32 Weeks!

This has been a really productive week!  Last week I didn’t get much of anything done because of VBS and sheer exhaustion.  But I’ve made great strides this week!  Check out my To Do List that I posted a few weeks ago!  So much has been completed!  We are having Caroline’s birthday party this weekend.  So by Saturday that will be marked off as well!  Yay! 

How far along: 32 weeks!

How big is baby:  The size of a squash!!

Weight gain/loss: Thank heavens.  I only gained 2lbs in the last two weeks…which is shocking given the amount of donuts I ate on our mini-vacation.  So total I’m +27lbs. 

Stretch marks: All of a sudden, new ones are popping up everywhere and all the old ones are becoming more visible.  Battle scars of pregnancy! 

Maternity clothes:  Yes.  Even my biggest ones don’t fit well…especially in the pants.  You want to know where the majority of those 27lbs have gone?  My THIGHS AND BUTT….which makes it difficult to pull pants on, if you catch my drift.

Sleep: Has been better this week.  I’m thankful.  I’ve been forcing myself not to take a nap when the girls nap, and it makes my nighttime sleep much better.

Food cravings or aversions: Actually, I’m really not that hungry anymore.  I eat, but I don’t stuff myself. 

Gender: BOY! 

Movement:  Yes.  I love his movements…I know I’ll miss that part when I’m not pregnant anymore.

Belly button: Flat.  Extremely flat.

What I'm loving: Getting stuff accomplished!  I’ve gotten so much done this week.  I cleaned all my breastpump stuff and replaced the membranes on it, got Walker’s coming home outfit, washed and folded/hung all of his clothes, got his bedding (pictures coming soon!), mostly packed my hospital bag, made 1 of the “big sis” shirts, made Caroline’s 3 year video, and I can’t remember anything else.  That’s all been done THIS WEEK!  Yay!  By the end of the weekend you can also add to that list:  painted nursery, Caroline’s party!

What I miss: My pelvis not hurting.  It is so painful! 

What's different this time:  I’m getting a lot of “You won’t make it to August…” type comments just based on my size from random people that I don’t know.  I didn’t get those with the girls.  I know I look bigger this time but I didn’t realize I looked that much bigger.  Cashiers especially love to tell me how huge I look.  Ha! 

Another difference this time has been swelling.  I didn’t swell much with Caroline (a few times my feet swelled) and with Amelia I didn’t swell at all.  This time, my LEGS are swelling.  Not my feet but my legs!  It’s kind of painful!  I think it mostly likely has to do with the fact that it’s 100 degrees outside.  Ugh!

This was taken at midnight last night and I had been up since about 5am….excuse the way I look.

I had my 32w doctor’s appointment yesterday.  I was honestly VERY shocked that I’m still long and closed.  No progress so far!  (I’m happily shocked!) It’s crazy that I can have so many (sometimes painful) contractions and it not “do” anything.  In other news, when he measured my uterus, he was literally up in my ribs.  There is honestly no more room for my uterus to move UP – only out!

31 Weeks!

How far along: 31 weeks!

How big is baby:  The size of a pineapple!!

Weight gain/loss: I haven’t weighed in several days.  Given the fact that we bought a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts on our weekend trip last weekend, probably not good.  (But worth every pound!!)

Stretch marks: All of a sudden, new ones are popping up everywhere and all the old ones are becoming more visible.  Battle scars of pregnancy! 

Maternity clothes:  Yes.  I really need some shirts that cover my belly better, but I’m so close to the end now that I don’t want to spend the money on them!  So if you notice that I rotate the same 4 shirts over and over again – now you know why.

Sleep: Not great.  I did break down and take some Tylenol before bed last night and I slept a lot better.  We’ve had VBS this week (I teach) and I’m SO tired at night, but for some reason I can’t fall asleep.  It’s incredibly annoying!

Food cravings or aversions: No real cravings or aversions.  I just really, really love food right now.

Gender: BOY! 

Movement:  Yes, although it is slowing down a lot.  When he does move, you can totally see it from the outside!

Belly button: Flat.  Extremely flat.

What I'm loving: This is a tough question.  I do love feeling his hiccups.  They’re cute.  I also love looking at his fat cheeks on that ultrasound photo from nearly 2 weeks ago!

What I miss: Sleeping, bending over, being comfortable, breathing normally….lol…I’ll stop here.

