33 Weeks

33 Weeks

Baby D weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark! He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. This week our baby boy is like a pineapple or a bag of flour! One website even told me to go to the grocery store and cradle a bag of flour to see how it feels....can you imagine walking down the aisle of Stop & Shop and seeing me rocking a bag of flour?

CHRISTMAS 2012

looking tired and big at 33 Weeks

Christmas this year was different on many levels.
First, just being 8 months pregnant is something different all on its own. I'm used to sitting on the floor playing Santa with passing out gifts and socializing here, there, and everywhere. Having to take it easy with doctor's orders was a little hard. Who wants to lay on a couch while everyone is up and about? However...it is what I had to do. As much as I don't want to admit it I simply can't do the things I am used to doing anymore. Being on bed rest was so hard. I am so not a sit and do nothing type of person. I tried as much as I could, but I needed to do some things. When I felt good I would get up and move, but it didn't take long for my body to tell me to sit! Listen to your body!

Next, it is my last Christmas without a child! It is so crazy to think that next year we will have a 10 month old crawling, perhaps walking around getting into absolutely everything.

Another thing about this year is having my dad still here with us....at home! It was tough going for awhile with all of his health issues and I don't think any of us knew what would happen. Honestly, we didn't really want to think about the what ifs. It def puts things into perspective....family is number one! If you don't have family, what do you have? I am so thankful to have him home and on the mend.

Here we are...the original Woodman clan <3 Dad surrounded by his girls.

Best in the moment picture of my nephews! After box after box of clothes (how dare we buy them clothes?), games and toys we FINALLY got a huge smile out of them! 

Whoopie Cushions = priceless laughter from boys!

Our annual girl picture. Nana loves the belly! I can't wait to see her holding another baby! It's been a long time in between grandkids and I am excited to see her light up with joy with our little guy. She really is the best Nana.

Here we are! Last Christmas together as a couple! Next year we will be a Family <3
Before we have our little man, Jeff may have won the award for "Best Husband Ever." I don't mean to brag, but he really is the best and I feel so lucky to have him in my life and by my side. Christmas morning we woke up and opened our stockings. We agreed to just do stockings because we have a lot of baby stuff to buy before D-Day.....well he outdid himself completely. My last gift was a card and if you know me you know I am a huge card person! Jeff isn't a card person, so I know when I do get a card he put lots of effort into it. I opened it and there was a lot of writing...yup - tear central. I'll save the words for just us but the end of the writing were clues and in order to find the last part I had to go where our baby boy will rest.....CRIB! I jumped and ran.....as much as a pregnant girl can run.....or waddle :  ) and went to the nursery. In his crib was an envelope with an itinerary for
New Year's weekend........Our BabyMoon <3 Best gift ever.....simply perfect! Next blog post will talk all about our last getaway together!

Yup....#1 Dad! As much as we have the Red Sox / Yankees rivalry I really am over the moon for Jeff to create this bond with our little man. Jeff is going to be an amazing father!

Did I mention that he is going to be a great dad?!?! Seeing him interact with his nieces, nephews and mine as well just makes me smile : )

How cute are they?

How far along? 33 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 28 pounds
Maternity clothes? yes.

Stretch marks? Not yet but that belly button is getting pretty close to popping!
Sleep: Now that I have the Snoogle we'll see
Best moment this week: Christmas Surprise <3
Have you told family and friends: everyone knows....even strangers
Miss Anything? my rings!!
Movement: He does not stop moving and I love feeling him get the hiccups
Food cravings: nope, but I eat everything in sight, especially sweets!
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Have you started to show yet: The belly is getting rather big....I think I will even miss it once our little guy arrives
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: shortness of breath.....fast heartbeat......blood pressure and being swollen
Belly Button in or out? my never ending innie is getting pretty dam close to popping
Wedding rings on or off? Off...
Happy or Moody most of the time: emotional!! 
Weekly Wisdom: Savor every moment!
Looking forward to: Our Baby Moon :  ) 

32 Weeks

32 Weeks

I will admit that my entire pregnancy has been pretty easy....maybe too good to be true. On Thursday like a flip of a switch I went from feeling great to absolutely miserable. I don't know what happened, but on Thursday afternoon my entire body swelled up in a matter of what seemed like seconds. My toes were like little sausages, I couldn't get my rings off and my face felt really puffy. I thought maybe it was because I was on my feet all day long. I've been go, go, go lately with holiday festivities, shopping, concerts, and work.....I don't take much time to just sit and relax. My day wasn't done. I had to work after schools and then had another holiday party to attend. By the end of the night I was DONE!

