37 Weeks!

Whew. Home stretch people and I am feeling it. Yikes. I finished up work last week, two weeks earlier than I planned,  after an eventful prenatal appointment. I went in for my regular checkup, feeling just as I do now, totally fine. My blood pressure has been really low and steady for my whole pregnancy, but for some reason it just went through the roof (for me), last week. My Doc was concerned, as he should be, and after making me lie on my left side and measuring it a couple more times, he sent me to a non-stress test, which BTW is the most inaccurately named test ever. So stressful! They hook up two monitors to your stomach, one measures baby's heart rate and prints it out, the other measures any contractions you may be having. They give you a little button to push each time baby kicks.

So I laid there and tried to relax for about a half an hour, then the nurse came back and said, "Well this isn't going to get you out of here!" Henryk's heart rate was lower than average, around 135 b/pm. She gave me a juice box to sip on to see if the acidity and sugar would ramp it up at all. It didn't. So Dr. Clark comes back in and I'm off to a blood draw, to check for kidney or liver problems, and an ultrasound, to measure the amniotic fluid and make sure he is looking good in there.

Long story short, all came back just fine, thank goodness. All those tests and concerns after such an easy pregnancy did nothing to make me less stressed or lower my blood pressure at all I'm sure. It was really cool to see our babe again though, he is huge and active, and passed all the tests in less than 10 minutes, the time allotment is 30. My Doctor asked me to come back a couple days later to re-check my blood pressure, which was still up. He suggested I go on light duty, aka no work. Since I work on my feet in a restaurant, and this just happens to be the busiest time of year, he decided it would be too stressful and didn't want to risk a blood pressure spike which could put Henryk at risk. Luckily, I work for an amazing company that offers disability, which is actually separate from the disability I will get for the first six weeks of maternity leave. So hubs and I aren't totally screwed when it comes to income lol.

And with that... on to bumpdate!!

This is one of my longest friends, Becca, who will be welcoming a little girl to her family at the end of February! Its so cool to be pregnant at the same time as a close friend. We compare lots of notes lol.

How far along: 37  weeks + 4 days. So close. Any time now little man.

Total weight gain/loss: I have started doing that weird thing at the end of pregnancy where you lose weight. I was down a whole lb at my last appt, so that puts me at 27 lbs gained total. So weird. I did make a batch of my fave cookies, Snickerdoodles, using this BOMB recipe from the Cake Boss. So I will probably be back up on Thursday.

Maternity clothes: Now that I'm not working, its pretty much leggings and yoga pants and my hubbys hoodies on the regular. I'm trying not to leave the house for many errands, because that equals spending money, which we are a little tighter on now that I'm not working. Some of my maternity clothes still fit, but on shorter shirts I am getting that 'cute' (not) gap between a low waist and my shirt. Yikes.

Stretch Marks: No new ones, since the 4 tinys appeared below my belly. I must have had one good growth spurt, and that was it for now.

Sleep: Since we bought the tempurpedic bed topper, it has been a lot better! I still wake up several times a night to use the bathroom and let the dog out, but when I finally wake up for the day, my hips aren't achingly sore! Woot! So if any other prego mommies are suffering out there, go to Costco and buy a mattress topper for $150. Two words, WORTH IT.

Best moment this week: Well it was actually last week, but seeing the baby again on the ultrasound was so awesome. Also being reassured that he is healthy, seeing those four heart chambers and fingers and toes. Very good. We also could see his HAIR waving around in the amniotic fluid, which was so awesome. I was born with a ton of hair and James had a pretty good mop too, so I've been hoping for a hairy babe. 

Miss anything: A good nights sleep, wine, beer, etc etc... Minor things in the grand scheme of pregnancy. As strange as it sounds, I also miss work. I find lots of things to fill my days, but I love my work family and I miss seeing them daily. Love you guys!

Movement: Oh yeah. Now its so strong that it takes my breath away when he kicks a lung, or wakes me from a dead sleep when he decides to roll to the other side of my belly. Crazy boy. But lots of movement = healthy babe, so no complaints!

