which makes falling asleep a little more difficult too! Enough with this complaining. I am so excited to meet this little man! All the discomfort is SO worth it:)

Cravings: I just ate a HUGE bowl of grapes and then followed it with a HUGE bowl of watermelon. All within 20 minutes. I guess I'm craving fresh fruit!

Symptoms: Typical 3rd trimester symptoms: big belly, tired, swollen fingers, hard to move, etc...

Best Moment This Week: Ethan's been asking when the baby's coming and I respond with "September" - I then explain that September is the month after August that we're in....that makes me so excited! I think the boys (Ethan especially) are getting anxious to meet their baby brother.

What I'm Looking Forward To: I don't want to say the end quite yet..I enjoy being pregnant and never want to take it for granted! I am looking forward to enjoying my mid-30's weeks before the end:) Bring it!

8 months!

How Far Along: 32 weeks - 8 months!

Size of baby: By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. (thanks, BabyCenter.com!)

Milestones: He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth. (Thanks again, BabyCenter.com!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 18 pounds- I had my appointment yesterday so I actually know my weight:)

Maternity Clothes: Yep:) Maternity tops for sure; maternity bottoms when I 'go out' and regular sweats and cotton shorts for lounging (or really anything besides Church and tutoring!)

Gender: BOY:)

Movement: He's my little mover!

Sleep: I get really tired at night but it takes forever to fall asleep! I think it's hard to find a comfortable position in our bed. I'm still napping pretty much everyday on the couch (which somehow I fall asleep right away!)

What I miss: Joe, Jordan, Ty, Christie and Luke did the Warrior Dash this past weekend and I admit I missed not being able to run in it too...but a BABY is SO worth it! I'll be in it next year - watch out!

Cravings: I've been drinking a lot of Gatorade and water - trying to stay hydrated in this wonderful summer heat! Chewy cookies have been a yummy treat too:)

Symptoms: My growing belly:) My fingers are starting to swell just a little..it's getting harder and harder to remove my ring at night. I'm sooo hoping I can wear it all the way to the end though!

Best Moment This Week: I had my 32 week appointment yesterday and I brought the kids with me - side note: they did AWESOME! - it was really neat to see their reactions to hearing the heartbeat:)

What I'm Looking Forward To: We recently picked up some paint to spruce up the house a little before the baby comes - I'm totally looking forward to that! I remember spending LOTS of time in the living room late into the evening with new babies and am excited to spend it in a 'pretty' living room:)

31 weeks!

**I realized that I'm wearing the same top (from working out) in my last weekly shot! opps. Can you tell I don't change my clothes after I work out on Wednesdays? I don't see why because it's so HOT I keep on sweating!**

How Far Along: 31 week! into the single digits countdown...wow!

Size of baby: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. (thanks, BabyCenter.com!)

Milestones: He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. **yes he is!* (Thanks again, BabyCenter.com!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 17ish pounds

Maternity Clothes: Yep:) I've been getting by with non-mat workout shorts and just recently bought the next size up...Girls XL:) It's the way to be frugal I tell ya! They fit the same as womens size S!

Gender: BOY:)

Movement: ALL THE TIME. literally. I notice when he's NOT moving more than when he is moving:) I love it!

Sleep: I want it a lot. I have a hard time falling asleep at night and going more than a few hours without a trip to the bathroom...bummer. I'm back to my daily naps (I had like 3-4 weeks of not daily naps...I wish that had lasted longer!)

What I miss: With this HEAT WAVE we're having I guess I miss being able to sit outside for long periods of time and enjoy the heat; now I sit outside for long periods of time and I get braxton hicks! Ah well:) Thank goodness for kiddie pools and AC!

Cravings: Watermelon sounds delicious right now!

Symptoms: My growing belly:) Really tired. Hard to get up and down off the floor:)

Best Moment This Week: Realizing I'm into the single digit countdown! 9 weeks or less...wow! Both my boys came early so we'll see.....

What I'm Looking Forward To: I have my 32 week appointment next week - I'm looking forward to seeing how things are going! Appointments are always fun:)

Baby on the brain

My kids are starting to latch onto the idea that I have a REAL baby in me! It is adorable:) I'm sure the fact that I'm a lot rounder and that my roundness will kick them is helping...

I've been trying to remember some of the cute questions/comments that they've been asking me about their baby brother -- OF COURSE there's a TON where I say to myself "that is soooo funny! I need to write that down!" and then I don't. Fail. Here's a few that I do remember...

**I was walking in front of Ethan and he said to me:
Ethan: Mommy! The baby's sure is making your back bigger!
Me: Thanks bud:)

**Judah looking at my belly:
Judah: Mommy has baby in her tummy and my have belly in my tummy!
*gotta love the 2-yr old dialect!

**Ethan watching me take a drink of water on a VERY HOT day:
Ethan: Thanks mommy for giving the baby a drink of water - I think my baby brother was thirsty.

**It was down-pouring rain the other week and everyone had raincoats on except me (I had an umbrella)
Ethan: MOMMY! The baby doesn't have a raincoat! It's going to get all wet!

**Both Ethan and Judah are convinced that we should name the baby IRON MAN. Oh boy.

**Both boys are recently obsessed with pretending their stuffed animals are babies; they put the babies to sleep, feed them, calm them down, tell me to whisper and on and on!

