33 weeks

How far along: 33 weeks (7/8/14)

Size of baby: Just over 17 in and 4 lbs. About the size of a pineapple. 

Feeling: Trying to get some things checked off the list so my stress level can come down. I had some Braxton hicks contractions this week and a slight headache one day.  Feeling large and in charge. Getting harder to walk for an extended amount of time and Collins has been doing a lot of walking and holding my hand because it's just too much to carry her AND this big belly. 

Weight gain: 21 pounds

Gender: BOY!! Brooks Anthony. 

Cravings: Chocolate and watermelon. But not together. 

Best moment this week: Had an appointment this week and he is head down and heart rate is upper 140s. Head is down. We talked about induction options and will probably set the date next appt. I am due  August 26 and I think we will induce the 25th if he doesn't come before that. With Derek traveling and trying to figure out plans for Collins, I'm all about getting induced. I had a great experience the last time so I'm hoping for the same the second time around. If he comes on his own, that's awesome, but we'll schedule his eviction just in case. 

Movement: Don't get me wrong, I LOVE feeling him move and watching my belly go crazy with every punch and kick, but surely he is running out of room and is gonna take it easy soon?! He gets the hiccups quite a bit and is taking up my whole belly. I feel pressure down low and kicks up high and punches in my ribs. I know I'll miss all this though.  

Sleep: Not so good. I toss and turn, pee way too much and just lay there wide awake for a good hour in the middle of the night thinking about things I need to get done.

Maternity clothes: Same as last week. Gotta love old navy and their active wear. 

Milestones:  His skeleton is hardening. The bones in the skull aren't fused together, which allowes them to move and slightly overlap. This makes it easier for the baby to fit through the birth canal. 

Toddler bed transition

With a baby due in August and a monkey as a child, it was time to transition Collins out of her crib. I was dreading it because she was sleeping 12 hours at night and taking 1.5-2 hour naps. Once we got back from our weekend at the lake, it was time to bite the bullet. She was so excited once it was put together and would just lay on her pillow. She had never used a pillow before so I think that was her favorite part.  We did the same routine as we always do before bed, put her in her new bed, shut the door and left. She started crying and I realized I hadn't given her her binky. I purposefully hid it that day thinking she might just forget about them with the newness of the bed but I wasn't going to push the no binky if she wanted them. I went back in and gave them to her and then walked back out. We didn't hear a peep till her normal wake up time. 

First night (didn't have bedding yet)

I was most nervous for nap time since Aiden would be here and I thought she'd get out of bed and want to play. Nope! Right to sleep and slept her normal time. And when she woke up that morning and from nap, she just sat in her bed and yelled "mommy!"  till I came in. I think it was the 2nd nap that she got out of bed when she woke up and I went in, put her back in bed and told her she needs to stay in bed till mommy or daddy comes. I left the room just to see what she would do and she stayed in bed so I went and ls told her good job and got her up. 

On the 4th night, I happened to wake up just in time to see her slowly fall off the bed head first. I rushed down to her room and she was just laying on the floor. It was too dark to tell for sure but I think she was still sleeping. It's a very short fall and she landed on carpet so she probably had no idea. But when I put her back in bed and tried to leave, she screamed. I sat beside her bed and rubbed her back for 45 min and she would wake up and cry every time I left. She wouldn't let Derek rub her back or rock her so after 1.5 hours, I gave in and rocked her. I carefully put her back in her bed and slipped out of her room with a success and we didn't hear from her till 9am the next morning. She woke up and cried the next 2 nights but I was able to just cover her back up and tell her to go night night and leave. 

It's now been 2 weeks and she is doing awesome! Sleeping what she used to, if not even more and hasn't been waking up in the middle of the night. She loves reading books on her bed and goes in there throughout the day just to sit on it. 

We put a pool noodle under her water proof mattress pad so she doesn't fall off. It has rails but she's a crazy sleeper and I was losing a lot of sleep always watching the monitor to see if she had fallen off. Her crib is up in brothers room and now we have to get rid of the binky. Something I am REALLY dreading. She's only had it for naps and bedtime for a good year now but she refuses to fall asleep without them. And I give in way too easily. I should probably just leave for a weekend and make daddy do it :)

32 weeks

I am so over these weekly pics. Next time, IF there is a next time, I'm gonna shoot for once a month belly pics. And not wearing the same thing because changing for pics is asking way too much. 

How far along: 32 weeks (7/1/14)

Size of baby: 3.75 pounds and 16.7 inches long. About the size of a large jicama. 

Feeling: Starting to stress out about his arrival. Who's gonna watch Collins while we are in the hospital? What am I going to wear home? What is Brooks going to wear home? Dreading leaving Collins and feeling guilty over how her life is about to be rocked.  Still have quite a few little things we need to get before he arrives. Other then all these thoughts going through my head, I had a good week. Some heartburn here and there and easily exhausted but can't complain too much. 

Weight gain: Weighing myself after the 4th of July weekend was a bad idea. Up 21 pounds. 

Gender: BOY!! Brooks Anthony. 

