40 Weeks (11/23/12)

Collins was born at 39 weeks and 5 days so my 40 week update looks like this...

 

So thankful to have a beautiful, healthy baby out of my belly and in my arms.

39 Weeks (11/16/12)

How far along: 39 weeks

 

Size of baby: Around 20 inches and 7.25 pounds. About the size of a small watermelon. I'm going to go ahead and guess that she is going to be 20 inches and 7.6 pounds.

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Weight gain: 26 pounds. I have lost a pound since last week but doctor didn't say anything and she said my stomach was still growing so all is good.

 

Progress: Still 50% and 1cm. Doctor wasn't concerned about her not being ready and we are still on for our induction!

Maternity clothes: Of course. The dress I am wearing in this pic isn't maternity but I bought it big.

Stretch marks: No new ones. Got more cocoa butter lotion and going to continue putting it on after I have her so know new ones try to show up as my body starts going back to normal.

Sleep: Potty breaks every 2-3 hours throughout the night and I am usually wide awake for about an hour in the middle of the night. I was hoping to sleep in this weekend, today and tomorrow but I am too anxious and feel like I have 1,000 things to get done. I am going to TRY and sleep in or at least take a nap tomorrow in case I labor all tomorrow night.

 

Symptoms: Oh the back and rib pain. I don't notice it till I sit down so as long as I am up and staying busy, I feel good. My stomach is hard as a rock though so I know the poor girl is out of room in there.

Best moment this week: It's going to be Wednesday when our baby girl finally enters the world!!

Movement: Yes. Somehow she is still finding room to move.

Food cravings: Saturday I had to have skittles and last night I had to run to Walgreen's to get some chocolate. Other then that though, I haven't had much of an appetite. I have had to force myself to eat 3 meals the past 2 days.

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Sleeping on my back and stomach, bending over and just being able to move without being uncomfortable.

Milestones: Tomorrow night at 8:30pm we will be checking into the hospital. They will start me on cervidil tomorrow night and then start my pitocin at 6-7am on Wednesday. I am ssooo excited/scared/nervous/anxious/emotional/etc. I am scared of the labor part but I know it will all be worth it once I see and hear Collins.  Please keep us in your prayers!

38 Weeks (11/9/12)

 

 

How far along: 38 weeks

Size of baby: 19.6 inches and 6.5-7lbs. About the size of a celery bunch.  My doctor estimates her being about 7-8 lbs. Probably closer to 7 she said.  

Weight gain: 27 pounds. Gained 2 pounds again this week but guess that's ok since I didn't gain any last week. Looks like I might be staying under my 25-30 pound total weight gain. Although I have been a bottomless pit so I could quite possibly gain 3 pounds in the next week.

Progress: 1 cm and 50%. FINALLY making some progress!!

Maternity clothes: Ugh I am sssooo over maternity clothes. My maternity shirts are getting too short and I dread putting on jeans. Even if they are elastic! I live in comfy clothes.

Stretch marks: No new ones

Sleep: Usual bathroom breaks and I am usually up for a good hour in the middle of the night just thinking about things and not being tired. Maybe these middle of the night feedings won't be so bad after all. HA!

Symptoms: I am officially ready to not be pregnant. In 2 days I will be 39 weeks so I think I have done a pretty good job. But now, now I am done. There is no more room in my belly for her, I have been having some contractions since Sunday, I keep getting sharp, shooting pains and my back hurts the majority of the day. Sorry for the complaints but this girl is done being pregnant.

Best moment this week: Setting our induction date!!! I had an appt Tuesday and I had Derek go since I knew we would talk about inducing. Like I have said before, I want to be induced since Monday starts my maternity leave and I have to go back to work Jan 2. I would rather her out of my belly for my maternity leave. My doctor said it was no problem and she would actually prefer it since I am so short, she doesn't want the baby getting too big. We had hoped for a Monday the 19th induction but I guess everyone and their brother did too cause they were booked. So our options? Friday as in 3 days from now (Tuesday at our appt) or Wednesday the 21st. I wasn't expecting Friday to be an option at all so I think we were both caught completely off guard. She said we could leave and think about it but to call that afternoon. Well we start walking out to our cars and since Derek was using his lunch break for the appt. we knew we needed to decide then. As much as I wanted Friday, I still have to work that day plus we want to shampoo our carpets this weekend and just really clean the house before she comes. So we decided on Wednesday. We will go in Tuesday night and they will start me on cervidil. This usually doesn't start labor so they will start pitocin Wed. morning.

Movement: Yes. Somehow she is still finding room to move. And it doesn't feel good.