I thought after a good night of sleep I would feel better in the morning.....not so much. The picture above was taken Friday morning.....it may be the fakest smile I've ever seen on my face! It was "Holiday Spirit Day" at my school.....not so much spirit here, but I tried. I barely made it through the day. I had to even visit the school nurse. My blood pressure was very high and I had a feeling it was. I just wasn't feeling like my normal (and I say that very lightly) self.

Jeff met me at the doctor's after school....everything seemed fine. Baby D's heart rate was right on, the belly measured just fine and my blood pressure had gone down since the last time I took it. However, it was still high. After talking with the doctor she decided to run some tests. I don't know all of the results yet, but the nurse from the hospital called last night and said the words I dreaded....."BED REST." Really?? 2 days before Christmas Eve and I have to lay on the couch or bed and do nothing?! Oh boy! If my blood pressure wasn't already high knowing I can't finish my Xmas shopping puts me over the edge. She said just for the weekend, so I plan on listening to doctor's orders.....if I don't the hubster will def be on my case. It's just not easy doing nothing. Hopefully with a few days rest I will feel better before Christmas!!

How far along? 32 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 28 pounds
Maternity clothes? yes.

Stretch marks? Not yet and hopefully never
Sleep: Now that I have the Snoogle we'll see
Best moment this week: any moment before Thursday :  )
Have you told family and friends: everyone knows....even strangers
Miss Anything? my rings
Movement: He does not stop moving!
Food cravings: nope, but I eat everything in sight, especially sweets!
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Have you started to show yet: I def can't hide it
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: shortness of breath.....fast heartbeat......blood pressure and being swollen
Belly Button in or out? In....but moving out
Wedding rings on or off? Off :  (
Happy or Moody most of the time: since Thursday.....blah
Weekly Wisdom: Keep feet up
Looking forward to: Christmas!

Weeks 29-31

                                                             Weeks 29-31

                                                                  Where did the time go??

                                                    I have gotten waaaay off track with blogging. 

                                                                     Week 29 

 

                                                          Susan and Andrew's Wedding

You saw how much I complained about maternity dresses in previous posts. This was the winner and yes it was from Target! I loved how it didn't hide the bump and believe it or not....the heels lasted pretty much all night long!

Week 30

Baby D is about 15 inches long and weighs just about 3 pounds...like the head of a cabbage. I am starting to get that tired feeling back. About a month ago I was doing pretty good with making it to the gym at least 2-3 times a week. Forget it now! I haven't been in a couple weeks and I can tell. I feel heavy and lazy.  I can literally make it through the work day and teaching afterschool and then all I want to do is fall asleep on my drive home.

I met with a different doctor this week. Everything seems a-ok and she could even tell me how the baby was positioned. That day he was head down, his butt was on the right and those little kicking feet were jabbing into my left side! She said he still has plenty of time and room to move around throughout the day.....room?? My belly feels rather squished.....not sure how much room he really has without me stretching more and getting stretch marks!

  

Robin's Holiday Party - Dad even made it : )

Before going to the party, Jeff and I had Day One of "Birthing Class." Oh Boy!! It was a looong day filled with lots of information. It wasn't as graphic as I thought it would be, but there were definitely many "ah ha" moments! I think overall class was great, especially for the Dads. It put many things into perspective and made them realize what is happening to our bodies inside. More importantly, I think Jeff is prepared for the moment when I do go into labor! Yikes!! 10 weeks away!

       I just asked Jeff what his top three "Ah ha" moments were from class and his response was...

                                                                      1. Where to go

                                                                      2. When to go

                                                                      3. Where the cafe is

                                                     I'm so glad I asked him about his insight! 

                                                           Giving Baby D some love <3

Week 31

Weighing in at three-plus pounds and measuring 17-18 inches long baby D is quickly approaching his birth length - though he's got to pack on another three-five pounds before D-Day! He can now process information like tracking light and perceiving signals from all five senses. We've tried moving the flashlight around my belly to see if he'll chase it like a cat, but no such luck. He doesn't seemed phased and probably makes fun of his Mommy and Daddy for doing such silly things.

Newest Pregnancy Symptoms:

 The first is something that I am so not used to....FORGETFULNESS!

Welcome to Mommy to be brain! I guess it's a real condition.....it results from the shrinking brain cell volume in the third trimester. I forget the smallest, everything things! It's crazy! I'm waiting for the day where I forget something really important and have a break-down about it! haha.

The second is sleeping......it gets harder and harder the further along I am. I have the surrounding pillows around my body mastered. Jeff tucks me and my pillows in each night to make sure they are strategically placed to support my back, the bump, and extra height for the legs - it's quite a sight indeed! Now instead of a million pillows Jeff bought me the Snoogle!! 

