Walker is Here!

Walker was born on August 8, 2012! 

He weighed 7lbs 15.9oz (so, basically 8lbs) and was 19.5in long.

A birth story is soon to follow! 

38 Weeks–and a birth!

This post was written the night my water broke!  I wrote this post out and all it needed was a picture for the bottom.  My water broke just 2 short hours after this post was written, but I can’t bring myself not to post it.    A birth story will be soon to follow! 

My longest pregnancy, ever!  Honestly, we’re all sitting here thinking that I might actually hit my due date.  HA!

How far along: 38 weeks!

How big is baby: The average is 7lbs! 

Weight gain/loss: +30lbs according to my doctor’s scale today. 

Stretch marks: Just the ones on my bellybutton + my old ones showing back up.

Maternity clothes:  Can’t wait to not have maternity clothes on!  Judd and I are starting a diet after Walker gets here.  I’m pretty excited about it!

Sleep: It actually hasn’t been terrible the last few days.  I’m peeing 3-4x a night but I can usually fall back asleep pretty quickly! 

Food cravings or aversions:  Ice.  I eat several cups of ice a day.  I’m probably going to break my teeth!  I’ve been craving sweets again lately.  I’ve kinda stopped caring what I’m eating or how much I’m eating.  It’s almost like I’ve reached this point where my brain says, “you’re gonna have to work that weight off anyway – go ahead and eat that 6th cookie…”

Gender: BOY! 

Movement:  Lots of hiccups and kicks.  Not a lot of punches anymore.  He feels REALLY, REALLY low.  As in, “Is he gonna fall out?” type low.  That’s just my personal feeling toward it – I haven’t actually asked how low he is.  Ha!

Belly button: What’s that? 

What I'm loving:  As tired as I am of being pregnant, it’s still cool that I’ve reached 38 weeks!  I’ve never made it to that number before and I feel a small bit of pride.  Ha! 

What I miss: My clothes.  I’ve been looking at my clothes from this time last year when I was starting to lose weight.  I miss my clothes.   

What's different this time:  The fact that I’m still pregnant!  Ha! 

What I’m looking forward to:  Besides just meeting my sweet baby, I am honestly looking forward to not having pelvic pain.  It has gotten horrendous in the last few days.  I remember with both girls that it went away pretty quickly after they were born.  Like, a few days and it was gone.  I’m honestly excited about that!  I am really, really, really excited to see my baby though.  I can’t wait to see his features – see who he looks like.  That sweet new baby smell and feel.  Feeding him and snuggling him.  I dread the sleep (or lack thereof) part, but we will make it through it.  I just can’t wait to see him!

I’m still here!

Yes, I’m still here…and no, I haven’t had the baby.  Ha!  Today actually makes this my longest pregnancy so far.  We are all incredibly shocked.  I’ve been having contractions since 34ish weeks…and yet here I sit – still pregnant almost a month later.

Judd started cutting rice today – and I’m glad that he got to do it without labor interfering.  He was so excited!  It makes for long days and nights without him, but it really is an exciting time of year!  We originally assumed that I wouldn’t get to ride with him at all this year, but today I went out with him for a little over an hour!  It was great.  We had (almost) uninterrupted time to talk and just enjoy each other’s company.  The hour flew by and before I knew it I had to head back to pick up the girls.  It was fun though!  It is SO cool to ride in a combine.  I think rice looks the coolest – although corn was pretty cool the other day.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t ask him to hit the bumps a little harder.   

My next appointment is Wednesday and I’ll be 38 weeks.  Hoping for some progress and the end in sight! Ha!  Wish us luck!

37 Weeks–FULL TERM!

I made it!  I’m really surprised, but excited that we don’t have to worry about whether or not he’s ready to be in the outside world, yet!  I hope this will help him be more awake and alert than Amelia was, too.  That makes breast feeding a lot easier when they’ll wake up! 

How far along: 37 weeks!

How big is baby:  The comparisons are awful for this week.  A Swiss Chard?  A Winter Melon?  Whatever.  The average is 6 1/2lbs. 

Weight gain/loss: +30lbs according to my doctor’s scale today. 

Stretch marks: Just the ones on my bellybutton + my old ones showing back up.

Maternity clothes:  Tired of them.  Actually purchased regular people clothing for Fall the other day.  It was just 2 open front cardigans, but still.  NOT MATERNITY!