I know there were other funny quotes they've said to me but of course I can't remember them...blame it on pregnancy brain? yep. That's what I'm going with:)

Ethan asked once how babies were made...oy. Come on buddy, you're only 4...give me a few years to come up with an eloquent answer! I kinda-sorta side-stepped it and said we'd talk more about it later - he hasn't brought it up since. whew. Daddy might have to tackle that one:)

All I know is that Ethan and Judah are both PUMPED for their baby brother to come!

30 weeks!

How Far Along: 30 week! wow!

Size of baby: My baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). (thanks, BabyCenter.com!)

Milestones: His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.) (Thanks again, BabyCenter.com!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 16ish pounds

Maternity Clothes: Yep:)

Gender: BOY:)

Movement: Oh yeah! He is C.R.A.Z.Y!

Sleep: Yes please. I went to bed last night at 9:30 - I was so tired but of course I laid in bed for what seems like forever! But once I did fall into that blissful sleep it was wonderful...until I woke up at 1am to pee:)

What I miss: Piggy-backing off the last question...I sometimes miss sleeping through the night? It'll be another year till that happens again...lol!

Cravings: WATER! I ate a bunch of cucumbers today that tasted so good!

Symptoms: My growing belly:)

Best Moment This Week: Ethan proudly told the bank teller that..."the bump on my mommy's tummy has my baby brother in it!" Thanks for explaining what the bumps for bud:) And claiming the baby as "my baby brother!"

What I'm Looking Forward To: I'm just enjoying every day with this little guy - I can't think of anything in particular I'm looking forward...just loving each moment of this pregnancy!

29 weeks!

How Far Along: 29 weeks! I feel like I just did my 28 week update...time is flying!

Size of baby: My baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. (thanks, BabyCenter.com!)

Milestones: His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. (Thanks again, BabyCenter.com!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 15-16ish pounds

Maternity Clothes: Yep. I can still manage some baby doll tops and sport shorts but mainly maternity. I've been living in my workout cotton shorts (non-maternity) in this wonderful hot weather! I should really pick up another pair...

Gender: BOY:)

Movement: Yep! He is C.R.A.Z.Y!

Sleep: It's harder to fall asleep but I sure do love once I fall asleep!

What I miss: I've been having some low back aches so perhaps I miss my non-achy back? BUT I figure my back is achy due to the growing baby in front and I'm happy about the growing baby!

Cravings: We had some delicious watermelon on the 4th and I seriously ate half the melon...Mmm. Wonderful hot summer food!

Symptoms: My growing belly;) Perhaps a little waddle? I feel like it at least!

Best Moment This Week: We had a wonderful family weekend this past week and I had a bunch of moments where I'd smile and think "next year we'll have a 3rd little guy in the mix!" LOVE IT.

What I'm Looking Forward To: I can't believe I'm already 29 weeks! I guess I'm looking forward to saying the prefix of '30' starting next week...30 seems so close to the end! I'm really trying to savor each moment of this pregnancy:)

28 weeks = 7 months!

How Far Along: 28 weeks! 7 months:)

Size of baby: By this week, my baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels.(thanks, BabyCenter.com!)

Milestones: With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. *cool!* (Thanks again, BabyCenter.com!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 15ish pounds

Maternity Clothes: Yep. I can still manage some baby doll tops and sport shorts but mainly maternity.

Gender: BOY:)

Movement: Yep! He's a mover!

Sleep: It's harder to fall asleep but I sure do love once I fall asleep!

What I miss: Not a whole lot! Sometimes I miss caffeine but other days I don't even think about it:)

Cravings: Water in this HOT weather (hooray for summer!); fresh fruit; good corn on the cob

Symptoms: My growing belly;) My moans when I get up and down off the floor...

Best Moment This Week: Today was the best and worst....I took my 3 hour glucose tolerance test this morning (worst moment of the week) and I got my results this afternoon....I PASSED! With flying colors too! (BEST moment of the week!) wahoo!

What I'm Looking Forward To: NOT having to retest for gestational diabetes (I had to retest my 3 hour test with Judah because I 'barely' passed..then I failed the 2nd one) I TOTALLY passed this one so I officially don't have it! I chalk it up to me working out so much with this pregnancy:) I'm at the gym 3 times a week for an hour and I think it's paying off - I've heard that consistent exercise can help with GD!

1 year later

As I sit here on the couch - my feet propped up - browsing blogs and facebook it dawned on me what the date it today....JUNE 27th. Not a big deal to many - but it's a date that I will forever remember. It's the date that God called my precious unborn baby home one-year ago.

I learned a lot in that year. I learned that not everything goes according to my plan; I learned to mourn; I learned to be patient; I learned to trust and I learned to be content in my current situations.

One year later I sit here on the couch and praise God for His perfect plan and timing - I praise God for the little baby boy I feel dancing in me as I type! I praise God for teaching me all the tough lessons I needed to learn. I praise God that HE is in control of all things and not me...now that would be a mess:)

A major lesson I learned through the whole miscarriage is to be CONTENT. To be content in every situation; being pregnant or not - having a job or not - having well behaved children or not - and on and on!

I mentioned a long time ago the newest tattoo I got (last August) and it was inspired by the overwhelming theme of being content that I learned last summer.

It's the Greek word for 'content' from Philippians 4:11

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need,
for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.
In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

One year later. One year stronger. One year wiser. Thank you God!

Lord willing next June 27th we'll have 3 little boys running around ages 5, 3.5 and 9 months!