Cravings: Way too many sweets were consumed this week. And fruit is still a favorite around here as well. 

Best moment this week: His nursery is finally coming along. We got his bedding and I ordered his dresser yesterday. I am absolutely loving his room. 

Movement: Wowza there are some strong kicks, turns and punches. Sometimes I swear he is going to bust right out of there. 

Sleep: Numerous bathroom trips and a couple sleepless nights thinking about things I need to do. Good thing I get to nap every day! 

Maternity clothes: If I actually get dressed then it's usually my go to non maternity Old Navy linen shorts paired with a maternity tank top. T-shirts are out of the question now. 

Milestones:  Gaining about a pound a week (ugh more like 4 this week) with nearly half of that going to the baby (let's hope more like ALL of it).  In fact, he will gain a third to half of his birth weight in the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for life outside the womb. He has fingernails, toenails and hair and his skin is becoming smooth and soft. 

31 weeks and his name!!

 

How far along: 31 weeks (6/24/14)

Size of baby:  Over 16 inches long and around 3.3 pounds.  About the size of a coconut. 

Feeling: Well I had Braxton hicks contractions for the first time yesterday at 31 weeks and 6 days.  I don't remember having them with Collins but my doctor warned me I probably would this time around.  We were gone a lot of the day so I wasn't drinking as much water as I usually do which is what I think caused them.  They were off and on for a couple hours and I drank lots of water and they finally stopped. Makes me realize just how close we are to meeting this little fella.  Heartburn was pretty bad at the end of the week too.

Weight gain: 17.5 pounds.  I just might gain less then I did with Collins. Woo hoo!

Gender: BOY!! My sister got him this adorable blanket and we can finally announce his name!

Brooks Anthony

I've always loved the name Brooks but debated using it since Collins' name ends in s.  We couldn't stop going back to it so we said the heck with it.  We love it and that's all that matters.  Anthony is Derek's middle name, his dad's middle name, his grandpa's name, etc. It's also my brothers name, grandpa'a name, etc. So family tradition on both sides. 

Cravings: I finally got my s'mores fix! I might have had more then 1 too. Their just so good when they touch your lips.

Best moment this week: Collins' had her head on my stomach and I told her the baby was kicking her.  She sat up and put her foot on my belly like she was kicking him.  Too funny.

Movement: I wouldn't say as much but still a ton.  Guessing he is starting to run out of room.

Sleep: Sometimes I consider wearing depends to bed so I don't have to constantly get out of bed to go.  But that's gross so I don't.  We transitioned Collins to a toddler bed so I have been losing sleep over watching her on the monitor.  She's done awesome, I'm just paranoid of her falling off.

Maternity clothes: Just bought my 5th pair of my favorite non maternity Old Navy shorts.  So light and comfy.  Gotta buy bigger sizes in the shorts and tank tops though. 

Milestones:  He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath the skin.  

19 months

19 months, going on 5.  You seem to think you are way older then you are and that you can do everything by yourself.  Hints the huge bump on your forehead in these pictures.  You were walking up the stairs behind me and I think you turned around to grab a shoe off the step and fell down and smacked your head on the hardwood floor.  You keep bumping it so I'm not sure it will ever heal.

Other things your think you need to do by yourself are sitting at the picnic table for meals and snacks (we don't allow for dinner), WALK down the stairs without holding our hand, throw things away, especially your diapers after we change you, try to change your own diaper and wipe yourself, brush your own teeth, pour water on your head and scrub with the washcloth, take your shoes off and sit in a chair or the booth at restaurants. You love having your hair done and helping pick out a bow after we get your dressed. Your hair is getting curlier and curlier and I love it!

 

 

  You've sat on the potty a couple times and haven't actually went but like to get a piece of toilet paper, wipe and throw it in the toilet. I think your just about ready for potty training if we can get you talking more. 

Our scale says 22.5 pounds and I would guess around 32 inches. You are always asking to eat (yes, finally saying the word) so hopefully your packing on some weight. Still in a size 5 shoe, size 4 diaper and 12-18 month clothes. You are so slow in the teeth department and only have 8 teeth. You've been sticking your fingers in your mouth lately and had a low grade fever the other day so I'm hoping some teeth are coming. And let's pray they all come at once, teething is no fun. 

 

 

Like I mentioned before, eating is your favorite.  You get so mad when I tell you it's not time to eat and I usually give in because there are only so many times I  can hear "eat, eat, eat." When you really want to get your point across you sign the word eat as you say it. I get it girlfriend, your hungry. You love reading books and will sit in the rocking chair in your room and just look at them by yourself. It's very rare that you'll be in a room by yourself but this is one thing you will do alone. 

As of 2 nights ago, you are sleeping in a toddler bed! You having been falling right to sleep and sleeping through the night.  I was scared for nap time but you've done so great and haven't attempted to get out of bed at all. You wait in your bed and yell for me and then climb off as soon as I open the door.  I cried when we set up your new bed. It's just not right that your already out of your crib. We were going to do the transition regardless since brother needs it but you climbed out of your crib 2 weeks ago so it was definitely time. Hopefully your 8pm-7am and 1.5-2 hour naps stick around with this new transition. It probably won't be long till you realize you have toys and books in your room that are better then sleeping. 

