36 Weeks (10/26/12)

 

How far along: 36 weeks

Size of baby: 18.7 inches and just under 6 pounds. About the size of a coconut.  

Weight gain: 27 pounds. Yep, I gained 2 pounds this week. Let's hope it's going straight to Collins. People say at the end of pregnancy you get full fast cause you have no room for food, this is sssooo not the case for me. I am still a bottomless pit!

Progress: They usually don't start checking you till 37 weeks but my doctor asked yesterday if I wanted to be checked and since Derek is going to be in Oklahoma this weekend and I am breaking the rules and going to El Dorado, I had her check me. No progress so I think it's still going to be a little while before she makes her debut.

Maternity clothes: Yep. Even my small maternity shirts are getting short and I dread putting my maternity jeans on. I pretty much live in comfy clothes or leggings.

Stretch marks: No new ones

Sleep: Can't complain too much here. Usual 2-3 bathroom breaks but I have been falling back asleep pretty quickly. Sometimes hurts to turn over, I think I am having ligament pain again.

Symptoms: What I assume is ligament pain because I don't think it's contractions or braxton hicks. My lower stomach gets sharp pains that don't go away for a couple hours. Hurts really bad to stand up from a sitting position. Back usually hurts by the end of the day too and I had a headache the other night for the first time in a really long time.

Best moment this week: Finishing up things in her room, going to the doctor yesterday and I have my breastfeeding class tonight and we have birthing class 3 of 4 tomorrow night.

Movement: Still moving a lot but not as big of movements which is normal since she is running out of room. Hiccups probably twice a day and she is still head down.

Food cravings: I think you know by now, sugar!!! The Halloween sugar cookies from our Halloween party didn't last long and I just got done making Halloween cupcakes. I might have ate some of the frosting straight out of the container.  

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Normal clothes, bending over without not being able to breath, getting in and out of the car (sometimes Derek has to pull out of the garage because I can't open the car door enough to get in). I'm just ready for her to come out!!!

Milestones: If I were to go in labor now, they wouldn't try to stop it. Some say full term is 36 weeks and some say 37 but either way, she has 99% chance of survival.

Daycare Halloween Party

My neighbor and I put together a Halloween party for our daycares on Friday. We luckily kept it simple because after getting 5 kids in their costumes (1 came already dressed) and hauling them outside for pictures, I was sweating like a pregnant lady. Ian and Gage didn't have school so I watched them but normally I only watch 2-4 of these kids a day.

Once my neighbor got here with her 2 little girls and little girl she babysits (her niece), we made some Halloween crafts, read Halloween stories and had pizza for lunch. I was too busy with 2 cranky toddlers to take many pictures but I think it's safe to say they all had a good time. I don't think I'll watch all 6 of them again till after Collins comes. My back has never hurt as bad as it did that afternoon and evening. It was all worth it to see them in their adorable costumes though. Can't wait to do it again next year with Collins!

Cute as a Button-KC Shower

My sisters and mom hosted an AMAZING baby shower for Collins and I the beginning of Oct. My brother and his fiance were gracious enough to let us use their house for the shower and my sisters went above and beyond themselves on the decorations. I am so in love with it all and have a feeling it will be Collins 1st birthday theme as well. I have all the decorations saved so it will be easy for me :)

 

Let's start with the cake table. Amy and Amber pretty much made everything. Amy scored the cake plate from a thrift store and already had the chalkboard sign in her kitchen.We made the pain in the butt tissue poms the night before the shower and I think Amy already had the fabric banner on the front of the table in Harper's room.  All the guests signed a book for Collins which I thought was such a good idea. Took me a couple days to read it because I kept crying! Amber made the cake top which I absolutely love.

 

Sorry girls, I had to add in these beauties of us making the darn tissue poms. There was lots of laughing and cuss words being thrown out during this process.

 

 

She (Amy took all these pics) didn't get very many pictures of the food table but my mom made some delicious food! Above the food table was pictures of Derek and I as babies and toddlers. They were hung with tiny clothes pins with buttons on them. I will redo this idea for Collins birthday but hang her monthly pictures instead.  There aren't any pictures but there were also mason jars for cups and super cute striped straws.