Food cravings: Nope. Just food, and all the time. The hunger that couldn't be satisfied has left, but now I feel hungry all the time, but nothing sounds good. My poor belly doesn't know what to think!

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Not too bad, but random things make me feel nauseous, which I hear is kind of common in late pregnancy?

Have you started to show yet?: Good joke. I might be visible from space at this point.

Gender: Henryk, our baby BOY!

Labor signs: Still a few good Braxton Hicks here and there, and I feel like I can definitely tell what a 'contraction' feels like. I was slightly effaced at the last appointment, so lets hope progress continues!

Belly button in or out: Innie, but it is going through some major changes, and I am starting to think it might just pop out!

Wedding ring on or off: On, but only the band. My engagement ring is a little too tight. Boo.

Mood: Overall... pretty dang good! Just tired tired tired. I had to take a nap today around 2pm, which lasted until 5pm when I forced myself to get up. I easily could have slept for the rest of the night. The warm, snuggly pitty pup in my arms didn't make it much easier to motivate.

Looking forward to: Meeting this baby! So soon! Hopefully he decides to make his appearance a little early, preferably before the new year. We shall see. And Christmas is just around the corner, my hubs is such a great Santa, I can't wait to open our gifts! And funny as it sounds, there are just as many presents for Henryk under our tree as for James or I. Spoiled baby. His grandparents are too good to him.

Whew! Long post, forgive me. So, any crazy pregnancy stories or scares for me? I feel like this is my payback for having such an easy pregnancy so far. Share in the comments!

36 Week Bumpdate!!!

I'm baaaacccckkkk!!!! Hahaha, bear with me people, I am so bad at keeping up on these things! In fact, our big chalkboard door in our kitchen STILL says 30 weeks... yep that was from back in October. Ooops. We just get so busy with life sometimes, taking photos in front of a door falls to the side. That being said, I have some new belly shots and lots of info for your reading pleasure! Onward!

 

It appears I really am growing a human in there! And he is getting huge! 

 How far along: 36 weeks! We've hit the 'pre-term' mark! Woot for small victories!

Total weight gain/loss: So far, so good I think. I've gained around 28lbs, with 4 of them coming during the Thanksgiving holiday. Sorry I'm not sorry, but if people could stop bringing us homemade toffee and if my errands could stop being near the most amazing chocolate shop in the world, it would be a LOT easier to gain at a normal rate.

Maternity clothes: Ah Maternity clothes... I never knew you could actually outgrow them?! Yep, some of my pants just aren't comfy anymore, I have three pairs that work wonderfully still, and three others that are on their way to the next prego lady.

Stretch Marks: Yesterday, we entered uncharted waters with 4 tiny stretch marks appearing below my belly button and on the sides of my stomach. At first I thought they were just indentions from wearing too tight pants... then I remembered I live in yoga pants. Definitely not the case. But can't fight nature I guess! I recently switched from using Palmers Cocoa butter to Bella B Tummy Honey Butter, and I'm not sure if that's the culprit or if Henryk is just getting huge. (I prefer to blame him, as I'm feeling the hugeness in other areas)

Sleep: Meh. That's all I can really say. If I exercise (i.e. yoga or a long walk), I sleep much better. We are buying a temperpedic bed topper today, so I think that might help with my pressure points.

Best moment this week: We celebrated my company's annual Holiday party yesterday at the beautiful Sunriver Resort, and even though I couldn't get tipsy and act a fool on the dance floor like years past, it was still a wonderful time! Besides the below zero temps outside... yikes!

Miss anything: A good nights sleep, wine, beer, etc etc... Minor things in the grand scheme of pregnancy.

Movement: Non-stop, but it has changed into sharp nudges and long, slow continuous pressure on the ribcage. OUCH. Pretty sure baby boy has super long, strong legs like his papa.

Food cravings: Nope. Just food, and all the time. The hunger that couldn't be satisfied has left, but now I feel hungry all the time, but nothing sounds good. My poor belly doesn't know what to think!