Sleep: If I’m not contracting, I sleep okay.  The problem is, I’m usually contracting. 

Food cravings or aversions:  Ice.  I eat several cups of ice a day.  I’m probably going to break my teeth!

Gender: BOY! 

Movement:  All of his movements stay in the same place.  Around my right side his feet push out on me all the time.  Judd actually saw my belly with his feet pushing there and said, “That looks really weird.”  Ha! 

Belly button: Non-existent. 

What I'm loving:  I made it to full term!!!!!!

What I miss: Not waddling! 

What's different this time:  WOW.  The amount of false alarms I’ve had this pregnancy are ridiculous.  My fear is that I will second guess myself when I really am in labor because of all these false alarms and wait too long or something crazy.  I’m afraid I’ll be one of those “birth on the side of the road” people.  And as amazing as my husband is, he would not do well delivering a baby.

I had more “false labor” last night.  (Wow, I hate that term with a passion.)  It was the most different false labor I’ve had so far.  Instead of feeling like contractions with my stomach tightening and stuff, it felt like really low menstrual cramps.  After a few hours, I started noticing that my belly was tightening and they were coming in more distinguishable waves.  Then it started making my back hurt with each wave.  This lasted from about 6pm-4am then stopped.  Again.  But because it felt like something “different” I was convinced that we’d have a baby today.  No go…obviously.  Needless to say I didn’t get much sleep last night – however, that means that I was early for my doctor’s appointment today and even curled my hair!  Ha! 

I want my baby to be healthy – and I really am trying hard to savor this pregnancy, but my emotions have been toyed with for a few weeks now and I’m about tired of that part.  If the “false labor” would stop, I would honestly be fine.  I would waddle around awaiting my baby to come like every other pregnant woman.  But the false alarms and painful contractions have killed my spirit.  Ha!  All that being said, though – I’m happy he’s made it to full term and I am beyond ready to meet him!  At my appointment today, I was 3cm and 50% and he didn’t even have to tell me that the baby is low.  Hopefully it won’t be long now!

Another iPhone picture.  Judd is working late now and isn’t home to take my picture before I change into my much more comfy pajamas! 

Prodromal Labor…

Not for the faint of heart. 

Exhaustion is the best word I can think of.  I am so, so, so exhausted.  I did this exact same thing with Caroline & Amelia’s pregnancies so I figured it was going to happen – but this one has been worse than the girls.  We are now going on FOUR times that I have had consistent, 4-5 min apart contractions lasting ~1 min for several hours at a time.  Last night was 9 hours before they finally quit.  I’m not talking about a painless tightening of my tummy.  I mean, stop talking and concentrate on remembering to breathe.  Yesterday they started around 1pm but they weren’t terrible…but definitely noticeable and coming pretty close together.  We had a fellowship meal at church so I went to that at 4pm.  I kind of had to sit off by myself for a while because I was actually really starting to feel in pain.  In the back of my mind, I was thinking – this might actually be ‘it’ this time.  As soon as the devo and dinner were over, I had to head home.  I had been trying to time them at the fellowship thing, but it was difficult because I was also chaperoning Caroline on the waterslide and trying to be social with people.  Ha!

Came home, timed them.  They were about 4-5 min apart and more painful than any other time before.  I *really* thought it was going to be it.  A few hours later, they just…..stopped.  As in, I had a contraction just like before – and then it never came back.  *sigh*

I hate the way my body labors.  I know it’s doing something and it’s working and doing its job…but it’s exhausting.  Contractions are hard work for your body and it is really tiring to do that for hours upon hours for (what feels like) nothing. 

In good news though – I will be FULL TERM on Wednesday.  I am really happy that I’ve been fortunate enough to make it this far.  I’m so glad that he’s had more time to get healthy. 

I’m really hoping that these false alarms quit for good or we have a baby this week.  Either of those options are fine with me! 

And for anyone else dealing with this kind of labor – I am so sorry.  We just have to remember that it simply CANNOT last forever. 

36w2d Picture!

I really want to keep up with my picture since I never know which one will be my last one.  So even though it’s late, here’s my picture from last night at 36w2d. 

It was taken with my iPhone in a dark bedroom, so sorry the quality isn’t the best.

