Week #28-Welcome to Third Trimester!

Week #28 

Baby is size of: Eggplant!

Weight this week:162.8

Change since last week: -.8

Weight gain overall:15.8 pounds

Measurements-8/30: 

Waist-36.5-I give up after this month measuring my waist-I have none!

Stomach: 43.5

Hips: 42.5

Symptoms: Stiff back, restless legs at night, light cramping/RLP, acid reflux- Zantec is my new best friend, Hemorrhoids-yay! Getting full fast-I think she's putting some good pressure on my digestive system. On a positive note- no new stretch marks-yet! I've been oiling up 2x a day and drinking tons of water-we'll see if my theory works!, 

Cravings, Still on a peanut butter kick! Have to have my peanut butter sandwich or peanut butter on banana or graham crackers everyday.

Exercise-I failed this week-none. I found that if I walk I cramp a lot, so I've been trying to avoid walking for now. I need to focus on yoga. I do have to say though, I have been eating really well. The acid reflux is really causing me to watch my diet recently. It's too painful when it flairs up bad. 

28 week appointment-Monday 12:15 blood draw, 12:30 Ultrasound, 1:30 Doc appt.

The dreaded glucose test. Basically, it tests for how your body processes sugar and if you are over 135, you are at higher risk for GD and then you do a three hour test-which no one wants to do. 

Let me start by saying, the glucose drink was not bad. It tasted like sugary orange Gatorade. They gave me the drink at the last appointment and it has been sitting in our fridge for a month. It was 10oz and I had 5 minutes to drink it and get to the clinic within 45 minutes of drinking it so they could get an accurate blood draw. No problem.

Now, let me start out by saying Acid reflux has been rearing it's ugly head the past week and Sunday I didn't eat much due to feeling horrible whenever I drank even water. It was a rough day. I gave into Zantec and it was a life saver. I felt better the next day. Monday morning, the day of my appointment, I wanted to keep it low carb, so I ate 2 organic eggs, 2 slices nitrate free bacon and 2 natural turkey sausages and coffee with a little creamer. My appointment was at 12:15. I brought a long half a peanut butter sandwich and pretzels to eat after they drew my blood. 

We arrived at the appointment and they started with drawing my blood. I thought this would make me pass out due to lack of carbs. I was fine, no problems there. I then went on to the ultrasound. Now, I found lying on my back makes me light headed, but you are elevated during the ultrasound. She started the ultrasound and I was fine the first few minutes, all of a sudden, I became very light headed. I sat up and started sweating, became dizzy, had shortness of breath. It was a horrible feeling! Three nurses came in to make sure I was okay. They gave me an ice pack to put on my head and I layed on my side and it started to pass. I think the combination of me on my back and the lack of food is what did it. The rest of the ultrasound was done on my side and felt much better. I am so glad this was my last ultrasound. They still couldn't see her hand, she likes putting them above her head. At this point, she's head down but she still has time to move. I hope she stays that way!

I met Dr. Lloyd for the first time in about 13 years. I went to her once before college. She is very nice, very Grandma type. She said baby looks good and is growing in the 67 percentile at this point. That made me feel good. She swabbed me for a yeast infection which I had been having problems with and it was negative. I was also glad about that since that can affect having a vaginal birth. So, overall, an okay day. My next appointment is Thursday, 9/19 at 2:45 with Dr. Hayes. I'll be almost 31 weeks! Dr. Hayes continues to be my favorite so far. I really hope he is on call when I deliver. 

So good news is that I passed the glucose test with a 116 (it had to be lower than 135) :). Yeah for not having to redo it!

Baby Thoughts-So, I feel really unprepared at this point. Dan has cleared out the office and it is totally empty...it's crazy! However, the only thing we can really do at this point is paint-which I have no idea what I want to paint it. I want to wait till after my shower to see what I will have left to buy. 

So, right now, I am making a lot of lists. I have read it's a great idea to make frozen meals prior to baby being born since I know I won't have much time/energy to cook-I barely have the energy now! So, I found an awesome site that has you cooking 20 meals or 40 if you double them in 4 hours. They are all crock pot meals so all you have to do is prepare the meat and cut up the veggies, stick them in a bag in the freezer and you're done! All you have to do is add veggies or pasta after it's cooked which is very simple. I want to avoid eating out and eating crappy after the baby is born so I thought this was a genius idea. If I like it, I'll continue to take a Saturday and just hammer out a bunch of meals. 

Fun Fact-Starbursts get her moving! She is an active baby. On and off during the day, but more active in the morning and evening. But it never fails, every time I eat Starbursts, she moves instantly! It's funny! All Red Starbursts are great :) Cherry, Strawberry, Watermelon and Fruit Punch all in one bag? Genius.