 

 

Lastly are some pics of me (and my huge belly) with some of the guests. Wish I would have taken more pics with everyone that came!

Sisters, mom and me

High school best friends

Aunt and cousin

niece, Harper

35 Weeks (10/19/12)

How far along: 35 weeks

Size of baby: 18.2 inches and 5.5 pounds. About the size of a honeydew melon. 

Weight gain: 25 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yep. Even my small maternity shirts are getting short.  

Stretch marks: Not any new ones.

Sleep: I am always tired and sleep pretty good at night. My body pillow is still my best friend and I'm not sure I'm going to be able to part with it after the baby comes. I must have jinxed myself about Collins never waking me up because she has a couple times now. Just wiggling around in my ribs causing trouble. Still 2-3 bathroom trips a night.

Symptoms: Couple stomach pains, pressure down south, backaches and did I mention I am always tired? Only a couple more weeks...

Best moment this week: We started our birthing class last week, went and pre registered at the hospital on Saturday, saw the doctor today and did the hospital tour tonight. We also installed the car seat base and started packing our bags. I think we are about set!

Movement: Movement and lots of hiccups. Doc thought she had her back towards us today because she couldn't get a clear hearing of it. She had to try for awhile before we could really hear it over all the movement. Heartbeat was down to 130 but she said that was perfect.  

Food cravings: My dad got to experience my sugar craving this weekend :) We went to the grocery store and had to look high and low for the caramel candy I wanted. No worries, we found it by the apples.  

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Normal clothes! I am so sick of my maternity clothes but can't get myself to buy any new ones with my due date so close. I got some new fall clothes a couple weeks ago but stupid Kansas weather has decided to be in the 70s and 80s and I can't wear them!

Milestones: Final countdown is on! I know some people are against induction but with my job and having to plan out my maternity leave, I brought it up to my doctor today. Ideally I would like her to come on her own but if she isn't here by the Nov. 19th, we might be inducing. That's the first day of my maternity leave (I am due the 23rd) and my doctor said as long as I was 39 weeks and had dilated at least some, she was ok with it. Now we'll just have to wait and see how I progress and what my doctors schedule is going to be that week to get a for sure date. So that means in  hopefully 4 weeks, Collins will be here!

34 Weeks (10/12/12)

How far along: 34 weeks

Size of baby:  17.7 inches and almost 5 pounds. About the size of a cantaloupe. So glad we are almost past the 5 pound mark. I am pretty sure babies have to stay in the NICU until their at least 5 pounds so hopefully we have about cleared that hurdle.

Weight gain: My scale says 24 pounds but it's never the same as what the doctors' says. We shall know for sure Monday.

Maternity clothes: Duh. No hiding this belly. All my regular shirts are way to short in the front and let's face it, I haven't been in regular pants (besides comfy pants) in months.

Stretch marks: Not any new ones. Some people say they didn't get stretch marks till after they had the baby. Guess I will keep rubbing that cocoa butter lotion on even after she arrives.

Sleep: Not to shabby. I pee at pretty sure the same time every.single.night. Around 11:30 (this one really annoys me because I don't even fall asleep till about 10), 2:30am and 5am. I will not be surprised if these are the times Collins wakes up to eat. Also, she woke me up for the first time the other night. She had her foot in my ribs and let me tell you how great that felt...not! I have been super tired again during the day. Not quite as bad as the first couple weeks I was pregnant but if I don't get a cat nap, I am a zombie by 7pm.

Symptoms: I had a stomach and back ache I think it was Sunday night. I knew it wasn't contractions cause it was constant pain and my back pain was up high. No idea what was going on but I took some Tylenol and used a heating pad on my back. They say you can use a heating pad but I tried to put it on my stomach to help my stomach ache and Collins started moving around so I felt like I was burning her! I quickly put it back on my back. Other then that, I have felt great. No braxton hicks but twice now I have jolted over in pain in the southern region. I read and have heard that it's just my pelvis opening up for the baby to move farther down. Hopefully Collins is making her way down!

