35 Weeks Pregnant

How far along? 35 weeks, what what!
Total weight gain: Would you believe me if I said I didn't weigh myself this morning? Ha, I wouldn't either! But honestly, I didn't. My obsessive behavior with the scale is starting to go away. Either that, or my scale is afraid of me... 
Maternity clothes? Just maternity jeans in this week's outfit. The top is actually a super mini dress from H&M that's nice and stretchy. I feel like it really shows off the bump(s) hehe. 
Stretch marks?  Yeah yeah whatever
Best moment this week: We met with another potential Pediatrician this week and I really liked her! She's a Naturopathic Doctor and I feel like we totally vibed. Vince, as usual, will take a little more convincing but his skepticism is one of the many things I love about him. Even if it kills me sometimes.
Miss anything? Restful sleep that lasts more than 2 hours. I swear my body is already preparing me for life with a newborn. I constantly wake up every 2 hours, whether it's to pee, roll over, pop some tums, or to sing an obnoxious song in my head that's been stuck for days... Also, I could really go for a glass of red wine right now and some salami.
Movement: He is definitely running out of room in there. The last few appointments with my midwife he has been camped out on the right side, head down (good boy!). He really enjoys sticking his butt in my ribs and pushing body parts out. Not much of a kicker these days, more of a pusher. Which is equally fun to feel. Oh and I keep forgetting to mention this but holy hiccups, batman! He gets the hiccups daily, sometimes multiple times a day. I sure feel bad for him, the hiccups suuuck. But apparently it means he is practicing breathing which is a very good thing, so keep it up little one!
Food cravings: None. I feel so boring! I so badly wanted to have crazy cravings and want weird stuff all the time but that just never seemed to happen for me. Oh well. Lucky Vince, I guess.
Anything making you queasy or sick: My acid reflux keeps trying to turn into something ugly. I sure hate it.
Gender: Boy
Symptoms: Ive pretty much mentioned them all. Acid reflux, terrible sleep, hip pain... Oh! My sides, I wouldn't really call it my hips but more toward my belly, have been pretty achy. Almost like they need to be stretched out really bad which is impossible to do with a big ol belly in the way. Sleep sucks, I mentioned that though. It's funny because everyone keeps asking me if I'm over being pregnant and honestly, no! I've loved it so far and I feel like I'm not  terribly uncomfortable and could definitely be fine another 5 weeks, but let's not push it much further than that, ok baby?

Labor signs: Lots of Braxton hicks contractions and shooting vajayjay pains
Belly button in or out? Out
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or moody most of the time: Can I say both? I've been a mixture this week. Mostly happy though! But occasionally when I get overwhelmed, I get a little crankzilla.
Looking forward to: I have acupuncture in the morning and will continue going once a week until baby is here! I love my acupuncturist, Lindsay, she is amaze-balls. We did have to learn the hard way that I can no longer lay down during my sessions due to my acid reflux, but never the less, I love getting poked by those needles. Freaky, huh? Also, tomorrow my mom is coming by for some much needed organization in the kitchen! Nesting plus hanging with mom? Sweet deal! 

Weekend Roundup

It was such a gorgeous weekend here in the PNW and the hubs and I got to enjoy together. 

Saturday we had our last Bradley method class which was very bittersweet. It's crazy to think we are now "graduated" from the class and are allowed to birth our babies now. Overall I feel like we learned so much and I am excited (and terrified) to see how the whole labor process pans out. 

The next time we will be seeing all of our fellow classmates, we will all have little babies! Two of the couples actually ended up not making it to our last class because they had already popped!

A girlfriend of mine from grade school, who is also knocked up, came over after and we shared stories and embarrassing moments. I'm a few months ahead of her so I had plenty embarrassing stories to share. I'm sure I didn't frighten her too terribly..

Sunday was a busy day full of birthday parties and a dinner with my mama. It was gorgeous out and we spent the entire day basking in the sun! That little taste of sunshine was delicious. 

And now it's Monday & another week closer to baby! 

