week 37. "Your baby is as lofty as a stalk of Swiss chard and weighs 6 1/3 pounds. (Length: a bit over 19 inches, head to heel.)" -babycenter.com He is now considered full term! So no chance of having a preemie! His lungs should be fully developed! I have said goodbye to heartburn! Prilosec is working it's magic and I'm finally able to keep meals down! (here comes all the weight gain!) However I have now started retaining water. I am no longer able to wear my rings or watches and when I take my socks off there is a huge indentation of where it used to be and it will remain purple or red for the rest of the night. So I've been elevating my legs more and trying to stand less but luckily I only have a few weeks to go. Yesterday Ryan treated me to a pregnancy massage for Christmas it was amazing!! I am packed for the hospital and everything is set for him in his room. The car seat still needs to be installed but we have played with it so we're familiar with how to work/adjust it. Hopefully that will be installed later today! Ryan set up the baby swing in the livingroom so it's constant reminder there's going to be a baby joining our family SOON, as if my kankles and enormous belly isn't enough of reminder!

week 36. "Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long." -babycenter.com At the end of this week he will be considered full term so basically I need to be ready for whenever he decides to come! I still have yet to pack for the hospital and install the car seat but I will hopefully make lots of progress this week seeing as how I only work 2 days this week. Simple tasks such as tying shoes, rolling over in bed and getting out of the car is getting more and more difficult and uncomfortable. However my heartburn/acid reflex problem hopefully has been curbed by prilosec. That in and of itself is a great Christmas gift!

week 35. "Your baby, now as hefty as a honeydew melon at 5 1/4 pounds, doesn't have much room to maneuver in your belly. (Length: more than 18 inches, head
to heel.)" -Babycenter.com He has been having a lot of hiccups lately, at least once a day, if not 3 times a day. Usually ice water gets him going. He feels so big inside! I had my 35 week appointment and still all seems well. He is measuring right where he should be. I discussed my struggle with heartburn (throwing up 3x/day) and she suggested I give up on Tums and go to Prilosec. Hopefully this will give me some relief! I also found out that I am already dilated to 1cm, which I could stay at for a few weeks. I have been extremely emotional this week, mostly while I'm driving home. I have had some dreams that left me feeling a lot of guilt and doubt that I won't know how to care for him. On a lighter note, Ryan and I are beginning to compromise on a name so hopefully we will be able to feel more prepared in that department! I cannot believe how soon we'll be holding him!

week 34. "Your baby has bulked up like the average cantaloupe -- to about 4 3/4 pounds. (Length: almost 18 inches, head to heel.)" -Babycenter.com I'm really realizing how quickly this baby is going to come! We started our child birthing class last night, I enjoyed it. It was nice to be there with Ryan learning what to expect and how to cope with it. My favorite part was that he had to massage me! I did learn some things that I haven't read or heard elsewhere. We have 3 more classes, they are every Monday night in December. My last appointment went well, the baby is measuring just right and has a healthy strong heart beat. As of last week I believe my total weight gain is 12lbs. I'm so amazed at this and still I don't really believe that's true! Next week they begin checking for dilation...I can't believe we're to that point almost! I'm feeling pretty good, biggest complaints: Sinus infection I got a couple days ago, heartburn and discomfort in the ribs and feeling like my joints are those of a 75 year old! Otherwise I'm doing just fine, I have been blessed with a very uncomplicated pregnancy thus far! Biggest thrill: the nursery is finished and it's adorable!

week 33. He is weighing about 4lbs, about the same as a pineapple and is about 17 inches long. He feels really big in my belly! Life is getting a little more uncomfortable, here are some new developments: My fingers are too swollen to wear my wedding ring, I waddle, I'm up to getting up to go to the bathroom 4 times in the middle of the night, and the heartburn is back with vengeance. He is keeping his heel in my rib causing the rib to feel bruised by the end of he day. I have tried many tricks to get him to move but it doesn't look like that's going to change anytime soon. Ryan was able to feel a little movement (yes first time) this past week. Today he actually watched my belly shake from his kicks. I am amazed at how soon I'll be able to hold this baby in my belly! I just can't stop thinking about that!

week 31. Our baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt.(babycenter.com) I had another baby shower this past weekend from the Slorf side, it was a lot of fun and complete with some great gifts! I have so much fun sorting through everything and finding places for all of his things in our house! I still have a very long way to go though! As for comfort...it could be better, however I know it's only going to get worse! He is still hanging out in my right rib and it has been causing a lot of pain in my back as well as now making my rib feel bruised. Hopefully he'll decide 3 weeks is long enough in one spot! It is scary, crazy and so exciting that he could be here in less than 9 weeks! I am so amazed at how fast this has gone, how many emotions I've been though and how much Ryan and I have been supported by so much love from everyone! There really is nothing like having another life inside of you!

week 30. While Steph was home celebrating Christmas, Baby Bever, Lena's baptism and Dave's homecoming, Steph managed to take some maternity photos of Ryan and me. I'm glad we had a chance to get some pictures of the two of us!

