33 Week Update!

49 days to go!
Here's your 33 week update:

Baby's size: This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark.

Baby's development: She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

Best of the week: Celebrating Christmas with my family and seeing their excitement about meeting Bella! Working on the nursery with my mom!  Also, a Christmas Eve surprise of diapers, wipes, and gift cards from a Secret Santa!

Worst of the week: My left food is permanently swollen! :)

Side Effects: Moving around has becoming more uncomfortable. And I definitely can't clean the entire house in 3 hours anymore...I have to take frequent breaks.

Cravings: Taco Bell Mexican Pizza! Mac and Cheese! Cheese Fries!

Anticipating: Spending this weekend with extended family!

Here are this week's goals:

Continue writing letters to Bella in my pregnancy journal -- I wrote several last week!
Buy the baby book I want from Books A Million
Continue filling out my pregnancy album
Read our new parent devotional
Finish reading pregnancy book (I did finally catch up to my current week) and BabyWise
Find curtains for the nursery
Finalize photographer!
Start gather items that I need to pack for the hospital
Buy items still needed for nursery

Items Accomplished:

Baby Laundry
Shower thank you cards
Confirmed hospital registration
Check over registries and make adjustments
Put together all baby furniture
Organize baby closet

33 Week Picture:

Bella Rose's Nursery!

With our furniture in and my mom here to help me get organized...we have the nursery up and running! We have a few finishing touches to add (i.e. hanging things on the walls)...but are mostly finished!  Can't wait to hang out with Bella in her room!

All the furniture that needed to be put together!

Chris works on the changing table

Tada! All finished!

Now for the bed

He is so talented!

Adding in the mattress!

Proud of his accomplishments!

The glider was the most difficult of all

But he came through!

Now to make the bed

Finished! 

Our reading corner!

Changing table ready to go!



Closet organized!



Tuscaloosa Baby Shower!

My T-town friends threw me an awesome baby shower a few weeks ago! Rachel, Kacie, Kelly, and Julie did a fabulous job. We enjoyed a yummy strawberry cake and played a celebrity baby guessing game!  Brunch was delicious and the company was even better! I enjoyed catching up with old friends! I'm so thankful to have life long friends in Alabama!

Pics:

They yummy cake!  Love the elephant!

The too cute Alabama bibs!

Bella Rose's monogrammed robe!

The hostesses and me!

Prom pose with my mom!

That's my baby's daddy!

Most of the shower attendees!

8 months! Wow!

56 days to go!

Here's your 32 week update:

Baby's size: By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb.

Baby's development: She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.


Best of the week: Being able to feel Bella move more and more! Seeing her movements through my clothes!

Worst of the week: We had a very busy, but fun, weekend!  Mommy is tired!  Also, I'm becoming more and more emotional...welcome mood swings! :)

Side Effects: Mood swings, crying at the drop of a hat, and did I mention the bathroom visits? :)

Cravings: Taco Bell Mexican Pizza! I wanted one for 3 days and finally had one on Monday!

Anticipating: So excited to have finished our never ending trips to Alabama!  We are officially home for the remainder of the pregnancy!  Also, excited to decorate the nursery this weekend with my mom!  We also plan on washing all the clothes I have received and putting together all the nursery furniture!

Here are this week's goals:

• Continue writing letters to Bella in my pregnancy journal -- I wrote several last week!
• Buy the baby book I want from Books A Million
• Check over registries and make adjustments
• Continue filling out my pregnancy album
• Read our new parent devotional
• Finish reading pregnancy book (I did finally catch up to my current week) and BabyWise
• Find curtains for the nursery
• Finalize photographer!
• Baby Laundry
• Shower thank you cards
• Start gather items that I need to pack for the hospital
• Confirm hospital preregistration

Items Accomplished:

•  Put together diaper changing table!
• Organized baby gifts received from my shower

8 month picture:

31 weeks! (I'm a little behind posting this)

63 days to go!