What's different this time:  I’m just REALLY uncomfortable this time.  Way more than the other 2 pregnancies.  I feel now the way I did in the end of my pregnancies with the girls.  My pelvis, hips, and joints hurt so badly.  I’m beyond tired…I’m exhausted.  All the time.  Third baby syndrome maybe?  I’ve heard that the 3rd one always throws you for a loops because it’s usually different from the others.  I guess we’ll see! 

The number 1 thing is that Walker is healthy and still growing!  Even though I’m terribly uncomfortable, I hate thinking of him coming too early and not being ready yet.  I hope he stays in as long as he needs! 

I don’t have a picture this week.  Just imagine a really large, top heavy Kacie.  There you go.  That’s what I look like. 

Happy 18 Months, Amelia!

Well, you are officially 1 1/2 years old.  It honestly seems like yesterday we were having your birthday party – and somehow that was 6 months ago! 

You are so funny.  You love to plug your ears.  Of course, your favorite time to do it is when the congregation is singing in church.  You’ve actually made song leaders laugh while leading singing.  (And for the record, you’ve done it with me and your daddy holding you – so it’s not just my voice that does it to you…ha!)  Speaking of church, you seem to have a crush on our preacher.  This absolutely cracks me up, because your sister does too!  You go about it in a totally different way, though.  You tease.  You smile and wave and cut your eyes at him while he’s standing up there preaching or during the invitation song…but when it’s over and he tries to talk to you – you run as far as away as you can get!  You bury your head in my shoulder and wait until he’s gone to look up!  It is SO cute.  He loves it, too.  You two definitely have a “thing” for our preacher…I hope you always go after godly men!   

You are starting to talk a lot more.  You can say several words very clearly and then some that only Judd and I can decipher.  You can say Papaw, no, thank you, ah-oh, Deda, Daddy, Mama, Audra, Drew, Oma, you try really hard to say Granna and Caroline but they’re a little bit tougher, more, I need, pig, Duke, Sassy, all done, bye bye, hello (hewhoa), baby, and stomp.  I’m sure I’m missing some, but those are the ones you say most often!  You can also kinda sorta count to 6.  You need someone to start you off with 1, but you can usually go from there to 6 and then you start saying random numbers. 

You LOVE:  Caroline, sunglasses, your leapfrog alphabet toy, your blankie, your bed, goldfish, juice, milk, Mama, Daddy, bathtime, playing in the water, books, the iPad, playing in the potty (this is a no-no!), someone singing to you, chicken nuggets, jell-o, giving a high five, Dora & Diego, jumping, Ms. Lois, and any game with Caroline! 

You hate:  Getting your hair washed, Mama Daddy or Ms. Lois leaving you, Caroline taking your toy, getting your teeth brushed, Duke & Sassy (they scare you!), bread (you don’t necessarily HATE bread, but you choose other things over bread – which blows my mind because I LOVE bread!), being told “no,” and not getting a snack after your nap. 

You are SO tender hearted.  You cry SO easily if we tell you “no-no” or even just change our tone of voice with you.  It’s an all over cry, too.  You cry huge alligator tears and need lots of hugs to get over it.  It makes it REALLY hard to ever discipline you!  (I think you’ve got a genius plan, there.) 

You have 3 molars now and 1 more trying to cut through.  Molars have been difficult for you – but hopefully after this next one we’ll have a break for a little while!

You are growing up WAY too fast!  Your personality changes all the time, but I think it’s safe to say that you’re shy.  When you’re around new people you don’t talk much and are really clingy.  The biggest mistake people make it trying to come on to you too quickly.  You will shut them down for the rest of their visit!  Ha!  You ease yourself into social situations.  Most people that know you, know this about you so they try to be easy with you – but they all want to love on you! 

 

We love you SO much!  You and Caroline have SO much fun together.  I’m ecstatic that you will always have each other!  You two really are best friends – even at this young age!  I know you’ll be a sweet big sister when the time comes – but know that my love for you will never divide – only grow bigger.  My heart has room for all of you!  You are such a joy.  I love you more than you’ll EVER know. 

Mama

30 Weeks!

How far along: 30 weeks!

How big is baby:  The size of a cucumber, bag of oranges, sock full of nickels, whatever.  Ha.  At the u/s this morning, they measured him to be 3lbs 9oz.    (Those things can be off though!)

Weight gain/loss: Are you ready for this?  (P.S.  I can’t believe I’m posting this for the whole world…) +25lbs.  Yes, I gained nearly 6lbs in 2 weeks.  HOLY COW (cow being the keyword, here..)  I think it’s time to put the fork down and back away slowly quickly from the cookie cake.

Stretch marks: Same as before. 