Baby Room (so far!)
I'm loving how it's turning out so far! I have yet to order the bedding and figure out what wall words I want on the wall. I'm also thinking I want to paint some of the bubbles on the wall. We'll see, but I'm excited about this progress!

week 29! He is as big as a butternut squash, weightwise -- about 2 1/2 pounds. (Length: a tad over 15 inches, head to heel.) (babycenter.com) He's finding space where ever he can, unfortunately that happens to be in my right rib. He's been there for awhile with no plans of moving anytime soon. Ryan has finished painting the nursery as well as building the crib and glider from my parents. The nursery is coming together and I'm LOVING IT! Ryan likes it too! Yesterday we woke up and walked right into the nursery. I opened up the blinds and said "Baby, it's time to wake up!" Ryan laughed and said "Do you really think you'll need to wake up the baby!" Then he proceeded to pretend there was a baby in the crib. I'll be posting pictures up soon of our new favorite room in the house!

week 28. I am now in the home stretch...the 3rd trimester. I can hardly believe it! I had my 7 month appointment this past week and I found out that I have only gained 3 pounds in the past 7 months. I am amazed at this considering the baby weighs 2.5 pounds! My doctor said at this rate I'll be lighter than I was at my first appointment. I don't really believe it, just watch..those 60 pounds that everyone talks about will find me in the next 3 months! At this appointment I had to take a glucose test to check for gestational diabetes, I should hear results by Thursday.
This week the baby is equal in weight to a Chinese cabbage -- about 2 1/4 pounds. (Length: almost 15 inches, from head to heel.) I can feel movement by my left hip and under my right rib all at the same time. These movements have changed from a kicking to more of a rolling movement that is fun to watch. I have noticed that I am beginning to slow down a bit while taking more breaks in the day than I used to. I was so overwhelmed with the thought of cleaning the whole house I just kept putting it off. Today Ryan and I split up everything and got it all done, I really couldn't have done it without him...even with a lot of breaks.

week 27. If you were to pick up a head of cauliflower, this is about how much he weighs this week...almost 2 lbs! He measures about 14.5 inches long. He is discovering how to really stretch out in there as I'm beginning to feel something go under my rib. Luckily it doesn't stay there for long. The crazy part is I feel movements high and low so it gives me a good indication of his size! I have started to get several more leg cramps, mainly while I'm sleeping or stretching when I wake up. Another new thing is that I've started to experience some pain in my hip when I sleep/lay on it. I have another appointment this week Thursday and I have to take the glucose test. She will also go over my last ultrasound with me. After this appointment I will be seeing her every 2 weeks. This is my final week of the 2nd trimester; is this going fast for anyone else?

week 26. Look at that long baby! 14 inches long this week and 1 2/3 pounds. He is so fun to feel move around in there. Again, Ryan has yet to feel him. I'm still feeling good, getting more and more into the "nesting" stage. He's fun to get ready for! I'm getting ready for Ryan to paint the nursery, hopefully this weekend. I'll post pictures of it when I get some of it set up. I'm really excited to get going on the room!

This picture was taken 2 weeks ago, I was just shy of 6 months.

Work Shower!

I had my first baby shower today! I had such a wonderful time! Cali (below) hosted the party at her house. She is getting into cake decorating...I'd say she's pretty talented wouldn't you say?!?

The centerpieces were beautiful!
These girls are some of the best! It is such a blessing to have friends as co-workers!
I was also able to invite some of the parents of the children whom I've grown close with over the years.
I got some really cute clothes! The pants have a monkey face on the buns! Too cute
We played a game where we had tiny babies froze in an ice cube in our drinks and when the babies broke free from the ice cube then we got to shout out "My water broke!" It was so funny to see a baby in my punch!

Michelle wrote a message to the baby and of course it made me cry, I guess someone needed to make me cry! I'm amazed at how loved he already is!

week 25. He is now weighing in at around a pound and a half (about the weight of a rutabaga) and 13 1/2 inches long. Ryan still has yet to feel him kick but I know I've felt him many times. Ryan either tries to feel him while he's sleeping or he stops kicking when Ryan's hand is placed on my tummy. I'm feeling pretty good now, my cold is now just a cough, my energy has returned and no more morning/evening sickness. I went to my parent's house this weekend and my mom made the nursery curtains really cute by adding some matching material to the top of them. I also used this material to make a lampshade. I can't wait to start putting this room together! Goals I have by the end of Oct.: buy a crib and paint the nursery. I can't believe I'm 6 months along already!