Just for good measure – I was wearing this same shirt at 28wks, and thought I’d show the comparison!

I think the belly has definitely grown in the 3rd trimester! 

36 Weeks!

I have to admit – I’m surprised that I’m still pregnant!  But I am glad Walker is getting more time to grow safely!  We did have a false labor “scare” last Thursday morning.  It was definitely the most painful false labor I’ve ever experienced.  I was having to breathe and concentrate through each contraction and they were 5 minutes apart for about 4 hours.  Then they just slowly spaced out and stopped.  It was some pretty convincing “false” labor.  I hate that term, though.  There was nothing false about those contractions…without a doubt.  I do this with all of my pregnancies, though.  Look up prodromal labor.  It’s when labor goes on for days and sometimes weeks (<---that’s me) leading up to active labor.  I have fairly painful contractions every single day.  I can never know if they’re going to turn into real labor or not until I start timing them.

All of that being said, I’m glad (even though I’m MISERABLE) he’s still cooking…for his sake. 

How far along: 36 weeks!

How big is baby:  The size of a honeydew!

Weight gain/loss: +29lbs.  I’ve been holding pretty steady the last few weeks.  I’m happily surprised.

Stretch marks: New ones are popping up everywhere.  Especially around my bellybutton.

Maternity clothes:  Obviously.  So sick of maternity clothes.  (Except the pants…I think women should wear stretchy pants all the time.)

Sleep: Two words:  Pregnancy Insomnia.  I struggle to sleep 3-4 consecutive hours before it hits.  I usually wake up somewhere around 3am and don’t fall back asleep until sometime after 6 when Judd leaves for work.  It’s making things very difficult.  I’ve NEVER had this problem in pregnancy (or any other time, for that matter) before – and it’s definitely a tough one.  Exhaustion can turn me into a totally different person!

Food cravings or aversions: I feel like I have to make myself eat most days.

Gender: BOY! 

Movement:  Yes, and they’re becoming quite painful.  I still love to feel it, though.  It’s so amazing to think that those are the same feet in my ribs that will be piddling around this house one day.

Belly button: Flat.  Extremely flat.

What I'm loving:  I’m only 1 week from being full term.  I honestly did not think I would make it this far.  I’m proud!

What I miss: Sleep.  But I figure at this point the next time I get real sleep will be when Walker is born and sleeps through the night. 

What's different this time:  The insomnia.  It’s seriously debilitating.  Can you tell it’s my main problem? Ha.  Also, the intensity of my braxton hicks contractions are much worse than they were with the girls.  Some of them are really painful to be “false” labor. 

Didn’t take a picture today – I’ll try to put one up sometime soon.    Have a great day!

35 Weeks!

How far along: 35 weeks!

How big is baby:  The size of a coconut!

Weight gain/loss: +29lbs.  I’ve gained 1lb this week.  I think all of it except the baby’s weight is in my double chin and fat cheeks.

Stretch marks: Same as last week!

Maternity clothes:  Obviously. 

Sleep: It’s hit or miss.  Some nights I sleep like a rock and I’m a total zombie going to the bathroom.  Other nights I toss and turn and waking up to pee means I’m up for an hour trying to fall back asleep. 

Food cravings or aversions: No real cravings or aversions.  Still eating tons of ice.  I love ice!  But I’m really just not super hungry.  There isn’t much room in there for food – so if I overeat, I’m MISERABLE.

Gender: BOY! 

Movement:  This kid gets the hiccups at least 4-5x/day.  It’s a very strange feeling because he’s sitting so low in my pelvis. 

Belly button: Flat.  Extremely flat.

What I'm loving: I’ve officially made it longer than I did with Amelia!!  I’m really happy about that.  As much as the selfish side of me wants to be finished being pregnant in this terrible heat, I’m SO glad he has stayed in longer than Amelia did.  I constantly worried this entire pregnancy about him coming too early, and I’m thrilled that we made it to 35w without a hitch.  I’m very anxious to have my appointment next week and see if there’s been progress or if I’m the same as last week.  I’ll start my weekly appointments next week!  Ah!  I just want him to be healthy!!!