Best moment this week: Washing and organizing all of her clothes. It took me 5 loads this weekend but all of her 0-3 month clothes are now washed. This little girl does NOT need anymore 0-3 month clothes. I am going to change her 3 times a day just so she can wear everything. I also have her outfit, ok maybe 3 outfits, set out for the hospital. Now I need to work on packing a bag for myself and Derek.
We also start our 4 week birthing class tonight!

Movement: Oh yeah. Derek and I are both fascinated watching my entire belly move. Not to mention, she has the hiccups no less then twice a day. I heard that if Derek were to put his ear to my stomach, he could hear her heartbeat so I made him try the other night and he could hear it!  

Food cravings: We had to make a last minute grocery stop over the weekend so I could get some cookies. Peanut butter cookies to be exact. 

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Alcohol. Would they judge me if Derek brought me a beer after I had her?  I'm thinking so.

Milestones: They say babies born after 34 weeks have a low chance for needing medical assistance. I will feel better after I reach 36 weeks but I wouldn't be as scared if she came now. 

Maternity Pics Round 2

Last weekend while Amy was here for my shower, she took more maternity pics for me. I was so happy with the first ones she did but I wanted some with Derek and a bigger bump. Once again, she had blown me away with her pictures. I am so in love with them and can't stop watching the slideshow. I have to play it without the music though cause it makes me bawl like a baby.

 

Amy, thank you ssoooo much for capturing these moments for us. I can't believe I didn't even want to do maternity pics and now I am so happy with them and can't wait to get some of them up in the nursery. You sweat for me the first round of pics and froze for us for the second round. I will cherish these pics forever and it makes it even that more special that you were able to do them. Couple more weeks till you get to photograph your niece who I am positive is going to love you (probably more then me when she is a teenager) and have the bond I have with Harper. I love you so much and hope to be half the mom you are.

 

Enjoy the slideshow!

 

http://www.kizoa.com/slideshow/d3338754kP175612922o2/derek-and-sarah

A 3D glimpse of Collins

As I mentioned before, Derek surprised me Monday with a 3D sonogram. They like to do them before 32 weeks so I was worried she would be to crammed in there at almost 34 weeks to see anything. The lady told me to drink a  pop before I came in so at 9:30 this morning, I drank a little Coke and had a piece of candy. Although she wasn't awake and moving all around, we got some pretty good shots. Little lady would not move her hand and foot from her face but after the lady rang and banged a cow bell on my stomach (I am not kidding at all), she was able to get her to move her hand for a split second and get some shots. We also confirmed that Collins is indeed a girl and she has 2 arms and 2 legs. I was worried about all of these things. Our first sonogram wasn't that great and I don't remember seeing all 4 limbs so I was relieved to see them all today.

 

Enjoy some of the pics of our CC bug. I think she looks so adorable and I can't wait to kiss those chubby cheeks and button nose.

 

 

Opened an eye

 

Foot

 

Mouth open. We saw her moving her tongue and swallowing too

 

 

We love her so much already and can't wait to meet her in about 6 weeks!!

33 Weeks (9/5/12)

Excuse the smudge on the camera lens. Derek didn't think it would show up in the pic...WRONG!

 

 

How far along: 33 weeks

Size of baby:  17.2 inches and 4.5 pounds. About the size of a pineapple.

Weight gain: Scale must have been wrong last week cause I was up 23 pounds at doc yesterday

Maternity clothes: Oh yeah. Still wearing non maternity sweats and a couple non maternity shirts but mostly wearing maternity things.  

Stretch marks: Not any new ones

Sleep: Been sleeping pretty good  but keep waking up early. Was up by 7 both Saturday and Sunday and 5:30 yesterday and today. Guess my body is getting used to little sleep because I haven't hardly napped the past 5 days either.

Symptoms: Back aches, hard to breath when I sit down and that's about it. I'm feeling really great still and haven't had any braxton hicks (I don't think so anyway). She's cozy and probably never coming out.