I can't believe I am almost out of the 20's!!

Week # 27 Ladies weekend/Dan's Birthday

Week #27

Baby is size of: Rutabaga!

Weight this week: 163.6

Change since last week: +.6

Symptoms: Leg cramps at night-almost every night now, left ear popping, stiff lower back-people at work say I look like I waddle!, Acid Reflux-comes and goes-this week it's not so good!

Cravings: I guess peanut butter, I'm still on that kick. This is where I don't feel like a "normal" pregnancy person. I have no cravings. I really haven't had any for a while! I have been trying to eat more healthy since acid reflux is killing me at this point-it comes and goes. I find when I eat unhealthy, the acid reflux is worse. I try to stay a way from to much sugar/fatty foods. 

Exercise-Once this week, Wednesday. Yoga DVD-which I do find very relaxing. I am shooting for 2x a week at this point, however, I want to do yoga at least three times a week. I will try to start that Monday

Girls Weekend!

The festivities started on Friday when Mom, Me, Beck and Amanda went to the Phister for some girl time and spa treatments. It was very nice. I had a pre-natal massage. I had to say, it was a little awkward and I definitely prefer regular massages, but it did feel good. Amanda had a massage and Mom and Beck had facials. We dined at Mason Street Grille-so amazing. I love their food! We then relaxed for the night. The next morning we had breakfast-also very good and took our time checking out. It was a nice night to relax before the craziness of the next day began!

                                                             Girls night at the Phister! 

I spent Saturday afternoon making cake pops for favors and finalizing anything we needed for the party. The night went pretty smoothly. We went to Rock Bottom for dinner. The service and food was good and we all had a good time. We then went on the "late night party cruise" boat which ended up being a good time as well. We went to Molly Cool's afterwards for some drinks when Beck decided she was done drinking! We ended our night at Scott E's Bar in West Allis. At about 1:00 I was about done. I didn't sleep well the night before and I was just so tired. I was so happy for Sunday to come so we could relax. I didn't get to sleep till 4:30am on Sunday. Beck had a really good time and was much better off than I was at my bachelorette party!

                                                                      All the girls!

                                                            Dinner at Rock Bottom

                                 Amanda, Back and I on the Eidelweiss boat cruise-I look huge!

Dan's Birthday-I felt bad that I didn't do a whole lot for Dan's birthday but I tried to make it as nice as possible. We relaxed in the morning and in the afternoon went on a picnic at Whitnall park and played Sequence. We then went to Maddogs bar and played Golden Tee and Bags and relaxed. Dan was hungry so we went to Koops where he got a HUGE burger-and regretted it later! He took a nap. I made him a cheesecake-not homemade, but still good, sang happy birthday and gave him his present. 

I've been on a clothes kick-here are some of my findings:

                                                      Marshalls-$11.50 total

                                               New to you kids! All this for under $25.00!

Amy sent me her diapers she no longer needed to use! I am excited to use them and see how baby likes them. All of this for only $95.00?! It's a steal!

Baby thoughts--So I've been on a clothes thing lately, but I think I am going to take a break from it. I have been buying a lot of onesies and sleepers. I think sleepers are fine as she will likely be in them most of the time the first few months. I guess what I didn't realize is that I've been buying a lot of onesies that are short sleeve and short. It will be winter time and will be cool. I guess I could layer it with different outfits, but I'd like to make it as easy as possible the first few months since we'll be changing her a lot. I will likely layer her clothes and put the onesies under her sleepers as I have been reading that can be done as well.   I only want to buy outfits for when it's a special occasion the first few months. I think Christmas will be the only time the first few months! So, I am halting buying more clothes for now. Also, I have read newborn clothes is kind of a waste as they grow out of them so fast. I won't be buying any newborn clothes unless we know she's going to be very small. I have a gut feeling she'll be a big baby as Dan and I both were.

I say this every week, but MAN is time flying! Here's to enjoying the last week in 2nd trimester. It's been an overall good trimester, now the real fun pregnancy symptoms begin! Next week: 28 week appointment-glucose test and another ultrasound-hopefully the last one. I will be going to appointments every two weeks now! CRAZY!! 13 more weeks till we meet our precious, active, little girl :)

Week #26-More wedding stuff!

Week #26 Baby is size of:: A head of lettuce!

Weight this week :163.0

Change since last week :.+.8

Weight gain overall: 15.8 lbs

Symptoms-stiffness in lower back if sitting too long, acid reflux, Cramps in calf at night, RLP, mild cramping, constipation, bloating-UGH

Cravings-I'm still on a peanut butter kick, also, I've been craving turkey sandwiches. I'm going to buy some natural, non-processed, no nitrates added Applegate brand turkey when I go shopping this week-I can't stand nasty processed lunch meat and I won't eat it-Paleo ruined me in a good way.