What I miss: I miss a lot of things.  Not feeling fat, having more than a few outfits that fit, not having every single stranger look at me and say, “Oh bless your heart.  How much longer do you have?” …The list could go on and on.  Having said all of that, though – I’m happy to keep him in longer if it means he’ll be healthy!  I’m really hoping we don’t have the jaundice issues we’ve had previously!  

What's different this time:  Well – I had already delivered Amelia by this point…ha!  Not a whole lot is different from Caroline though except just how big I am. 

Yeah – I’m in pajamas.  Sorry.  I wasn’t changing clothes for a picture! 

In case you missed the post on Walker’s finished nursery, click HERE!

Walker’s Nursery!

Glider & Ottoman – Made by “Best Chair” and it’s the Quinn.  Seriously, this is the most amazing chair…ever.  When I’m finished with babies, this chair is going in my living room.

Green lamp – Target

Curtains – Fabric is made by Premier Fabrics.  Curtains were made by Etsy shop Exclusive Elements.  She was very quick!

Crib bedding (bumper and crib skirt) – Fabrics are all made by Premier Fabrics.  The bedding was sewn by Etsy shop Sew Childish Designs.  I highly recommend her!  Her prices are fantastic and she has so many fabrics to choose from!

Boppy cover – Made by Etsy shop Designs by Christy.  It’s minky on the other side – super soft!

Sign above crib – DIY.  I used the tutorial from Shanty 2 Chic’s blog.  Here’s the post on the sign!  

Signs above diaper changer – DIY.  I just used 2 canvases (18x24) and stuck on the vinyl letters and spray painted the sign orange then pulled the letters off.  Simple and super cheap.  I needed a pop of orange in there somewhere and that definitely helped.  The top sign looks way better than the bottom and I may redo the bottom one if I ever find the time or energy.  It’s a quote from the book “Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You” by Nancy Tillman.  It says “You are my angel, my darling, my star.  My love will find you, wherever you are.”  I adore that book!

Paint color - Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter.  It's a fantastic greige.  I think one day I will have my entire house painted this color!  

 

That’s pretty much it!  I’m really pleased with it.  It all came together perfectly – and I had it finished by my goal date of TODAY!  I did the last two signs yesterday afternoon.  We are ready! 

34 Weeks!

How far along: 34 weeks!

How big is baby:  The size of a butternut squash?  He’s roughly 4.5-5.0lbs. 

Weight gain/loss: Everyone get ready to fall out of your chairs.  I didn’t gain any weight from one doctor’s appointment to the next.  I’m still the same as I was at 32w.  My scale at home says I’ve gained 1lb since that appointment so I’m going to go with that, anyway.  +28lbs

Stretch marks: Same as last week!

Maternity clothes:  I honestly rotate about 4 shirts and 2-3 pairs of pants.  Not much of a selection left.  My dresses seem to make me look wide….or is that just my body? 

Sleep: Depends.  I’m getting up to pee 2-3x a night.  That’s obnoxious.  We also moved Caroline and Amelia into the room together and that has affected my sleep some, too.  They’re doing great though!  My hips and my pelvis hurt REALLY bad.  If I take a Tylenol PM, I sleep better.  If I just rely on myself – I basically don’t sleep. 

Food cravings or aversions: I feel like some days I have to force myself to eat.  I AM, however, obsessed with ice.  I did this with Amelia, too.  I could eat ice for meals.  I eat several cups of ice a day.  I crave ice.  Isn’t that called Pica or something like that?  Ha!   When I start trying to eat laundry detergent y’all can stage an intervention.

Gender: BOY! 

Movement:  He’s moving, but not a lot anymore.  His movements are very restricted, I think.  I feel them all in the same spots.  The only ones I don’t like are when he hits my hip/pelvic bones.  That hurts and feels really, really strange.

Belly button: Flat.  Extremely flat.

What I'm loving: Had a doctor’s appointment yesterday.  At this point with Amelia, I was feeling like I wouldn’t make it much longer and asked to be checked and found out that it wouldn’t be long before she came.  When I got checked yesterday, I’m roundabout a fingertip dilated with no effacement worth mentioning.  It makes me very hopeful that Walker is going to stay in longer than Amelia did and hopefully make it full term (or at least close!)

What I miss: Not feeling fat.  I’m definitely feeling somewhat large these days…especially in my face.  

