week 36

Yikes- I'm almost 37 weeks and haven't posted this yet.

About the baby? "They" say Kaden's almost 6 pounds (but our doctor thinks he's bigger) and more than 18 1/2 inches long.  He is getting closer and closer to breathing on his own. 

Maternity Clothes? at this point (and probably here on out) whatever is comfortable and fits

Stretch Marks? still in the clear

Gender? boy

Movement?   yes.  I feel a lot of lower pressure too.

Sleep? this has been getting tough again.  Kaden has to be the longest baby ever!  He's got a foot or something stuck up in my ribs at night and yet I feel an arm or something else jabbin' my bladder at the same time.  With those 2 things combined, it makes for a rough sleep some nights.

Food Cravings? nothing

What I Miss?  my normal size feet, ankles, hands, and face.  But it's all for our boy... and I wouldn't change that for anything!

Symptoms? half innie/outie belly button, swelling, swelling, swelling, mild case of pregnancy carpal tunnel, and a nasty cough (which may not be due to pregnancy)

Best Moment This Week?
1. going to the doctor
2. buying our stroller/car seat system (post to come later)

Looking Forward To? Our doctor said he'll let us see Kaden at our next appointment on Thursday!  I'm looking forward to this because we haven't seen him since about 17 weeks.  Plus, the doctor said he's "a big baby" for someone my size.  We aren't really sure what that means, but maybe we'll find out more on Thursday.

birthing class

At the beginning of May, Kirby and I, excitedly prepared for our all day birthing class.  It was at the hospital we plan to have Kaden delivered, so it was nice to get acquainted with the place and even take a tour.  We watched several short videos that tried to prepared us for what is to come.  At one point, Kirby left the room for a very long bathroom break. I found out later that the "delivery tools" (particularly the hook they use to break your water) started making him feel a little queasy.  Haha... I hope that's not a sign about what's to come.

We both don't do very well with hospitals, so I'm sure we'll have an interesting birth story to share.

mother's day

This year... it meant something different.  I had happiness in my heart and couldn't wait to celebrate in a whole new way.

Kirby Kaden really outdid himself this "first" year for Mother's Day.

A new Nikon 55-300 zoom lens :)

I guess he already knows (from the 30+ weeks of pregnancy updates) how much his Mom likes pictures.  I can't wait to use it on him when he arrives! 
Thank you Kaden!  Mom loves you :)

time with friends

I'm super behind on blogging.  Here's one that I started, but never finished.  I don't want to miss documenting anything...

This night we were able to hang out at dinner with friends, Jeanne and Richard, from Maryland.  We don't get to see them very often, so we're already looking forward to seeing them again this summer.

maternity clothes

 I wore 14 (or maybe a few more if I forgot anything) pieces of maternity clothing during the past 35 weeks!  I realized this while putting some laundry (a chore I can't stand to do) away and couldn't believe that number!  Half of them were bought/given to me and the other half were pieces I bought myself.

I'm definitely not a fastionista in any way, but feeling good about how I dressed really helped me get through the emotional struggle of my changing body. Picking out clothes I felt comfortable and good in was key... but all without emptying our bank account.

7 pieces given to me- (all from Motherhood Maternity, except #7)

 

#1 & 3 were my first pregnancy shirts.  A lady I worked with last year insisted that she would be the one to buy me my first maternity clothes and I'm very grateful she did.  

#2 is a simple long black dress my cousin, Lucy bought for me.

#4 & #6 were given to me by a friend.  I've layered #4 a few times and I'll probably get a few more uses out of it since the weather is getting warmer.

#5 was also given to me by a school friend.  I used to be able to wear it with leggings, but it's more of a shirt now.

#7 is the Seraphine dress I was able to review and love it!

7 pieces I bought myself-

 

#1 & #2 are the only jeans I bought (Duo from JcPenneys).  One is a full panel and one is an underbelly band.  I got a lot of use out of them in the 1st and 2nd trimester.

#3 & #4 are the only work pants I bought myself.  Liz Lange from Target.

#5 & #6 are from Motherhood and are helping me get through these last few weeks of growing.

#7 is a dress from the maternity section in Kohls.  I bought it for one of my showers and I love it!  Super comfortable!

So besides what's listed above, here are a few other things that have helped me through the past 35 weeks-

1. leggings

2. dresses

3. bigger size in regular clothes

4. yoga pants

5. skirts

 

And yes.... I know that I still have some growing to do, but I plan to use what I have to make it through. 

week 35

Today is May 20th.  We are due June 20th.  Holy Cow!

About the baby? 5 1/4lb and about 18inches long.  Most of the physical development is complete, so now he'll just work on putting on the LB's.  CRAZY that next week, I'll be full-term!

Maternity Clothes? Re-wearing the ones I have, but still a mix of regular clothes too.  Basically... whatever I can fit into that I haven't already worn that week.

 

Stretch Marks? checking, and double checking... still nothing :)

Gender? boy

 

Movement?   Yes, but less of it and in different spots.  I feel a lot of pressure down below, so I know he's dropped a little bit.