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Not too bad, but random things make me feel nauseous, which I hear is kind of common in late pregnancy?

Have you started to show yet?: The new game is... how big can she get? Strangers love to talk about my belly... Its actually pretty annoying. Luckily, the waddle hasn't kicked in quite yet, so I feel blessed there.

Gender: Henryk, our baby BOY!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks are increasing, and I definitely feel some changes happening. He hasn't 'dropped' yet, but I have my first cervix check on Tuesday, so that will answer some questions.

Belly button in or out: Innie, but it is going through some major changes, and I am starting to think it might just pop out!

Wedding ring on or off: On, but only the band. My engagement ring is a little too tight. Boo.

Mood: Overall... pretty dang good! Its a little shocking. I do get really tired at night, and head to bed around 9:30 if I can.  

Looking forward to: Meeting this baby! So soon! Hopefully he decides to make his appearance a little early, preferably before the new year. We shall see. I'm also looking forward to finishing up with work, my last day is the 29th, only 12 shifts to go!!! 

30 Week Bumpdate

Hey there people! We have finally crossed the 3/4's of the way line, 30 weeks!!! Woot! On with the sharing and bump date!

Yep... Look at that damn thing! I am huge! I am also slouching, so that makes it look like an extra large bump, instead of the pretty average one that it is in reality. I am still in shock that we only have 10 weeks to go, but I am so excited to meet our little man!

How far along: 30 weeks + 4 days

Total weight gain/loss: Gaining steadily at the 1lb a week since 14 weeks, so I am up 16 lbs. In my Doctors words, "right on track" and "I wish all my patients were as healthy as you". Thanks Dr. Clark.

Maternity clothes: Oh yes... I am reaching the point where I want to burn all my maternity clothes, but most of them are borrowed. Having a limited wardrobe really starts to grate on the nerves. Also, I am anxious to buy a new pair of fall/winter boots, but I don't want to for fear my feet will swell and change sizes and my new boots won't fit! Irrational much?

Stretch Marks: Still the same ones on my boobs, one new one on the side of one boob, and I have this tight, pulling feeling right below my belly button that I worry might stretch into one. I've been massaging lotion into the spot religiously but... like I said before, you can't fight growth spurts!

Sleep: I feel like just as I head into this final stretch of pregnancy, I am figuring out how to sleep comfortably. I build a little fortress of pillows, nestle inside, and pretty much don't move until Cash wakes up to go outside around 2am. I've learned that propping up my belly with a little pillow works wonders for easing the pain I was feeling in my hip joints!

Best moment this week: Had a steller round of interviews for a new job within my company that I really want! Also, gifts have started pouring in from our shower registry, so thats been really fun to open and get excited about!

Miss anything: A good nights sleep, wine, beer, etc etc... Minor things in the grand scheme of pregnancy. I also miss my family, even though they are close, it still seems so far away!

Movement: Non-stop! This baby is a busy boy, just like his parents!

Food cravings: No new cravings, but I have been STARVING constantly. I feel like there is no way I can consume enough calories to meet this boy's demands without making myself literally sick. A few nights now, I've woken up around 3am with my stomach growling, and had to eat a bowl of oatmeal or a banana, just so I can fall back asleep! This is not boding well for 14 years from now and my grocery bill...

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Not too bad, I am definitely thinking the worst of those symptoms are over.

Have you started to show yet?: The new game is... how big can she get? Strangers love to talk about my belly... Its actually pretty annoying.

Gender: Henryk, our baby BOY!

Labor signs: Nope! Braxton Hicks every now and then, but we are doing well!

Belly button in or out: Innie, but it is going through some major changes, and I am starting to think it might just pop out!

Wedding ring on or off: On! Always!

Mood: Overall... pretty dang good! Its a little shocking. 