What's different this time:  The pain.  I’m in a lot of pain this time.  Partly from little sleep, but mostly from my pelvis and hips.  I think my body is trying to tell me that 3 babies is 3 years is a little much.  Ha!  I’m pretty sure Walker has dropped some.  I can feel him much lower in my pelvis and the pressure is pretty intense.  He sometimes sits on my sciatic nerve which hurts, but for the most part it just feels like a lot of pressure. 

I’m feeling REALLY tired, overall.  I could seriously sleep all day (or try to, at least.)  My body gets tired really quickly.  I also feel like I’ve done some nesting lately.  I’ve really been working on getting the house straightened up.  I hate clutter and I feel like we have so much of it.  A lot of it I just can’t help – like the toys – but I am trying to organize the clutter.  Ha! 

I’m getting anxious for him to get here!  His room is mostly finished and I really am going to put pictures on here – but I need a few more things.  Mainly some artwork on the walls and a knick knack or two.  I’m not sure when/where I’ll find those things so I’ll post pics when I finally feel like it’s finished.   

Look, this is an awful picture – but it’s because I LOOK awful.  No makeup, pasty pale white, and large.  However, I did shower…so….be thankful for that.

33 Weeks & Shower

I’m 33 weeks today!  Exciting!  No matter if I deliver in 2 weeks or 7, it’s getting close!  I’m not gonna lie, I’m feeling about done with being pregnant right now.  The heat is just about more than I can take.  I walk outside for 10 minutes and my legs are swollen and hurting.  I pray and pray that he’s healthy, no matter when he comes! 

How far along: 33 weeks!

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

Weight gain/loss: I haven’t weighed since last week.  Our scale batteries died (I know that sounds totally lame, but it really is true!) and I haven’t weighed since we replaced them! 

Stretch marks: Same as last week!

Maternity clothes:  That’s a laughable question.  I think it’s safe to say maternity clothes are my only option.

Sleep: Not great.  My hips and pelvis hurt and make it difficult to get comfortable.  I’ve also slept with one or both of my children multiple times in the last few days, and that definitely doesn’t help.  Amelia has a fever virus and a nasty cough so sleep is alluding her, too. 

Food cravings or aversions: Just my usual.  Food, please.

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 close to the finish line.  I keep thinking about how I had Amelia 2 weeks from now – which is crazy!  I really hope he bakes a little longer than her for his own sake, but just thinking about that makes me excited!

What I miss: Not feeling fat.  I’m definitely feeling somewhat large these days…especially in my face.  

What's different this time:  Well, unlike with Amelia, I’m actually feeling pretty ready.  My goal was to have most things ready by 35 weeks.  Besides the actual nursery (which is far from ready) I’m ready.  With Amelia I thought I still had a couple of weeks! 

We didn’t get the nursery painted this past weekend.  Only one wall.  Ha!  So Amelia’s furniture (she’s still in that room) is all in the middle of the room and it’s a MESS.  We’ve got to find the time to finish the rest of it so I can attempt to put his room together.  After that, I’ll be totally ready at any point. 

I went home to my parent’s house this weekend and we had Caroline’s birthday party.  I stupidly left my camera at Deda’s house on Sunday so until I get it back (hopefully on Friday!) I can’t post any pictures of that! 

However, on Sunday, my sweet family gave us a baby shower for Walker.  We got so many homemade and thoughtful gifts.  Three handmade blankets, handmade baby booties, painted canvas, clothes galore, adorable little shoes, hats, sleepers, and much more.  I thought it was so thoughtful for them to do that for us, especially considering this is our 3rd baby!  I can’t thank you all enough for your kindness!

Audra took these pictures for me at the shower…

This will have to count for my belly picture this week.  It was taken Sunday!

Judd was even there! Ha!

The sweet blanket & booties that Deda made.  Such a keepsake!

AUDRA even took up quilting to make this sweet raggy strip quilt!  She did a fantastic job!

Ms. Shirley made this beautiful blanket.  It is so soft and cuddly!

Ms. Debbie made this sweet outfit and even monogrammed it! 

Audra also made this canvas for Walker’s door at the hospital.  It will then go into his room!  It has a spot for the date, time, length, and weight at the bottom and his name at the top.  You can’t see it well in the picture because of the flash but it’s SO cute!

I hope you all have a happy and safe 4th of July!  Don’t forget why we celebrate!

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. 

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.