Here's your 31 week update:

Baby's size: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt.
Baby's development: She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.


Best of the week: Going on the hospital tour! It made everything seem so real!
 
Worst of the week: Trying to sleep on my side. Frequent trips to the bathroom.

Side Effects: Wishing I could get paid for how many times I go to the bathroom a day! :)

Cravings: Sweets!

Anticipating: My baby shower in Tuscaloosa with college friends!

Here are this week's goals:

• Continue writing letters to Bella in my pregnancy journal  -- I wrote several last week!
• Buy the baby book I want from Books A Million
• Check over registries and make adjustments
• Continue filling out my pregnancy album
• Read our new parent devotional
• Finish reading pregnancy book (I did finally catch up to my current week) and BabyWise
• Find curtains for the nursery
• Finalize photographer!
• Baby Laundry

Items Accomplished:

• Ordered baby furniture
• Finished baby thank you notes
• Registered for closet organizers
• Read Baby book and am now up to date
• Started writing in Pregnancy Journal
• Started filling out Pregnancy Album

31 Week Picture:

32 Week Check Up!

I met with Dr. T yesterday for my 32 week check up!  She said I am doing great!

Here's the scoop:
Weight gain: 14 lbs (3 lb up from 2 weeks ago)

Blood pressure: 118/74

Iron: 10.8 (down by .1 from two weeks ago)

Baby's heartbeat: Excellent (Dr. T said she can tell Bella is a happy baby from her heartbeat -- not sure if this is scientific...but it makes a mommy feel good!)
Size of uterus: 32 cm (Dr. T said this puts me a little ahead of schedule)

Side notes: They are concerned about my iron levels...which should be at 12. So, I have to take an iron supplement two times a day now instead of once. AND they recommended pork chops, tomatoes, and Cheerios to help me increase my iron naturally! 
Doctor's orders: Get the iron up!

Next visit @ 34 weeks! Chris will be attending this visit because we will discuss our labor/delivery plan!

Nursery Beginnings

Over the past few weeks, Chris moved the guest bedroom into another room. We then added a lamp and vacuumed the floors! We are ready to start decorating!

Closet is full of toys and supplies!

30 weeks!! 70 days to go!

Here's your 30 week update:

Baby's size: Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus.

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


 
Best of the week: Telling friends and family our baby's name and getting sweet responses! Having people rub my belly! Yes, I enjoy when friends/family to that!  Also, Bella enjoyed my favorite cheese fries of all time from Wings in Birmingham! Can't beat it!

Worst of the week: Not getting enough sleep due to hectic schedules

Side Effects: I might as well live in the bathroom! :)

Cravings: Still sweets! Right now I am into Milk Duds and Reeses cups!

Anticipating:  Enjoying a weekend relaxing at home and getting some of these to-do items done! :)

Here are this week's goals:

• Go on "mommy walks" -- Can I count black Friday shopping?
• Start stretching
• Continue to go on walks and do prenatal work out video
• Write letters to Bella in my pregnancy journal
• Look for a baby book -- any ideas?
• Fill out my pregnancy album
• Read our new parent devotional
• Finish reading pregnancy book and BabyWise
• Find curtains for the nursery
• Order baby bedding from Walmart
• Find clothes organizer that we can hang in Bella's closet (we won't have a dresser)
• Finalize photographer!
• Thank you notes for shower gifts
•  Baby Laundry
• Encourage Chris to put together baby furniture!

30 Week Check Up

Yesterday was my 30 week check up with Dr. Klein! I can't believe I am 3/4 of the way through my pregnancy!

Here are my stats:

Weight gain: 11 lbs (1 lb up from 2 weeks ago)

Blood pressure: 128/60

Iron: 10.9 (up from 10.3 2 weeks ago -- however, it needs to be at a 12)

Baby's heartbeat: Excellent

Size of uterus: 30 cm (right on schedule)

Side notes: Did a breast exam (because I have a history of breast cancer in my family) -- no abnormalities, Also, did a pelvic exam to check and make sure the amniotic fluid is intact -- result: cervix is low but no amniotic fluid leaking! :)  The doctor could not tell whether the baby's head is up or down but should be able to tell next visit.