What To Expect - The Ugly Side of Pregnancy Symptoms

Let's be real. All those pregnancy books you've been reading talk all about baby and barely mention what's going on with mama. There are a lot of freaky things that happen during pregnancy so I'm sharing just a few with you guys today.

And of course, as a disclaimer, this is meant to be taken somewhat lightly. While all are true of myself, it doesn't mean these are inevitably going to happen to you. However, if they don't, consider yourself lucky little miss! 

Anyway, enough rambles. Here are my Top 10 Favorite Pregnancy Symptoms [insert eye roll] 

1. Gas. And I'm not talking about those cute little toots or even those silent but deadly ones. I'm taking about the not so silent yet still very deadly farts. 

2. Peeing Your Pants. Be prepared for a little trickle every time you sneeze, cough, laugh, or simply roll out of bed. And don't expect it to get any better the further you progress. Get yourself some panty liners and while you're at it stock up on some extra underwear. And I'm not talking about those cute little Victoria Secret ones, go get yourself some good old fashion no-name brand granny panties and enjoy!

3. Stretch Marks. Don't kid yourself into thinking that you'll be that one lucky lady that never gets stretch marks. And if you happen to be that one lucky lady, bug off. Stretch marks are a glorious thing. No matter how much body butter you use, those bad boys are still coming for you! I think I went through about 3 huge jars of tummy butter and let me tell you, that stuff doesn't work. Sure, it helped make my dry skin feel more moisturized but I still got a plethora of stretch marks on my hips. 

4. Rashes/Weird Skin Shtuff. Let's face it, things start rubbing together after a while and your skin gets angry. Grab that A&D ointment out of your already prepared diaper bag and rub it on. You may smell like a baby's arse but at least your skin will thank you. 

5. Leaky Boobs. Guys, this can be real awkward. Warn your husbands now to avoid the look of pure horror that may come across his face should we decide to squeeze your boob so hard that colostrum leaks out. Colostrum, what's that - you say? It's a lovely tannish thick liquid full of fat & nutrients meant for baby's first few days of life. However, while it's meant for baby, it sometimes likes to make it's debut a little too early leaving you with wet patches on your shirt. I have no advice for this other than just know that it's normal and baby will still get plenty upon arrival. 

6. Acid Reflux. This one struck me hard. If you've never had acid reflux or heartburn before, consider yourself lucky. It's a feeling that's a little hard to explain but is pretty similar to that feeling you get right before you're about to throw up but minus the nauseous. And it tends to linger in the back of your throat for a long time. For me, I can't lay down after eating or eat too many carbs before bed time. Tums, Maalox, and Zantac are great options to alleviate the burn. But if you have it bad like I do, nothing truly helps. 

7. Double Chin Syndrome. Scratch that, I think I have a quadruple chin at this point. I've tried accepting him, and even give him a loving grab every now and then. But let's face it, he is one ugly side affect of pregnancy. 

8. Random Bouts of Crazy. Some days when I'm acting especially crazy and just can't get a hold of myself and my husband asks why or what's wrong I simply reply "because I'm pregnant!" It sure seems like a good enough excuse at the time. But in all honesty some days I just don't have the energy to think clearly and blame it all on pregnancy. You have been warned, pregnancy will make you a crazy basket case and there's no true rhyme or reason other than 'damn it, I'm pregnant!'

9. Insomnia. You know that thing you will never have again once baby is born? Yeah, sleep, that's the one. Well, you might as well kiss it goodbye as soon as you see those two pink lines. Not only will you soon be forced to sleep in one position for the next 9 months (preferably your left side but right is ok too) but you will also suffer from what I call the 'pregnancy induced mind race.' If you have learned how to turn this switch off, please teach me your ways. For I have simply no clue how to turn it off. While I lay in bed, tossing and turning from one side to the other with excruciating hip pain, my mind begins to wander. I turn into a self conscious crazed psychopath,  convincing myself that "I will never be a good mom, I have no clue what I'm doing, this poor child is going to hate me,  what if I can't do this," oh and the list continues. And when I'm not being a psycho, my thoughts drift to "crap, I need to deep clean the kitchen, oh and I need to organize the linen closet, and I really need to get better about meal planning." And it seems the only time my mind races like this is when I'm laying in bed, uncomfortably on my left side, trying to control my inevitable acid reflux and wishing I could just sleep in a bath tub of jello. 