Maternity clothes:  Yes.  My large t-shirts are feeling snug in the belly.  Anyone want to donate some XL’s? 

Sleep: Not good.  Not good at all.  I actually thought to myself last night…”Even though sleep with a newborn is almost non-existent, at least you aren’t in PAIN anymore.”  So I’m pretty sure I’ve reached that point where the pain isn’t worth the broken sleep that I do get.  I am tired.

Food cravings or aversions: Even after my incredible weight gain in 2 weeks – I’m sitting here thinking about how great a Krispy Kreme donut would be.  It’s really sad that I have no willpower. 

Gender: BOY!  We got another look today – definitely a boy.  And not a shy one, either!

Movement:  Crazy movement.  It’s not really rolls and stuff anymore.  Just kicks and jabs.  It' seems like he’s trying to break out through my bellybutton. 

Belly button: Flat.  Caroline seems to think that my bellybutton is where the baby will come out of.  I can’t decide if that would be better or worse…ha!

What I'm loving: The ultrasound today!  I got to see his cute little face!  He has chubby cheeks – just like Amelia!  He has a little bit of hair, and fat chubby fingers that he likes up by his face.  Seriously, I fell in love.  He measured about 3lbs 9oz and a few weeks ahead of schedule…although that could even out in the next few weeks.    Not to give you more details than you want, but since I’ve had so many contractions lately, I got checked.  I was so relieved to find out that they apparently aren’t doing anything and everything is looking perfect. 

What I miss: Honestly?  Just being comfortable.  I miss being comfortable. 

What's different this time:  Well, I’m almost to same FINAL weight that I had with Caroline at almost 38 weeks…so…the weight gain is different.  Part of me wonders if it’s the gender difference, but another part of me thinks I’ve probably just eaten too many sweets.  Ha. 

I’m also just INCREDIBLY uncomfortable.  Walking, sitting, even laying in the bed can be painful.  I feel now the way I did at the end with the girls.  It’s so different than last time. 

Overall, I’m teetering between being ready for this all to be over with and needing more time to finish all the stuff I have to do.  We still need to paint Walker’s room, get his clothes washed and his closet organized, shampoo the carpet in the playroom, and a few odds & ends things.  But compared to my list a few weeks ago, we’re looking much better!  I’ve actually been updating it as I complete things. 

37w pregnant with Caroline (above!)

30w pregnant with Walker!

I think for 7 weeks difference, I don’t look too far off from where I was with Caroline with I delivered.  I feel about the same, too.  Ha!

Judd and I may be going on a short weekend trip this weekend to just relax.  I figure it’ll be the last super relaxing weekend we’ll have for a long time.  Crossing my fingers for all the stars to align so we can go!  Have a great weekend!

29 Weeks

We are creeping towards the homestretch!  Something about this being my last week in the twenties brings me anxiety.  However, I have actually made a decent amount of progress in preparing, which makes me feel better.  

We got the bookshelf for Caroline & Amelia’s room and it finally feels put together.  I feel like for the first time since we moved into this house 2 years ago, I’m happy with it.  Amelia is still sleeping in Walker’s (soon to be) room, and I am just going to let her keep sleeping in there until she seems more ready for a big girl bed.  Walker will be in our room for a while anyway.  I did a separate post for her room!  (See below this one!)

How far along: 29 weeks!

How big is baby:  The size of an acorn squash….?  Such weird comparisons.  These come from my e-mail newsletter thingy.  

Weight gain/loss: +20lbs as of this morning.  

Stretch marks: Same as before.  

Maternity clothes:  Yes, and only the comfy ones.  Loungy type, baggy, pajama looking clothes.  That’s me.  It’s SO hot outside.

Sleep: Getting up to pee every night again.  But since I’m basically a zombie walking in there, it’s really not a big deal.  I can usually go right back to sleep.  I’m uncomfortable – I feel like a huge, heavy bowling ball is under my shirt but it is going to get worse before it gets better so I’m attempting to stay positive! Ha!

Food cravings or aversions: Cookie Cake.  Still craving cookie cake.  My meals are getting smaller though.  I can’t stuff myself like before.  It makes me feel sick.  Smaller, more frequent meals work better!

Gender: BOY!  I have my last ultrasound next week and I plan on having one more look, just to make sure.  Ha!

Movement:  Lots!  He’s in my ribs, officially.  They feel bruised!

Belly button: Flat.  Caroline was playing with Judd’s bellybutton the other day and Judd told her, “Look at mommy’s….she doesn’t have one!” and then laughed uncontrollably.  He’s so sweet.