September's OB Appointment: The ultrasound is missing a picture of the left foot so we get to have another ultrasound in 3 weeks. He was breach at the first ultrasound so it was difficult to get pictures of that foot. As for the down syndrome tests, I asked for it today but it is too late to do those tests. However my doctor said many of the signs of it can show up in the ultrasound and she didn't see any of the signs at this point. The doctor says I'm measuring right on target and she's keeping my due date of Jan. 18 the same. Here's a crazy thought: my next appointment in October will be my last monthly appointment, after that I switch to bi-weekly appointments because I'll be entering my 3RD TRIMESTER! Wow! So far all is well...keep those prayers going!!

week 23. I am so amazed at how fast this is going! He is now about 11 inches long and he weighs just over a pound! He's moving all the time and his movements are getting stronger and stronger. I may have been able to feel the kicks on the outside but it's hard for me to differentiate if I felt it on the outside or just the inside. I can also tell that he's growing by my appetite! I haven't gotten sick in a couple weeks now and the appetite feels like it has made up for lost time. My next appointment is Thursday and I'm quite sure I've gained weight this time!!! This past Friday I started a prenatal yoga class that I am going to love! It is finally the relaxation technique that I have been looking for! Pregnancy seems to have taken many of the techniques such as: caffine, hot baths and alcohol. Yoga class is going to be a great way unwind from a hectic week.

It's a BOY!

5 Months
(next picture I'll put on a maternity shirt so you can see it better!)

3rd OB appointment results:
-lost another 3 pounds...so far haven't gained, only lost
-measuring a week ahead...I'm considered 20 weeks.
-Ultrasound scheduled 1 week from today!!!

week 19. The baby is growing very quickly, I can tell because I have gained a much bigger appetite lately! It weighs about 8 1/2 oz. this week. I have my 3rd appointment this week Thursday and we'll be setting a date for the ultrasound. I'm getting sooooooo anxious to know the sex! This Thursday Ryan and I decided that we would like to do a blood test to test of down syndrome as well as few other things so we will be praying for healthy results on those. It sure has an active life though, I feel it kicking and moving around a lot! I can't wait until Ryan can feel it. As for a baby bump...I have not posted pictures of one well cuz...I'm still not really showing even though pants are tight.

week 18. What a crazy week this has been! I have actually been feeling the baby move! What a fun feeling!!! For the last few nights I have been feeling the baby moving at 9:30pm. The morning and afternoons haven't been as regular as at night. I can't wait till Ryan is able to feel it as well, I'm sure he is very anxious to feel it. Also this week I have completely lost any and all control I had left of my emotions! I was told "you're just a mirror of however I feel" by a co-worker. Last week I mentioned that I felt as though there wasn't enough time so I decided to start getting ready for the baby by emptying out the baby's room. I still have a ways to go but it did make me feel a lot better. My next appointment is next week and at that appointment we'll make a date to do the ultrasound to find out the sex and to make sure the baby is growing like it should. This week the baby is the size of a bell pepper and is about 5 1/2 inches long...the mind boggling part is that the baby is going to double in size in the next 2 weeks! By week 20 it will be 10 inches long...think BANANA! Remember when it was the size of a sesame seed? I can't wait to finally be able to say "he" or "she" is....instead of "it".

week 17. Wow so far this week has been a doozy! I feel like I have thoroughly lost it! I have this huge feeling that "THERE'S NO TIME!" I realize how ridiculous that may sound...trust me, however it doesn't help me think any more rational! Maybe this feeling comes from being 3 weeks away from being halfway through, or the fact that we're having a baby right after the busiest time of the year...or as a teacher I am making plans months in advance. Whatever it is I realize this time is going to go by so quickly and I have so much to do before we bring the baby home.
I did buy a heart monitor this past week and have had a lot of fun trying to find the heart beat. My mom was able to hear the heartbeat with me this past weekend, I was so excited and proud to share that sound with her! That was certainly worth the $10 I spent to buy it!
This week the baby is 5 inches long and weighs 5oz. About the size of a turnip!