 

Still need bedding for it

 

Talking isn't your strongest trait but it's getting better. Some new words are  "no," "eat," "eh you" (thank you), "doggy,"  "uck" (duck), "that," and we swear you say "what's that?" I've caught you multiple times saying thank you without being prompted and that makes me very proud. Your please is still more of a tongue roll/spit but at least you try and it sure makes everyone laugh. Especially your cousins! 

You love swimming and hate being held in the pool. You'll go as deep as you can possibly touch and sometimes even too deep that you go under water. Doesn't phase you a bit though. You'll let me hold you on your back in the pool for a few seconds and you like to lay on your belly if it's shallow enough and kick your feet. I wish you had a little more fear of the water cause you can be a handful at the pool. Glad you love it though cause we have been going almost everyday (yes, you have a better tan then I do).

 



Too bright outside

 

You've really been throwing some fits this month and have started to hit anything or anyone in your way when you get mad. We're working on that one. I know it's because of the lack of communication so I try and get you to use your words to express yourself instead. Sometimes I just have to let you throw your fit on the floor for a couple minutes and then talk about the situation. I sure hope this phase passes quickly cause it can sure be stressful. 

 

We get so many compliments on how good you are and for the most part, you really are. Your just like me and are happiest when we are out and about and around others. We are watching cousin Aiden for the summer and you beyond happy about that. You guys share such a special bond and I have a feeling you won't be happy to trade him for a baby brother in August. 

I love you more and more each day.  My baby girl, forever and always. 

30 weeks

How far along: 30 weeks (6/17/14)

Size of baby:  Roughly 15.7 inches and almost 3 pounds.  About the size of a head of cabbage.

Feeling: Pretty great! I don't ever get heartburn but I think I've been having some.  Good thing Derek buys Tums in bulk and has been nice enough to share. 

Weight gain: Up 16 pounds at my doctor visit. 

Gender: BOY!! The name reveal is coming! My sister ordered him a personalized gift so as soon as I get it (hopefully this week), I will share :) 

Cravings: Can't think of anything I had to have this week. I wish I could skip meals and just eat desserts because nothing ever sounds good. Thinking of dinner ideas for the week is pure torture. And I could easily be a vegetarian right now. 

Best moment this week: Went to the doctor and got to hear his heartbeat.  It was 180 was seems high to me but she didn't say anything.  We also talked about when to head to the hospital if I start having contractions and got our preadmission paperwork.  It's getting real folks.

Movement: Just watch my stomach and I can almost guarantee you'll see some movement.  So crazy to SEE him moving inside.

Sleep: Numerous bathroom trips but sleeping pretty good. 

Maternity clothes: I definitely go for the maternity tanks over the non maternity tanks when getting dressed but can fit into both.  The non maternity tanks and my t-shirts are getting short so I save those for when I'm at home.  All my shorts are non maternity but a size bigger then normal. 

Milestones:  His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen.  Even after birth, he'll keep them closed for a good part of the day (let's hope).  He will respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision and only make out objects a few inches from his face. 

28 Weeks

How far along: 28 weeks (6/3/14)

Size of baby:  14.8 inches and 2 1/4 pounds. About the size of an eggplant.

Feeling: I was bummed to have to take the 3 hour glucose test but it wasn't too bad and I had a nice morning to myself.  Even if it was at the doctors office getting blood taken every hour and drinking that awful drink again.  Some lower back pain has started in too.  

Weight gain: 17 pounds.  Staying right on track of where I want to be.  Less weight gained equals less weight to lose.   

Gender: BOY!!  And we had a name change this week which is exactly why I am scared to announce. We went back to an original name that we liked so I'm pretty certain we are set with it now.  But I'm still not sure if we should announce in fear of it changing.  It starts with a B now instead of D.  Driving you nuts?

Cravings: I tried to take it easy on the sweets until my glucose test was over but I still did some serious damage to Oreos.   

Best moment this week: Passing my 3 hour glucose test!!! Usually baby boy gets shy (or stubborn) when people try to feel him kick but he kicked a ton for Derek one night and all my friends got to feel him at our girls/willies reunion day. 

Movement: He sure is getting strong. I can't wait to see if he is this active after he is born.  I sure hope not because we might never sleep around here.

Sleep: Having to pee 2+ times a night is really getting old.  Sleeping on my back and stomach sounds amazing right about now too.  I occasionally wake up on my back and debate staying but since baby can't get good oxygen that wait, I take one for the team and roll to my side. 

Maternity clothes: Been living in non maternity athletic shirts and tanks, just a size larger.  Sporting the maternity dresses and tanks on the weekends though. 

Milestones:  He can blink his eyes which now sport lashes. With increasingly developed eyesight, he may be able to see the light that filters through the womb. He's developing billions of  neurons in the brain and gaining weight to prepare for life outside the womb.