Looking forward to: Two things...
One - Our baby shower is next weekend! I can't believe it! So I am really looking forward to spending time with friends and family celebrating our little man.
Two - Finishing up this nursery! We've got paint on the walls, trim and chair rail and the new light fixture will go up this weekend, then we can assemble the furniture and start decorating! I can't wait! It already looks so great in there with the new paint.. I'll update with photos soon!!!

27 Week Bumpdate

 I know, I'm a terrible blogger! I have a hard time delegating specific time each week to sit down and prepare a post, so please forgive me for being WAY behind in bumpdates. As I mentioned before, not a lot changes from week to week for me, so these every 4-6 week updates or so... They work for me! On that note, lets check out some curves eh?

 Lucky for you all, I do actually take somewhat regular photos of my bump. And its growing... boy is it ever growing! If you follow me on Instagram, you'll be able to see real time bump updates, as that's where I snagged all of these photos from. My husband has also been taking some on his camera, and I will do a montage, probably set to some sweet BMM (that's baby making music for those who don't know), so we can watch an evolution of growth around my midsection.

How far along: 27 weeks + 4 days

Total weight gain/loss: Up 14 lbs from pre-baby, which the doctor keeps saying is right on track. If I continue at this 1 lb a week gain I've been having since I actually started gaining, I will end up around 27 lbs, which would be great. But honestly, as long as he's healthy and getting what he needs, I could gain an extra 10 and be fine with it.

Maternity clothes: E'ry damn day! Love em! Pregnant women of the world, do no resist maternity clothes. They will save your sanity. And I get compliments too, example: "Oh those cords are super cute!" Me: "Thanks, they're hand me down maternity!" Snaps waistband for effect. You can easily find cute and comfortable maternity wear, just ask your recently pregnant friends and family!

Stretch Marks: I've come to terms with this a little bit more but... I got my first stretch marks. They are on the underside of my boobs, so I guess in terms of stretch marks overall, I can't complain much. Still using cocoa butter religiously, but you can't fight growth spurts.

Sleep: Oh sleep, that elusive concept that I will never experience at its most glorious again. Sleep is okay. Some nights are decent, others I toss and turn and its a battle. Between the dog that my hubs lets sleep under the covers on his side every night, being pregnant, and the two cats that like to make bread on your butt cheek at 2am... well I am ready for a bed of my own right about now. Rant over.

Best moment this week: Last night as hubs and I were falling asleep, baby Henryk was having a little dance party in the womb, and daddy got to feel some of the biggest kicks and rolls and twitches yet! That was pretty exciting, I love being able to share those moments with him.

Miss anything: A good nights sleep, wine, beer, etc etc... Minor things in the grand scheme of pregnancy.

Movement: Non-stop! I think Henryk has a future in break dancing, he can seriously throw down in there!

Food cravings: Nothing too weird, just food, and lots of it! Desserts of course!

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Not too bad, I am definitely thinking the worst of those symptoms are over.

Have you started to show yet?: HA. Good joke, Yes, if you can't tell I'm pregnant, well maybe you need your eyes checked.

Gender: Henryk, our baby BOY!

Labor signs: Nope! Have had  a couple interesting things happen, but no major cause for concern. Lets just say pregnancy is a leaky process. Bleh.

Belly button in or out: Innie, and if it ever pops out I will be super impressed. I have the deepest belly button ever!

Wedding ring on or off: On! Always!

Mood: Cheerful and happy, I have been experiencing mood swings and MAJOR nesting. Cleaning and cooking are my favorite hobbies. And dessert eating.

Looking forward to: January!!! The holidays are also quickly approaching, so I am looking forward to relaxing and eating lots of yummy homemade treats!!!

21 Week Bump Date

 Happy Labor Day weekend everyone! Its so hard to believe that its the end of Summer already, although I have been jonesing for Fall for a few weeks now. I've been noticing subtle leaf changes around town, our nights are definitely cooling off, which means we are getting closer to meeting the Miniwicki!! Today I'm going to include a little Friday letter after my update, which I'll  be linking up to The Sweet Season, a lovely little blog run by Mrs. Ashley Slater, who just welcomed a sweet baby of her own! Be sure to stop  by and say hi and fall in love with her precious bundle!
Without further ado...