Week 16 . I have not received any baby bump comments only "have you lost weight?" I have been pretty sick at dinner time so I no longer eat much of a dinner, only a few snacks and that seems to work. I have developed a new aversion in the past 2 weeks: meat. I haven't had any cravings as of yet, at this point usually nothing sounds good.
The baby is growing to the size of an avacado this week while growing fingernails and toenails! I keeping thinking of those few seconds when we got to hear the heartbeat and kicking sounds and I want to hear that again!! This week I think i'm going to buy a fetal heart monitor so I can listen to it when I want! I haven't heard wonderful things about these, but I think it would be fun to try! It may help me recognize the kicks earlier...who knows!

I had my 2nd appointment yesterday with the nervous hopes of hearing the heartbeat for the first time. I believed there was a baby in there and I've been changing my whole life because of this belief but yesterday I heard the life of a baby that is living in me! What a truly amazing experience! The heartbeat was strong and my doctor found it immediately unlike last time she searched and searched and then gave up. The heart rate was 150 which is very normal so all seems good so far! Not only was there heartbeats but lots of swishing and some (violent) kicking! I'm so excited to be able to feel those kicks pretty soon! Ryan said "sounds like we'll have a soccer player!" Ryan also believes I'm just starting to show a baby bump...and ya know...just in the last couple days I really believe I am! At my "weigh-in" I actually lost a pound since last visit due to all the dinners I'm not digesting! At my appointment in September I will have my first ultrasound and hopefully find out the sex...I can't wait for that!!! Any guesses?

I'm officially beginning the 2nd trimester! I've read the next 3 months is when I'll feel my best. I hope so, however I'm a little doubtful considering I experienced morning sickness more this past week than I have yet! I have certainly learned not to wait to eat...even if it's 4am and I wake up hungry! I'm thinking this past week the baby must have experienced a big growth spurt because I was back to needing naps every day and never feeling full. I have my next appointment on Thursday. We're so excited for it, we really want to hear that heart beat!
This week the baby is about 3 1/2 inches long and weighs 1 1/2 oz. "This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb!" -Babycenter.com I will never cease to be amazed!

Week 13...last of the 1st trimester! Baby Bever is now a whopping 3 inches long, about the size of a medium shrimp. He/she is developing fingerprints on each of it's tiny fingers!
I'm still feeling great, even with fewer naps! I sure do go to the bathroom a lot though! Today I had my first (of many I'm sure) "nesting moments." For some reason today finding a crib became the utmost important task! Even though I'll be going to bed without being able to check this off of my list, I sure spent a majority of the day researching, Craigslisting and checking them out at Baby's R Us. I was even tempted to start clearing out the babys room, however I kept reminding myself I have SOOO much time to get that all worked out! I'm also noticing I'm a lot less in control of my emotions! I had high hopes for a crib on craigslist today and went to Baby's R Us to look at the same one. Ryan called to let me know that I got an email and they said they already sold it. I was so bummed I had to hold back tears! SILLY! Funny...I know it at the time that it is so silly however it doesn't turn off the emotions/tears. Oh boy, look out Ryan, this could be a long 6 more months!
Next week I have my 2nd appointment, where we will try again for the heartbeat and hopefully set up an appointment to have an ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby.

Look at that lime! Not long ago it was the size of a sesame seed! Well lets see, this week I have certainly had more issues with smells. I'm amazed at how quickly smells activate my gag reflex. I'm really getting good at taking naps! Today I actually took a nap and woke up to go to the bathroom and returned to my nap! I'd say that's commitment!

Week 10 was a very fun and eventful week! I had my first appointment this week and all went well! Dr. Florido confirmed that I am indeed pregnant and everything looks fine. She tried to hear the heartbeat but wasn't able to find it, she said it was just a tad early. My next visit (July 23) she will try again and if she still does not hear it she will do an ultrasound. She did not seem concerned at all so at this point I won't concern myself with that worry. After the appointment Stephanie and Lena met me in GR and we went to Motherhood Maternity and tried on maternity clothes. I dreaded that experience but it turned out to be a hilarious experience! They had me strap on a pillow to mimic what the baby bump will look like! Then I tried on some pants with the typical maternity pants...ya know the ones with the blue waist that goes all the way up to your boobs. I felt like Mrs. Doubtfire with the stretchy pants and padding. I did buy my first maternity pants and shirt! Then we went to Babys R Us and Steph walked me around and showed me what to look for in certain products. What a fun "Baby Bever Day!"
Week 11 begins now and the baby is about 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig. My doctor has prescribed new prenatal vitamins that won't make me so constipated. Also she said I could take Zyrtec!!! So goodbye allergies...Hello Summer! This was very exciting news! It's crazy that I am almost a 1/3 of the way into this pregnancy!