Exercise- 2 times this week :). I did 2 mile walks this week on Tuesday and Thursday and also did pre-natal yoga. I also got two DVDs! One pre-natal yoga, one Pregnancy DVD with light weights. 

Beck's Bridal Shower

Last Saturday was Becky's bridal shower. It was nice and we had a good time. It was at Matty's which is a nice Bar and Grille in New Berlin. She had a lot of family and friends there and she had a really nice time. It was nice to see all family and friends and Mom's co-workers.We played two games, one was the purse game in which each certain item in your purse was  a certain amount of points and whoever had the most won. We also played a game where Amanda interviewed Steve and Steve answered certain questions about their relationship. Beck had to guess what he said. Se had most of them rigt. The food was good. We had Wraps, a noodle salad, salad and a veggie trays. Jill and Aunt Donna made a nice cupcake cake in the shape of a wedding dress for dessert a long wit lemon bars, brownies and Zucchini bread. She received a lot of nice gifts.  My favorite gift she received was from Steve's Mom. She had 6 different wine bottles and the name of the wine corresponded to the occasion such as "first fight", "first dinner party", "First Christmas". It was such a cute idea. 

I've been spending time finalizing Beck's Bachelorette party stuff. I just want it all to go smoothly and for everyone to have a good time. I hope I will make it through the night!

Baby thoughts: Once the bachelorette party and bachelor parties are over with, we can finally do more baby stuff! I still don't know what color to paint the room and I continue to add things to the baby registry. The official shower date is October 26th. I'll be just over 36 weeks. 

                                            

                                    My purchase this past week-these are too adorable!

These weeks are flying by! On to week 27!

Week #25-Gpa Move/Wedding stuff!

Week #25 Baby is size of: Cauliflower!

Weight this week 162.2

Change since last week +1.2

Weight gain overall: 15 lbs

Symptoms-stiffness in lower back if sitting too long, acid reflux-bad, Cramps in calf at night, RLP, mild cramping, constipation, bloating-UGH

Cravings-I've been on a peanut butter kick, also, I've been really liking Applegate nitrate free bacon. YUM!

Exercise- Woohooo!! After two months, I exercised twice this week doing the elliptical for 30 minutes at the gym and also walking 3.25 miles yesterday in 45 minutes.  I also ordered a prenatal yoga DVD and a prenatal workout DVD-have to start getting ready for labor!-only 15 weeks a way give or take :)

I have to say, I do splurge on weekends, but I really have been eating a lot healthier. I make sure to get my omega-3s everyday, fruit and have been adding more veggies. I'm really overall feeilng pretty good!

Grandpa's Move

Last Friday,  my Grandpa K moved back from Florida. It's nice to have him back and I know it makes Mom feel better as she's been trying to get him back for a loooong time! Me, Dan, my Dad, Aunt Donna, Jill and Mom all helped him move in. It's very close by and it's a nice place. I know it gives Mom more of a peace of mind to have him so close, once he's all settled, Dan and I will try to go over there regularly to visit him to see how he's doing. After we moved him all in, he took us all out to Hanley's to eat. It was nice spending time with Jill and my family. 

Wedding Stuff!

Two nights this past week, my sisters and I helped Becky with invitations. I had no idea it was such a process! I helped one night and my Mom, Beck and Steve finished. They are all out now and we actually got ours in the mail today! 

Thursday night, Mom, Amanda and I worked on Becky's favors for her shower. It was fun to do and we always have good talks and laughs together. Dad also gave me a HUGE zucchini  They started a garden this year and it has just been flourishing! The weather has been perfect so it makes for some good growing. 

Baby Thoughts: I think I have almost completed our baby registry! I went to Target a few weeks ago and zapped some stuff. I have a registry on Amazon-specifically for all my cloth diaper stuff, Kohls and mostly at target. It is overwhelming as I don't know exactly what she'll need and what is all necessary to get. I guess it's a learning process too. I am getting anxious to get started on the nursery. Once Beck's bachelorette party is over with next Saturday, I'll have time to completely focus more on baby stuff. I still haven't decided on a color. Dan thinks it should be green, but we have so much green in the house! I don't know, decisions, decisions. I just can't believe I'm at 25 weeks already. Where the heck has this summer gone???!!!

                                                                22 weeks, 2 days

                                                                        25 weeks!

Week #24-24 week appointments/Golden Birthday

Week #24 Baby is size of: Cantaloupe!

Weight this week 161.0

Change since last week -.2

Starting weight-147.2

Weight gain overall: 13.8 lbs

Symptoms-Sciatica pain down left side, although not as bad, leg cramps in left leg at night-it's happening more and more, 

Cravings-None, I've been eating a pretty bland diet, my stomach is almost back to normal! I don't know if it's baby kicking in my acid reflux again or residual problems from those antibiotics!