10. Cellulite. What's that, you ask? Seriously, go away. Ladies, I'll be honest. I definitely had my fair share of cellulite prior to pregnancy but can someone please explain to me how it is humanly possible to get cellulite on the front of your thighs? And not to mention, every other orface of my body! Nasty stuff I tell you. Get to squatting now ladies! 

Enjoy the next 9 months of all this sexiness. You're sure to miss it once that little one arrives!

Honorable Mentions:  Pure Laziness, Hair Growth (Good & Bad), Teenage Pizza Face, Swollen Piggies, and many more!

34 Weeks Pregnant

Sorry for the crappy picture this week. I had a good friend over today and we just happened to snap one together but out of respect for her privacy, I cropped her out. So no, I'm not just floating there. Although, I wish I could just float right now and leave these heavy body. Oh, to be a dreamer..

Oh and yes, I skipped my week 33 post due to pure laziness. Good excuse, huh? 

How far along? 34 Weeks and 1 Day! 
Total weight gain: 35lbs yeaah baby
Maternity clothes?  This top is Forever 21, just super stretchy and comfy. And jeans are my favorite Mavi maternity brand skinny jeans. 
Stretch marks?  A few more have popped up, sadly. I noticed a few ion my tummy now instead of just my hips. 
Best moment this week: We had our last Bradley class this morning and I am beginning to get a little anxious! Over the last twelve weeks I feel like we have learned so much and I just can't believe we are done now and supposed to figure this all out. I'm pretty excited for it all but nervous at the same time. I'm hoping we will be able to put all that knowledge to good use! We also found out this past week that my other sister in law is pregnant! So we will have 3 fresh babies by the end of September! I am so excited and happy for her and can't wait for all these babies to pop up. Also, spent the day with a good friend, Kelsey, who is also prego! Yay for prego ladies all around.
Miss anything? I've been craving a glass of red wine lately, but am of course resisting the urge. It just sounds so delicious right now! 
Movement: He has been so pushy these days! I have noticed now that he doesn't have as much room that he tends to push his butt in my ribs or stick his foot out. It's definitely a different feeling from actual kicks. He seems to be pretty comfy with his head down and hanging out on my right side. Though I've heard this can lead to him potentially sunny side up for delivery so if he doesn't go to my left in a few weeks then I'll have to figure out some maneuvers to get him over. 
Food cravings: None
Anything making you queasy or sick: No but if I cough too hard I gag myself, which is pretty awesome. 
Gender: Boy
Symptoms: Just overall largeness. I posted last week about all my favorite symptoms of pregnancy and you can read all about that. 

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks are the norm these days. I seem to get them with too much activity, and sometimes even just from getting up from a seated position. 
Belly button in or out? Out
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: I always look forward to my midwife appointments and we have one coming up on Monday. It's getting so much closer and I'm really just so excited! 

The Dog Did It

You see this little gem right here? Yeah, that used to be a grande latte (decaf, don't you worry!) from Starbucks. However, after leaving my glorious beverage on the coffee table and retreating to my closet for a quick change of clothes, I come downstairs to discover that someone decided they wanted a latte too. 

Now, I can't tell you which one of them did it. But these two right here are trouble. Just trouble, I tell you!

And yet now look at them, so peaceful and cuddled together. How could I scold such sweet faces? 

Oh, and did I mention the latte was half full? Oh yeah... this will be an interesting night!

Large & Not-So-In-Charge

Some days - and let me tell you, this is one of those days - I simply feel large and not-so in charge. Being now that I am 8 months pregnant, everything is growing. And I mean EVERYTHING. Don't get me wrong, I know it's all for the sake of growing a precious human being but no one ever said how hard it would be! And hold on a second, did you catch that? I am growing a human being in my body! 