Umm... hello Baby bump!!!!! This thing is in a massive growth spurt. Check out my last update for a little comparison, hard to believe that was only two weeks ago!!

 How far along: 21 weeks + 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: Not sure, I was up 6 lbs at my last checkup. Next one is the 9th, and I bet I gain at least 5 this round. Lets just say dessert and I have become very good friends...
Maternity clothes: Pretty much on the daily. This belly can't be restrained any more. Old Navy is having 30% off this weekend, so just today I bought some skinny jeans, a skirt and a new tank top. Woot for cute and comfy!!
Stretch Marks: Still nope!
Sleep: This has been a ROUGH week for sleep. Baby is growing a lot right now and its making sleep very hard! I just can't get comfortable! I woke up a few days ago and was literally sore internally from the stretching. Ugh.
Best moment this week: Finishing a major landscaping project at our house (post on monday about that), and my darling friend Kendall will be delivering her baby boy soon!! So excited! Also... Will Ferrell came and ate dinner at our pub on Wednesday. I didn't wait on him or meet him, but seeing him as a normal guy with his family, not Ron Burgandy or Ricky Bobby or anyone else silly was pretty cool. You stay classy Central Oregon.
Miss anything: Usually at this time of year we're getting ready to head North to Whistler for a couple weeks, which we aren't doing this year. Sniff, tear. But I'm looking forward to our Michigan trip instead!
Movement: Oh yeah. And Papa hubs has been able to feel it a few times now, so that is super exciting!
Food cravings: Nothing too weird, just heaps of desserts! 
Anything making you queasy or sick?: Just gross smells. My gag reflex is high, if I'm gagging I'll probably lose it. Yuck.
Have you started to show yet?: Definitely showing now! Even strangers can finally tell I'm expecting!
Gender: Known but not shared!!! Soon, I promise!
Labor signs: Hell no! But I think I'm having a teensy bit of Braxton Hicks? Going to ask about it at our next appt.
Belly button in or out: Innie, and if it ever pops out I will be super impressed. I have the deepest belly button ever!
Wedding ring on or off: On! Always!
Mood: Cheerful and happy, I have been experiencing mood swings and MAJOR nesting. Cleaning and cooking are my favorite hobbies. And dessert eating.
Looking forward to: January!!! Really looking forward to our MI trip too, and the Detroit Red Wings game we will be catching while we are there! Woot! Go Wings!

On to my letters...
Dear Husband: You are already the most incredible papa and hubby out there. I don't know how its possible but every day you get more attractive to me and I am so blessed to be your wife and baby mama. FLU boo.
Dear Baby: I feel like I am getting to know you so much already! Your personality is already shining through, you are wild and pushy and really don't like it when I mess with you in the womb. And you already seem to have good taste in music. Your papa and I love you soo much already and we can't wait for you to get here! Don't rush, but come Janaury we will be ready for you!
Dear Cash and Sammy: You boys are such good dogs and I know you will be the best brothers ever to your new sibling! Cash, I am especially proud of you for not needing to go in the crate anymore when we are gone.

I think that's about it for now! Be back Monday with a major update to our yard!! Curb appeal baby!!!

19 Week Bumpdate

 Hey friends! So I am ashamed at how bad I am doing with weekly updates. To be honest though, not a lot changes from one week to the next, so I am okay with only updating every two or three. Lots of new and exciting things happening here though, we finally got an ultrasound, and the MiniWicki is doing amazing in there! I'll tell you what, the word 'Normal' never sounded so good.

Here I am rocking that bump!! Its finally looking like a pregnant belly and I am very pleased about that. Also, we did find out the sex at our ultrasound, but I'm going to make you all wait a tiny bit longer. We are having some photos taken next week for the big reveal!

 

Here is our sweet little babe. It was so surreal to see it swimming all around in there! Active little Mini, just like it's parents! 