Check it out!

http://leachco.stores.yahoo.net/snoogle.html

It is AMAZING! It takes up half the bed, but it is totally worth it. I think Jeff likes when I get up before  him! Last night he was snuggling with my Snoogle when I went to go to bed.

Nursery

We've been doing a lot of house things this week to get ready for our "Chrismukkah" party. 

Here are the latest pics for Baby D's Nursery!

Chinese Lanterns....if you have been reading my blog you'll remember that I really wanted these. I got the idea from Pinterest....of course! I love them! It looks much better in person and I have to give Baby Daddy alot of credit for hanging them because it was not an easy task.

         The dresser we got at Baby Furniture Warehouse.....the bookshelf is from the Christmas Tree Shop....a $12.99 special.....cheap yes.....perfect for what we want to use it for though! The mirror is from Ikea and the brown dot stickers I got on Etsy.....they are so easy to put on and take off when we redo the room for baby's toddler years!

Chrismukkah Party

The party was a success and it was alot of fun, but made me realize yet again how hard being a hostess is! There are just so many people and so many things to cook and serve that you don't really get a chance to sit and chat with the ones you love because you are so wrapped up trying to talk to everyone!  However...it was so great to see everyone's face. Too much time passes in between great memories with friends and family!

Jeff, his sister and the kids. Such a great little family shot and had to share!

 Comparing baby bumps with Kendra! 

Baby Davidson is due in February...Baby Smirles is due in April!

 There were lots of other Mommy to Be's at the party as well! Don't want to spill the beans, but we are so excited that many of us are expecting around the same time! So far we have a February, April, May, and June baby! I wish we had taken a picture of all of us, but we are waiting for some to make it "Facebook Official!" Next Christmas will be VERY different!

How far along? 31 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: I have a doctor's appointment this coming week - week 32, so we'll see. I purposely do not weigh myself, but my estimate is close to 30 pounds now - haha
Maternity clothes? yes...pants especially.....I can get away with regular tops still

Stretch marks? Not yet and hopefully never
Sleep: Now that I have the Snoogle we'll see
Best moment this week: seeing the nursery coming along
Have you told family and friends: everyone knows....even strangers
Miss Anything? energy
Movement: He does not stop moving!
Food cravings: nope, but I eat everything in sight, especially sweets!
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Have you started to show yet: I def can't hide it
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: shortness of breath.....fast heartbeat
Belly Button in or out? In 
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy and in the holiday spirit
Weekly Wisdom: Laugh
Looking forward to: Christmas!

28 weeks

28 Weeks! Baby D is the size of an EGGPLANT!

                                                        Happy Thanksgiving!

How far along? 28 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Total so far....20+ pounds (I may stop this part of the survey! It gets pretty depressing!)
Maternity clothes? yes

Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Im back to the "I can't get enough of sleep" stage. I'm tired ALL of the time.
Best moment this week: 
Have you told family and friends: everyone knows....even strangers
Miss Anything? drinking a few at weddings : )
Movement: He does not stop moving!
Food cravings: nope
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Have you started to show yet: started to show?? HA
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: shortness of breath is kind of crazy
Belly Button in or out? In 
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy with a freak out side! Starting to legit freak out about labor
Weekly Wisdom: Embrace the belly!
Looking forward to: Childbirth class

27 weeks

27 WEEKS:

Baby is the size of a Rutabaga.

What the heck is a rutabaga??

Who's the pregnant one with the cravings Mr. Tator Tot??

 Another Bump Picture

Latest Purchases: 

Double Dresser in White

Knit Football Hat

How cute right?! I couldn't resist! I just booked a newborn photo shoot with: 

http://www.mattgleasonphotography.com 

I saw this hat and couldn't resist! Let the obsession with baby pictures begin!

How far along? 27 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Total so far....20 pounds
Maternity clothes? Some...I am getting pretty frustrated with maternity clothes! They are just not cute!

Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Sleeping is a challenge for sure....just can't get comfortable
Best moment this week: Being told I have the cutest baby bump by a complete stranger, when in reality I feel like a big cow.
Have you told family and friends: everyone knows....even strangers
Miss Anything? I really wanted a Mojito today at lunch
Movement: He does not stop moving!
Food cravings: nope
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Have you started to show yet: it gets bigger by the day
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: nope.....breathing is different now - hard to catch my breath
Belly Button in or out? In 
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: I must be entering the "emotional stage".....tears were streaming down my face in the middle of the Cheesecake Factory today when I was with my mom
Weekly Wisdom: Embrace the belly!
Looking forward to: Turkey Day with family

26 Weeks

26 WEEKS 

which also means......

14 weeks left!