I literally have fat rolls in places I didn't even know could have fat rolls. My feet swell up just from standing too long. I get contractions as soon as I get out of bed and move around. I pee myself every time I laugh too hard or sneeze or cough. Nothing ever sounds good to eat and I swear I'm not eating an entire cow a day, yet somehow I manage to gain over 2 lbs every week. What is up with that?! Oh and the best part, if I exercise I get contractions. My body is working against me! I swear it just wants me to be 300 pounds and a hot mess. 

Aside from feeling large - and I suppose I should rephrase that because I don't just feel large, let's be honest, I am way larger than I've ever been! I don't feel so in charge of myself anymore. 

My emotions, thoughts, everything! is simply out of my control. I freak out over the dumbest thing - such as my husband forgetting to put his dirty dishes away - and am totally chill about bigger, more important things that would normally cause a major panic attack. Say what?! My poor husband! He probably thinks I have gone totally mental. But let's face it, I have!

At the end of the day, I have to gently remind myself again that I am growing a tiny person. And while my body and mind are totally not my own any longer, this little human is going to be so damn worth it! I will soon forget about my sleepless nights, peeing my pants, and turning into a whale and I will be consumed by this little man. But until the day comes... I'm just large & not-so in charge. 

32 Weeks Pregnant

Oh my! I have been such a bad blogger lately! And to be honest, I don't have a good excuse other than just pure laziness. I don't have a picture for you for this weeks update but I promise I will do my best to get better and be a good blogger again soon. 

How far along? 32 Weeks and 4 Days
Total weight gain: 33 pounds total as of this morning
Maternity clothes?  Yep! But mostly loving regular leggings/yoga pants and a nice flowy top
Stretch marks?  The usual on my hips plus I found one more on the bottom of my belly. I'm still applying lotion like crazy but oh well I suppose it's just the nature of it all. 
Best moment this week: Sunday was my first baby shower hosted by my sister-in-laws and it was so much fun! They did such a great job setting everything up and having some games prepared for us. It was really nice to sit back and hang out with friends and family. My aunt is hosting another shower for me in a few weeks which will have some family that wasn't able to attend and that will be very nice. It's starting to get real!
Miss anything? Not really
Movement: I think he's starting to get cramped in there! He loves to stick his feet in my ribs and push against my stomach, it's like he's trying to get out, such a funny feeling but I love it. I'm really going to miss it when he's not in there anymore..
Food cravings: Nope
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Gender: Baby boy T
Labor signs: Lots of Braxton hicks contractions but not other major signs
Symptoms: Heartburn is out of control, especially at night, and my midwife says it's not going to get any better until he is out. I'm having to take Zantac daily in order to not throw up, which I'm really not happy about. I try to avoid drugs at all costs and prefer natural alternatives so this has been a real struggle for me to have to take something. But baby boy needs to be safe and get calories and nuritiment so looks like I'm just going to have to stick with it for the next few weeks 
Belly button in or out? Outie!
Wedding rings on or off? On still, which I'm happy about! Haven't had any swelling, luckily. 
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: We have two classes left in our Bradley method series and I'm really excited to finish out the class. It has been such a huge help to us and we have both learned so much. I am looking forward to putting all the knowledge to use!

Share the Love Blog Hop : March 2014

I am super excited to be co-hosting the Share the Love Blog Hop for March 2014 with some lovely ladies! Go check out their blogs and add your link below. :)

Welcome to Share the Love Blog Hop for March 2014!

Come and add your blog and social media accounts and find other great blogs to follow.
Don't forget to comment and let others know how you find them

HOSTS
Natasha from Serenity You
Consie from Atop Serenity Hill
Danielle from Life of a Full Time Mom
Jessica from The Silvah Lining

Every month Share the Love blog hop will be on ALL of the hosts blog along with the co-hosts blogs

Rules:
1. Please follow your hosts @ number 1-4 and The co-hosts at number 5-8.  And any others that you like.
2. Please leave a comment on their blog letting them know that you are a new follower and found them on 'share the love blog hop'
3. Have Fun!!

I am scheduling co-hosts now for May/June
If you would like to be a future co-host please fill in this Form

 
Cathy from A Peek Into My Paradise
Tiffany from MrsTeeLoveLifeLaughter
Jess from The Honeydew Blog
April & Crystal from Two Chics and a Blog

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