Best moment this week: SO many! My sisters and mom threw me an AMAZING baby shower. Don't be surprised if Collins' first birthday is the same theme because I want to reuse all the cute decorations. After the shower Derek and I took all the money and gift cards we received and bought the pack n play for our room, tub, newborn diapers, couple bottles just in case and a changing pad cover. We also put together the pack n play and stroller that night. I need a couple nursing essentials but other then that, I think we are good to go.

Another great moment: Derek came home yesterday for lunch and told me he got me something but I had to wait till after work. Um yeah right. I told him I hate surprises and was going to be mad if he didn't tell me right then (stubborn?) Then I proceeded to hold his arm until he told me. He got me a 3D sonogram!!!! I have only been begging him for 10 weeks now. He didn't want to do it because he wanted something to be a surprise when she is born which I agree with but I think he was sick of hearing me say how much I wanted to see her and double check between her legs :) At first the appt. wasn't till a week from Thursday but the doctors office called while he was home and had someone cancel and something came open tomorrow. We of course jumped on it and are sssoooo excited to get a glimpse of Collins tomorrow!!!!!!

Movement: Is she ever! I did have 2 days last week where I got a little worried and had to push on my stomach and move around to make sure she was ok but of course she made up for it later in the day. Last night she moved non stop for 2 hours. I was actually telling her to settle down cause I was scared I was going to throw up from all the movement. Doc said yesterday she was still head down, butt was on my right side and feet were on my left side.

Food cravings: Food, food and food. I feel like I have been a bottomless pit lately and am always hungry. I of course don't let myself eat all day (ok, maybe I did over the weekend) but I try to eat some fruit or drink water if I am hungry and just ate.  

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Breathing will be nice. Ready to not always be hot too. I am usually a cold blooded person so this always being hot is new stuff and I am not a fan. I would much rather be cold then hot.

Milestones: Getting ssooo close to the finish line. I am going to start washing her insanely huge amount of clothes this weekend and might even pack our bags. I'm getting a little anxious if you can't tell.

 

I will post pics tomorrow night of our 3D ultrasound and shower pics when I get them from my sister. Hint hint Amy.

32 Weeks (9/28/12)

 

How far along? 32 weeks

Size of baby: 16.7 inches and 4 pounds. About the size a bok choy. A what?! My other phone app says a large jicama. What the f is a bok choy or jicama??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bok Choy                                      Jicama

 

Weight gain: No doc appt this week but my scale says 24 pounds, after dinner. Let's blame it on dinner and that I have not gained 3 pounds in a week. Surely my scale can't be right...

Maternity clothes: Duh. I have retired the t-shirts and officially wearing all maternity shirts or bigger sizes in regular shirts. The above shirt is non maternity, H&M. Pants are either maternity or comfy sweat pants.  

Stretch marks: Not any new ones

Sleep: Not the greatest due to allergies over the weekend and the past 2 nights I have just woken up to go to the bathroom and then my mind starts racing and I can't fall back asleep for a good hour. Guess that's my body preparing for baby. My butt keeps cramping at night too. If I didn't know better, I would think I was carrying this baby in my butt. It's gotten bigger, gotten stretch marks and is more uncomfortable then my belly at night. I also got a killer charlie horse yesterday morning. I bite my lips so I don't start cussing and shake my leg to try and get rid of it. Those suckers are painful!!!

Symptoms: Had a headache for the first time in awhile this morning but nothing to bad.  Officially have the Linea Nigra going down my belly.

Best moment this week: Starting my list for the hospital and just constantly thinking how soon we are going to meet our baby girl.

Movement: Yes. either she doesn't wake me up or she is a good sleeper because I never feel her during the night unless I get up and then she'll move around a little once I lay back down. It's usually after breakfast before she really starts moving around. Let's hope she keeps this up! I have only had 1 instance where she has been in my ribs. For the most part, she is still kicking and moving up high. She occasionally has the hiccups (like right now).

Food cravings: Fruit. I switched it up and got strawberries this week instead of grapes. Almost ate the whole thing of them today. Still enjoying my apples and caramel as well.

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Nothing. I am trying to enjoy these last few weeks with her safe and warm in my belly. I just pray that she keeps growing and staying healthy.

Milestones: We are officially in October which means Collins will be debuting next month!!! Woo hoo!! Bring on November!