What I'm loving:  The bedding should be coming in soonish…then I can paint!  I have a bajillion clothes to wash for him.  I got a few things at a consignment sale earlier this year and then a friend of Audra’s sold me a HUGE sack full of clothes for a ridiculously cheap price.  I was so thankful!  Mom also got him a couple of cute little outfits!  Sweet little baby laundry – if there’s any kind of laundry to have to do, little teeny itty bitty baby laundry is the best kind.    After that, I’ll just need to get the swing (I think I decided on the Fisher Price “My Little Snuggabunny” since it has the AC adapter and won’t suck batteries down like a drain. Anyone have it and love it or hate it?) and pack my hospital bag.

I’ve learned a lot with the other two about what I need to pack for the hospital….not much.  The first time, I totally overpacked.  It was like I was going on a week long vacation where there would be no civilization for 100 miles.  I took everything except my microwave.  The second time, I was throwing stuff in a bag while my Dr. stood at the foot of the bed telling us to hurry up because I wasn’t quite prepared and ended up forgetting half the stuff I actually needed.  This time, I’m going to pack around 33ish weeks (just in case he makes a surprise visit like his big sister) and pack lightly.  You really don’t need a lot while you’re there.  

Past that, I just have a few little things that won’t take too terribly long…then I just need a baby!

What I miss: Bending over.  I really miss bending over without feeling like I’m squishing something that doesn’t “give” much.    

  

What's different this time:  With Amelia, I honestly thought that since I was spoiled with having Caroline at 37w, I would end up going overdue with the next.  She came early, so now I sit here…all. the. time. wondering when this baby will come.  We have some people that swear I’ll go overdue with this one.  Then some people are positive I won’t make it to 37w.  It’s such a waiting game.  I hate not knowing!  I guess what’s different from last time is that instead of assuming I’d go late, now I’m constantly thinking I’m going to go early!    

Overall, I feel good – but a little anxious about time.  Regardless of what I have left to “do” I feel nervous just knowing we are about to have another small baby in the house and start those teeny newborn stages over again.  I know it will fly by, though and then he’ll be a big boy!  It seems like just yesterday I was bringing Caroline home from the hospital – and that was nearly 3 years ago!  Time flies!

29.5w with AMELIA!

29w with WALKER!

I think I look pretty much the same now.  It seems to have evened out.

Caroline & Amelia’s Room

So I am finally getting around to taking pictures of their room.  I really am happy with it!  I have a few teeny things that I’d like to change over time but nothing major at all.

The amazing staircase bunk bed!  We LOVE it.  It has awesome storage space and is extremely sturdy and space efficient!

I want a small lamp to go here because the one she had on her nightstand is just too big.  I’ve seen them at Hobby Lobby before – I just have to find time to go there!  I also want to order Amelia a bow holder since we already have too many bows and it’s her room too, now.  I’m thinking of having my friend Morgan paint me another canvas with Amelia’s name but I’m not sure where on the wall it will go!

The bookshelf!  Seriously, she looked like she had mounds and mounds of books until we put them on the shelves.  Now it looks like we deprive her.  Ha!  The Fan will eventually sit on the bookshelf and I’m hoping to get a second little lamp to go on there somewhere.  I need Judd to cut a small hole in the back to reach the outlet without cords going everywhere.  The bird canvases were also painted by my friend Morgan and they match Caroline’s bedding!

The top bunk!  I LOVE the bedding.  It’s Pottery Barn Darcie Quilt Bedding.  They discontinued it a long time ago and we’ve had the full size for Caroline’s room for a long time.  I’ve scoured eBay waiting on a twin size to be posted.  The day the woman posted this, I used the “Buy It Now” feature and scooped it up!  I was so happy to find it!

Caroline’s massive pile of stuffed animals.  She wants them all to sleep with her.  Ha! 

My sweet girl who said, “I need you to take my picture!  CHEESE!” Her eyes are almost closed, but you get the idea.

Here’s where everything is from:

• Bunk bed – Simplybunkbeds.com – it’s the Columbia Twin over Full Staircase Bunk Bed.  We are REALLY happy with it.  It’s sturdy, solid hardwood with great storage and safer than a ladder. 

Bedding – Pottery Barn Kids Darcie.  It’s been discontinued!

Curtains – The Company Store Kids

Bookshelf – Target “Carson” 5 Shelf Bookshelf.  The white one can only be purchased in stores. 

Bow Holder – Etsy shop (I can’t remember what shop and our internet is SO SLOW today…I’ll try to come back and fill that in!)