Doctor's orders: Start counting kicks!  10 kicks a day is great!

Next visit in 2 weeks with Dr. T!

Thanksgiving Baby Shower!

Chris' mom and sister threw a fabulous baby shower for me on Thanksgiving Day! I loved all the special touches: celebrity baby name game, a beautiful cake, and sweet gifts for Bella! I also enjoyed having Chris there with me for this shower.  He was given a Proud Dad hat, and it made me so proud! I wore a New Mom crown! :)

Here are some pics from the party!

Ayleaih and Leionna helped us open gifts!

Love his hat!

A beautiful cake!

Excited and thankful for all the love!

My shower helper!

I think they had fun! :)

29 Weeks! 77 Days to Go!

Here's your 29 week update:

Baby's size: Your baby is growing rapidly now. This week she weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel.  Baby's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath her skin. And since she's growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs.

  Baby's development: Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.


 
Best of the week: Chris' family hosting my 2nd baby shower! We had a blast!  Look for a post later with pictures!  Also, Chris calling Bella by name instead of calling her "that ol' baby". :)  Also, having our niece, Ayleiah, as me tons of questions about the baby. For example, I drank a lot of cold water over Thanksgiving and she asked me if the baby liked to swim in cold water. Haha!  AND counting Bella's kicks! She sure is active!

 

 

Worst of the week: Going to the bathroom 7 times in one night!  My foot swelling so much on Thanksgiving Day that I had to soak it in Epsom salt before I could walk to bed!

 

 

Side Effects: Still having a little trouble sleeping through the night

 

 

Cravings: Cookies!

  

Here are the updates on last week's goals:

• Go on "mommy walks" -- Can I count black Friday shopping?
• Start stretching
• Continue to go on walks and do prenatal work out video
• Write letters to Bella in my pregnancy journal
• Look for a baby book -- any ideas?
• Fill out my pregnancy album
• Read our new parent devotional
• Finish reading pregnancy book and BabyWise

Items not on list that I did accomplish this past week:

• Purchased a glider
• Purchased our baby bed in a bag
• Purchased Dreft to start on laundry
• Vacuumed nursery
• Disinfected items recently purchased
• Organized baby gifts in the nursery closet

To Do This Week:

• Last week's items that weren't accomplished
• Find curtains for the nursery
• Order baby bedding from Walmart
• Find clothes organizer that we can hang in Bella's closet (we won't have a dresser)
• Find a photographer for maternity and baby shots -- any ideas?
• Thank you notes for shower gifts
• Baby Laundry

Anticipating: My 30 week doctor's visit next Monday. Visiting with friends this weekend at Chris' best friend's wedding!

 

 

 

Welcome to My 3rd Trimester!

Today I am officially in my 3rd Trimester! Whoop Whoop!  84 days to go!

Here's your update:

Baby's size: By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels.


Baby's development: She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.


Best of the week: Chris singing to Bella as we watched t.v.  Chris thanking God for Bella in our dinner prayers!  Being able to feel her move more and more!  Also, realizing that I don't have acid reflux! Whoo hoo!

Worst of the week: Occasional back pains. I am working on my posture! Sleeping is definitely more difficult. I can't seem to get comfortable.

Side Effects:  Potty breaks, restless nights (I can't wait to sleep on my back again)

Cravings: Sweets...good thing I had a pumpkin pie in the fridge!

Here are the updates on last week's goals:

• Go on "mommy walks" -- I went on 1 Mommy walk and did the prenatal cardio video once!
• Start stretching -- I did the stretching on the prenatal video once! 
• Preregister at the hospital -- Mailed it!
• Find a pediatrician -- Check!