Sleep? I had a few days this week where I was struggling with the fact that I might have to deal without sleep for the next.... ummm.... few months.  I couldn't get comfortable.  I think Kaden was laying on something that made it so that every position I tried was miserably uncomfortable.  Thankfully that passed after 2 nights and I'm back to my semi-comfortable sleep, with 4+ bathroom breaks. :)

Food Cravings? no... haven't had a "pregnancy craving" in 35 weeks and I don't think that'll change

What I Miss?  cuddling with my husband... this big ol' basketball belly is getting in the way!  walking quickly (if you know me, this has been a big change)

Symptoms? waddling (yikes!!), swelling, still snoring, contractions, "lightning" type pain

Best Moment This Week? 
1. celebrating Mother's Day

2. our school shower

Looking Forward To? our appointment next Wednesday... I'm crossing my fingers that he'll let us see Kaden. 

school shower

Last week my planning team threw me a great baby shower!  They even surprised me by having Kirby come to the shower and celebrate this special time. 

We were spoiled again with so many things for Kaden.

Thank you to our school family for celebrating with us! 

Kirby was even gifted with a "Daddy Doody Kit"!  But with the deal we made... he doesn't think he'll need it though.  He's going to get up in the middle of the night with Kaden and I'm going to change all the #2 diapers.  HA!  He's trying his best to get out of the dirty work!

week 34

About the baby? the size of a squash or a cantaloupe...18inches long and about 4 3/4 lbs

Maternity Clothes? not really, but if we were rich and I didn't mind spending a ton of money on clothes, I'd probably go out and get some maternity things.  I'm just trying to get by with what I have, but everything is getting tight now!

 

Stretch Marks? still nothing :)

Gender? boy

Movement?   Yes... but I think things are getting tighter in there though. 

Sleep? I've slept the best on nights when I got exercise... it really helps knock me out.

Food Cravings? nothing

What I Miss?  being in shape

Symptoms? umm... #1 "baby brain".  I used to think that it was something pregnant ladies made up to make excuses for stupid things they did... but no!  It's real!  One example- Kirby and I just got home from the grocery store and I was putting some things away.  I pulled open the deli meat drawer and saw some things in there that we had just bought.  I asked Kirby "Did you already put some things away?".   After he convinced me he hadn't touched any bags yet, I realized I must have put some things away and didn't even realize I did it already. 
#2 (new one) swollen feet/ankles and fingers. 

Best Moment This Week?  two things here too...
#1 Getting to spend time with Kirby learning about how our little man will make his way into the world soon.  Child birthing class was fun and Kirby made it very entertaining.  I'm not sure who will pass out first in the delivery room... mom or dad.

#2 the baby shower my planning team had for me at school today.  Kirby surprised me and showed up too :)  More details and pictures on that soon.

Looking Forward To?
making it full-term... it's so close!

The Southern Cupcake Company

If you remember a few months ago I posted about our friends starting a cupcake shop in North Myrtle Beach.  We were super excited for them as they had lots of great ideas and of course yummy cupcakes!

Well... they have had lots of success in the 6 short months they've been open.  They even applied to be on the show Cupcake Wars on the Food Network!  They asked Kirby to produce a video for them to submit.  He worked on it for 2 straight days after having tons of problems with his editing software.  The footage was shot in HD but it didn't convert right when making the final product, which he wasn't happy about.  However, it was good enough for the Food Network.  The day after the video was submitted, they notified the girls at The Southern Cupcake Co. to tell them they were interested, and got them started on the next phase.  If all goes well, they will be filming in California in June!

 

Kaden's Room

Kaden's room is just about finished... all we need is him!

Here are a few pictures of the adventure along the way. 

From guest bedroom to nursery.

week 33

4 weeks and Kaden is full-term!

About the baby? He's the size of a honeydew or pineapple.  Gosh!!  He's a little over 4 lbs and he's starting to open his eyes when he's awake now.  Holy moly folks... there's a baby inside me!

Maternity Clothes? I bought a few more maternity tops last weekend and I pray that gets me through these last weeks.  However, I wore one of the new shirts Monday and my principal told me I was going to have to break down and get some new maternity tops.  HA!  I told her I had just bought that one...

Stretch Marks? no, but the way I feel like I'm stretching, I'm surprised I don't!

Gender? boy

Movement?   Yes, lots of lower jabs that sometimes startle and hurt me.  I don't mind though ;)

Sleep?  I guess it's not too bad. I'm still getting up to use the bathroom (sometimes 3-4 times a night), mixed with the tossing and turning, charley horses, hands falling asleep.... but really it's not too bad ;)

Food Cravings? nothing

What I Miss?  laying on my back... ahhhh... I'd love to do that right now!

Symptoms? stretching, hot, tired, still snoring, back aches, and a new one... acne

Best Moment This Week?  working on Kaden's room.  Kirby did most all of the work though and I just gave my opinions.  We still have some decorations to put up on the walls but I love it and can't believe we'll be putting our son to bed and playing on the carpet together in there very soon!

Looking Forward To?
-Our appointment on Wednesday
-A baby shower for Kaden at school