How far along: 19 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I'm up six lbs so far, which is on track for an average pregnancy! Feeling super pleased about that, considering White Cheddar Cheez-Its and ice cream are among my fave foods at the moment.
Maternity clothes: Still haven't bought any more. My gracious friend Ashley has loaned me quite a bit, and I am figuring out how to make my wardrobe work for my changing curves.
Stretch Marks: Still nope!
Sleep: Almost back to normal. Its so nice to be well rested again!
Best moment this week: Seeing our baby for the first time on ultrasound AND finding out the sex in the same visit! We are overjoyed, and now I am just really anxious to meet him/her!
Miss anything: Our local Brewfest is this weekend and I am jealous I will be missing that for the first time since I've lived in Bend. So yes, I miss beer. A lot.
Movement: We've got a little party animal in there!
Food cravings: Nothing too weird, I like food a lot though. Nom.
Anything making you queasy or sick?: Just gross smells. My gag reflex is high, if I'm gagging I'll probably lose it. Yuck.
Have you started to show yet?: The round belly is here!
Gender: Known but not shared!!!
Labor signs: Hell no!
Belly button in or out: Innie, and if it ever pops out I will be super impressed. I have the deepest belly button ever!
Wedding ring on or off: On! Always!
Mood: Cheerful and happy, I have been experiencing mood swings and MAJOR nesting. Cleaning is my new hobby.
Looking forward to: January!!!! I am also looking forward to our trip to Michigan next month, and just feeling our baby grow and taking good care of it and myself in the meantime!

So lets hear your guesses for the sex!! No spilling the beans if you already know!

16 Week Bumpdate!!

Holy moly, time is flying! How can I be 16 weeks already?! Sorry we missed week 15, I will admit not much has changed since week 14, which I posted last week while I was 15 weeks pregs. Confused much? Hahaha, just thought I'd inflict you with a tiny dose of the pregnant brain I am suffering from.
On with the bump update!

Don't mind the dog food bowls... lazy momma.

How far along: 16 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: It was 3lbs at my last check up, and for my personal sanity I don't own a scale. I'm eating healthy and not much more than when I wasn't with child, so I'm hoping to keep the weight gain in check!
Maternity clothes: Same as before, although I am loving leggings and tunics more than ever! I hate to say it, but I am so looking forward to fall because its dang hot out and I don't want to buy maternity shorts!
Stretch Marks: Nope! and hoping its nope the whole way through!
Sleep: getting better, I am figuring out the safest/most comfortable positions, and not forcing myself to sleep only on my sides.
Best moment this week: I felt the baby move, like FOR SURE yesterday!! I was holding my friend Ashley's sweet baby Anders on my chest while he slept and very distinctly I felt a movement go across my lower stomach! It felt like knuckles being dragged! So incredible! James happened to be standing right there and I was so happy to be able to share that moment with him, although he couldn't see or feel it.
Miss anything: I am really missing mountain biking. Our local ski area is in the process of building lift access downhill bike trails, and you all know how much we love Whistler, so I am wicked jealous I won't  be able to ride when they open this fall.
Movement: Yep, first little flutters are here!
Food cravings: Chicken strips. Need them like, yesterday I want some so bad! And figures, I work at the only restaurant in the world it seems that doesn't have them! Prob a blessing in disguise...
Anything making you queasy or sick?: Not too much, I get random nauseous spells but they pass pretty quickly. Heartburn is another story. 
Have you started to show yet?: Still pretty small, but round. If you know me, yes I'm showing, if not I just look kind of fat. : /
Gender: Unknown, we find out August 13th! I have a strong feeling its a girl, but we shall see!
Labor signs: Hell no!
Belly button in or out: Innie, and if it ever pops out I will be super impressed. I have the deepest belly button ever!
Wedding ring on or off: On! Always!
Mood: Cheerful and happy, but around 5:30pm, I am in need of a nap!
Looking forward to: Finding out the gender in a few short weeks! And our friends Kendall and Chuck's baby shower in a couple weeks as well!