Baby D is the size of

a Head of LETTUCE

Every morning I get an email letting me know what to expect or weekly updates on baby to be. Here is mine from today.....

 "Notice your belly occasionally feeling really tight? That’s a contraction. Yup, already. Don’t freak out though -- your body is just practicing some tightening in preparation for labor. As long as the contractions aren’t steady or severe, you’re not in labor."

Did that just say the words contractions and labor??????

Yikes!

26 weeks also marked us at Election Day! The only part I really enjoyed about the elections was actually having the day off!

For all those that have been pregnant before you know what this is a picture of! Yup.....it was glucose test time! I was warned about this drink and how awful it is. I went in and they told me I had 10 minutes to drink it. I decided chugging was the best option. I chugged along and it wasn't even that bad. All it tasted like was a very sugary orange soda. The worst part was waiting the hour after for the actual blood work.

After the glucose test I decided to take advantage of the day and do some shopping.....for me! We have a wedding coming up, so Mama needed a new dress!! 

A couple weeks ago I blogged about the week of the "fat ass" Shopping really wasn't like that this time. I am starting to really enjoy the bump....the bigger....the better and easier to dress!

HOWEVER.....

finding a cute, sexy dress in a maternity line is not easy!!

Everything maternity dress has a string/belt to it and makes you look incredibly "motherly." I don't want to look "motherly" and old at the wedding! I want to look and feel good!

I bought a black lace dress.....with a belt of course and I just wasn't crazy about it. It was just the best I could find and I had a feeling I wasn't going to find anything better. I decided to suck it up, buy it, and just funk it up with jewelry and shoes.

Shoes are a girls best friend!!! I love my shoes :  )

After the mall visit I needed to go to Target to get a few household items......all my girls know that you simply cannot go to Target and just pick up a few things! I ended up finding a super cute black dress in maternity for the wedding!! SCORE!! Big bonus that is was alot cheaper then the maternal lace one I had already gotten too. The dress is very form fitting and shows the bump perfectly.....even better.....it does not have a belt or tie!!! YES! I know you all want to see it, but you'll have to stay tuned for week 28 when the wedding takes place! I can't wait to celebrate Susan and Andrew <3

How far along? 26 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Total so far....18 pounds
Maternity clothes? Just bought more maternity sweaters.....

Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: I'm def tired more, but sleeping is getting a little harder
Best moment this week: watching my belly move
Have you told family and friends: everyone knows....even strangers
Miss Anything? sushi
Movement: He does not stop moving!
Food cravings: nope
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Have you started to show yet: it gets bigger by the day
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: nope.....but noticing shortness of breath alot more
Belly Button in or out? In 
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy and getting cranky at night : ) 
Weekly Wisdom: Embrace the belly!
Looking forward to: Baby classes

25 Weeks

25 Weeks!

Baby is the size of a cauliflower!

Halloween Day!

Here was my Halloween attire! The kids got a kick out of it at school and this is how a couple of my neighbors found out I was pregnant while they walked their kids around trick or treating!

I can't wait for our little guy to be old enough to dress up!  

Newest Addition to Baby D's closet!

Things I want and keep looking at!! Baby boy jackets are just so cute!!! 

My 31st birthday also fell during week 25. It was my last birthday without a baby! My day was perfect. 

Here are my favorite highlights:

Left for work to find a paper towel birthday message in my car! It's the little things : ) 

Got to work with multiple blueberry muffins on my desk! Thanks Linds!

A skittle birthday message.....a GLUED skittle birthday message! I found that out when I grabbed one to eat! haha. Love my custodians at school!

A surprise Pumpkin Latte and the funniest angry birthday card from Larry : ) 

Multiple birthday songs left on my voicemail! 

A cafeteria of singing fifth graders.

A birthday wand and necklace in inter-school mail!

The best video of the cutest kiddo around wishing me a Happy B-day - Thx Erin and Bentley

The most thoughtful bag of baby gifts galore - Thank you Nadine and Binda!

Amazing dinner at Hemmingways with the hubster <3

Laughing at a comedy show with a Shirley Temple :  )

How far along? 25 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Total so far....15 pounds
Maternity clothes? Mostly maternity pants and oversized shirts with belts

Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: I feel like I wake up everytime I turn over!
Best moment this week: Birthday celebrations
Have you told family and friends: Yes....and now all of my students know :  )
Miss Anything? not this week
Movement: Yes, yes, and yes!
Food cravings: not really
Anything making you queasy or sick: since the dishwasher is broken...nothing
Have you started to show yet: indeed
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: No, but my belly is starting to hurt from all that stretching
Belly Button in or out? In 
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy and getting cranky at night : ) 
Weekly Wisdom: Embrace the belly!
Looking forward to: More movement