This week's goals (same as last week):

• Continue to go on walks and do prenatal work out video
• Write in my pregnancy journal
• Look for a baby book -- any ideas?
• Fill out my pregnancy album
• Start our new parent devotional
• Finish reading pregnancy book and BabyWise

Anticipating: My second baby shower! This shower is being hosted by my mother-in-law and sister-in-law! I can't wait to see Chris' side of the family for Thanksgiving! Most of his relatives haven't seen me since we announced our pregnancy!

28 week picture:

We had to take the pictures inside since it was raining!

7 months! She's almost here!

Excited to be in my 3rd trimester

7 Month Check Up!

My doctor's visit was short and sweet! Although, I did get a little nervous because there were several EXTREMELY  pregnant ladies there.  I was concerned that I would see a labor in progress.

Weight gain: 10 lbs  -- I beg to differ b/c my scale at home says 7lbs but whatever!  The doc said my weight is fine and that's all that matters, I guess.

Blood Pressure: Great!  122/70

Iron: Bad News...I am lower than last time.  Normal is 12 and I was 10.3.  I have to get better about taking my iron pill!

Baby Movement: She should be moving at least 10 times every 3 hours

Heart Rate: "Sounds good" said the doctor!  She didn't give me the actual number, but at least I heard it.

Measurement of Tummy: Again, "Looks good" said the doctor. No specific measurements were given, but I am going to ask for them next time! The people have a right to know! :)

Doctor's suggestions: Continue to talk walks daily. Decide if we are going to do cord blood banking (and we aren't).  Register for birthing classes (but we are going to go rogue and not do them!)

Future Appointments: Every 2 weeks!!  The time is nearing!

27 weeks! 91 days to go!

Baby's size: This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended.

 

Baby's development: She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

 
Best of the week: Feeling Bella move constantly! Having friends and family rub my tummy!

 

Worst of the week: Again, frequent potty breaks! Acid Reflux has begun!

 

Side Effects: I'm starting to feel uncomfortable sitting on the couch, standing for a long time, or riding in the car.  Also, I am feeling a tightness in my throat occasionally. I think it is associated with acid reflux.

 

Cravings: Biscuits (especially those from Hardees)..although my husband refuses to give in to my cravings because he said they aren't from the baby..they are from me! :)

 

 Here are the updates on last week's goals:

• Go on "mommy walks" -- not yet, although I do plan on doing a prenatal video tonight!
• start stretching -- not yet
• preregister at the hospital -- form filled out, needs to be mailed
• schedule a hospital tour -- not yet
• decide whether or not we will take child birthing classes -- Done! We decided not to take the class
• send out thank you cards for recent baby gifts-- Done!
• decide on a brand of diapers -- Done! We are going with Pampers!

This week's goals-- Hopefully, I will do better this week!:

•  Finish last week's to-do items
• Vacuum nursery
• Write in my pregnancy journal
• Look for a baby book -- any ideas?
• Fill out my pregnancy album
• Start our new parent devotional
• Finish reading pregnancy book and BabyWise

 

Anticipating: Spending a weekend AT HOME with Chris!  These weekends are becoming few and far between.  We might try going to a movie..but I don't know if I will be able to sit without going to the bathroom at least twice! :)

27 week picture:

The table is hiding my growing tummy!

 

 

26 week update -- Only 98 days to go!!!

Baby's size: She's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.
Baby's development: The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air.
Best of the week: Having someone finally rub my tummy other than Chris -- yes, that's right -- I like the tummy rubs!  Chris said we are going to start charging per rub! :)
 
Worst of the week: Sleep patterns are a little off. Some nights I sleep a lot, others not so much

Side Effects: Slight lower back pain, still having frequent trips to the potty!

Cravings: Mexican food -- which I got last night! Whoo hoo!

This week's goals: Go on "mommy walks", start stretching, preregister at the hospital, schedule a hospital tour, decide whether or not we will take child birthing classes, send out thank you cards for recent baby gifts, and decide on a brand of diapers! Lots to do!

Anticipating:  Debuting my semi-baby bump to friends and family this weekend in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham!