Exercise-Yeah, it's becoming a trend-none. However, I am making it a goal to at least walk three times next week.

This week marks a lot of new things!

This week reaches viability, which means if, heaven for bid, I would go into labor, baby has a good chance of surviving outside the womb. It only increases each week from here. I still cannot believe how fast time is going. I have 16 more weeks! I can't believe it. I think it also has to do with summer months, summer flies by. 

I am officially wearing maternity pants as of 7/30. It took almost six months, but I gave up. They are so much more comfy! Between what Heather gave me and my neighbor Katie, I am completely set for maternity clothes and so thankful!

Appointment-24 week appointments

I'm getting very frustrated! So, we met with the fetal maternal medicine counselor, ultrasound tech and doctor. 

The counseling to us was pointless but she he was very knowledgeable and gave us good information. she basically told us what the issues were with the baby-spot in the brain and heart and the six finger issue-which I guess is only on one hand. It could be an indicator of down's syndrome or a chromosomal defect BUT 99% of the time it means nothing. She talked to us about testing-a blood test will test the 5 main chromosomes and gives a 99% chance of being correct and knowing exactly what's going on. An amniocentesis would test all the chromosomes and give a full picture but give 100% chance of possible defects, however, that has a 1 in 200 chance of disturbing the pregnancy.  Dan and I agreed, no matter what, we didn't want any further testing. To me, the only thing that is certain is when she is here in the world. 

We then had the ultrasound. The ultrasound tech was very nice.  It is so crazy how I can feel her kicks and movements so distinctly and you can actually see it from the outside of my stomach. It went from little waves, to actual kicks! She was active the entire time the ultrasound was being done. They could not see her hand since she had it tucked behind her head. They did get a good shot of her definitely being a girl! The ultrasound lasted about 45 minutes. Baby is measuring right on schedule, 1lb 8 oz right now. 

THEN the doctor came in. I tell you, some doctors are just wonderful at explaining things, others, are just terrible-like this one. He came in and the first thing he asked was, "any questions?" I'm thinking ugh, we had to see a specialist because of these "spots" that the doctors are supposedly not concerned about and he's asking US if we have questions? He vaguely explained he sees baby developing normally and no visible birth defects. He did say that the spot on the brain cannot be seen, but doesn't mean it's not there. He also said that the baby's left foot appears to lean a little bit inward MAYBE, it could just be the way she's positioned in the uterus. I left that appointment pretty frustrated and felt pretty uninformed. They want to do yet another ultrasound at 28 weeks to see how she is developing. Dan and I decided after that-no more ultrasounds. Nothing can be done at this point and I just want her left to bake a lone!

We then went over to the doctor's office where I had my check up. I met with one of the NPs because Dr. Hayes (my favorite so far) was with a high risk patient and had problems. Michelle was very nice. My blood pressure is back down-100/60 and baby's heartbeat is normal. I go back in 4 weeks for the glucose test. Fun, Fun!

Lastly, at 1:30, I went to the breast specialist. I actually saw the doctor this time. She agrees it is pregnancy related changes and doesn't feel it's mastitis. Part of me feels I wish I would have just waited this out and never even told the doctor's about this. The pain is now gone and there is some slight pain sometimes, but no where near as it was before. They want to do an ultrasound to see if there were any changes and if they look the same, they'll just follow up in 2 months. 

So, next appointment is on 8/26 for the glucose test, which tests for gestational diabetes, ultrasound and regular doctor appointment, this time with Dr. Lloyd. I used to see her when I was younger in college.

Happy Golden Birthday to me!

Well, it only took 31 years to get here, but I finally celebrated my golden birthday this week. My co-workers made me puppy chow and had root beer floats during our weekly meeting. As I was leaving work, I noticed a balloon hanging out of my car. In my car was also a dozen roses :). I went home and Dan also had a tablet waiting for me and a very sweet card. My computer has been outdated for a while and running slow. It's pretty neat! We then went to Ruby Tuesdays, which has wonderful food. We walked around the mall a bit and stopped at the gas station to play the lottery (my first time every playing powerball-which neither of us won). Dan then sang happy birthday and we ate my favorite kind of cake-confetti which he made earlier. It was a very nice evening. I have such a wonderful husband :)

Baby thoughts-I love feeling her kick! They are so distinct now! It makes everything feel so real. I feel her more in the morning and at night when I'm laying in bed and when I'm sitting down at work. She really favors my left side.  I think it's true what they say they are more calmed when you are walking around-I rarely feel her when I'm up and moving around. I'm ready and excited for her to be here!!

On to week #25!

                                                    My sweet gifts :)

                                                    Dan made my favorite-confetti cake!