26 week picture:



That's right -- no bump picture this week! This is a picture of the "Grommy" aka Grumpy Mommy! :)



25 week update and 6 month doctor's visit

Baby's size: Head to heels, our baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga (a very large turnip), but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn.


Baby's development: She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.  She is learning to distinguish right side up from upside down!


Best of the week: Seeing Bella's lips, nose, ears, and all 4 chambers of her heart in Monday's ultrasound. Also, feeling her move more and more.  And being told by the doctor that her heartbeat is easy to find! 
 
Worst of the week: Stairs are becoming difficult..out...of..breath

Side Effects: Having trouble sleeping comfortably for more than a few hours

Cravings: Sweets

This week's goals: Go on "mommy walks" as Chris likes to call them!

Anticipating: Seeing all of my extended family this weekend at my cousin's wedding! Can't wait for Bella to hear all of that laughter!

Doctor's update: The glucola wasn't that bad. I should get my test results back in a few days to find out if I have gestational diabetes.  Blood pressure and weight were good, iron was low. I was put on an iron supplement that I have to take with lunch each day and given a list of foods to eat (the best source of iron is livers...yuck!) I was told to lay off calcium because it lowers your iron levels...very interesting stuff!  The best part: after my next visit in 3 weeks, I will be seeing the doctor every 2 weeks which means her due date is getting closer and closer!

6 month ultrasound

The doctors had us come back in because they weren't able to get a good luck at Bella Rose's heart at 5 months. However, when we went back in at 6 months -- everything looked great! The ultrasound tech said she was pouting her lips as if she were blowing us a kiss! So cute!

Here she is!

I love that her features are so clear! :)

6 months down, 16 weeks to go!

Baby's size:  Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up.
 
 
Baby's development: Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.



Best of the week: Bella is still on the move. Chris and I are able to feel her frequently. Last night while I was sleeping, Chris was holding my belly. He said she was boxing his hand. :) In fact, she is moving right now as I type!


Worst of the week: Frequent trips to the bathroom.

Side Effects: See above. Apparently my bladder is Bella's pillow!  Also, I am sleeping a lot.  Right now, I am averaging 9-11 hours a night. People keep telling me to rest while I can!

Cravings: Still potatoes!  And fried okra! Last night's dinner included both!

This week's goals: Work on my pregnancy album!
Anticipating:  My glucose tolerance test...hope the results come back negative!

Pics:

Finally! A bump is forming!

23 weeks! 119 days to go!

Baby's size: And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes.


Baby's development: Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance.  Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.




Best of the week: Bella is moving like crazy! Chris was able to feel her on Sunday! He was so excited he told me to write the date down!



Worst of the week: Indecisive about what I want to eat




Side Effects: Inconsistent sleeping patterns. One night I will sleep 10 hours, the next night I'll be wide awake at 5:30 a.m.




Cravings: Halloween candy. Although I think that has more to do with the season and not my pregnancy!




This week's goals: Drink more water, start cardio walking, start nesting! (Same as last week)




Anticipating: Seeing how Bella does on a road trip!  We are headed up to the mountains for a couples get-a-way! And of course, the UA vs. TN game!



Pics:  So I had planned on taking pictures tonight when Chris gets home..but I've been in my p.j.'s all day and don't feel like changing..guess I will have some next week for the 6 month pics! :)

Huntsville Baby Shower

My best friend since middle school, Natalie, along with her mom, Mrs. Temple, and my mom hosted an awesome baby shower for me at my home church.  They put so much thought and effort into the food and gifts!  It was great fun, and I am looking forward to my next shower in Birmingham in November!

Pics!

Mom pinning on my flowers!

Add caption



The wonderful food!




So grateful for all my blessings!




Mom and I at the welcome table




3 generations: My great aunt, my mom, and me!




Dear Lucy!





The hostess with the mostest! My best friend, Natalie!





The yummy cupcakes!





All my hostesses!



Opening my many gifts! Thanks all!