Food cravings: Anything and everything

 

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Normal clothes and not having back pains.

Milestones: We are 1 week (or less) away from meeting our baby girl! We are both sssooo excited and can't wait to see her face and hold her in our arms. Not going to lie though, I could cry (and I might have) about how our dogs are going to react. Yes, I am crazy and worrying about our dogs but I know I am going to cry when I leave them Tuesday night. Their mommy is going to come back home with a new baby and lets face it, they probably won't get as much attention as they do now. So as excited as I am to meet Collins, my heart aches a little for my first 2 babies.

37 Weeks (11/2/12)

How far along: 37 weeks

Size of baby: 19.1 inches and 6.5 pounds. About the size of a leek, whatever that is.  

Weight gain: 25 pounds. The scale Monday said I had lost 2 pounds since last week. The nurse (my doc was gone this week) didn't say anyything about it so I guess it's nothing to be concerned about. My appt this week and my appt last week were at two different offices so maybe 1 of the scales was off.

Progress: Notta. As of Monday, she was still up high and I had made no progress. Like I said, my doctor was gone this week so I am hoping I make some progress by the time I see her Tuesday. Otherwise I don't think she will let me set an induction date. Guess I better take some long walks this weekend.

Maternity clothes: Counting down the weeks till I can be done with them! I wear the same few shirts every week and dread putting jeans on.

Stretch marks: No new ones

Sleep: I think I went to the bathroom 4 times last night! Usually it's only 2-3 times but still, annoying!!! Our bed is pretty high so getting in and out of bed is getting harder and harder and flipping sides? Impossible! I sleep on 1 side until I have to go to the bathroom and then when I come back to bed, I rearrange my body pillow and can sleep on my other side. 

Symptoms: I really can't complain any here. I am feeling so great for being this far along. Usually my back hurts by the evening but that's expected when I am picking up and carrying kids all day. My wonderful husband is usually nice enough to give me a nightly back massage too.

Best moment this week: Finishing her room! It's about 90% done but I am so in love with it. I can't stop opening the door and looking at it. We also finished our birthing class last night so we are ready whenever Collins decides to make her entrance.

Movement: Not as big of movements but still kicking and having the hiccups. The nurse didn't check to see if she was head down but I am 99% sure she still is. She is always kicking my left side so I think she is in the right position, just needs to head south!

Food cravings: I have been eating the heck out of Halloween candy we didn't get to pass out due to birthing class that night.  

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Normal clothes and sleeping on my back and stomach

Milestones: Full term! Only 1 more full week of work before I start my maternity leave. Hopefully with a baby in my arms.

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.

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!

Galva Shower

A couple ladies from Derek's hometown threw me a baby shower last Sunday. I think it's so sweet that the ladies in the town take turns throwing wedding/baby/etc showers for other people. I had a wedding shower there too. People that I have hardly met take time from their day to come and I think it's the sweetest thing.

 

Collins was spoiled with many things including some adorable outfits, bows, a tutu, diapers, wipes, shampoo, lotion, money, gift cards, toys, blankets, etc. 1 of the hostesses said she reads my blog (hi Susan!) and saw that I had been craving butterfingers so she got me the biggest bag of butterfingers I have ever seen. I thought that was so nice of her. I can thank her for my weight gain.

 

Derek's sister was nice enough to take pictures for me even though she had her 3 girls to look after. Thanks Jaime!

 

 Thank you Amber for telling me that this shirts makes you look like an elephant AFTER my shower. I will never wear this shirt again. But anyways...here are the pics. I made Derek go because I don't know everyone that well so he had to help me out.

 

 

 

 

Derek's mom made that bear she is holding. His aunt found it when they were moving and wanted to give it to me for Collins to have. Derek used to play with it and now Collins will.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much everyone who came to the shower and especially to the ladies who put it together for me. Collins can't wait to get to Galva and meet everyone!

Nesting already?!

It hit me last week that Collins is going to be here SOON. Yes, I am only 32 weeks (tomorrow) but I'm thinking she's free to come anytime after 36 weeks. She probably won't but my head has been spinning lately on things I need to get done!

Must finish nursery!! I felt like I started it super early and here I am, 8 weeks from my due date and her walls are bare and I don't have a glider yet. I have been on the look out for frames and things I want to do above her dresser and Derek's cousin is making a big canvas for above her crib. Must shop this weekend for frames and order a glider (why do those things have to be so expensive)?!

I have officially started my list for things to pack for the hospital and have been doing some research online for what people suggest packing. If anyone has any recommendations on things to pack or not to pack, please share. Some things on my list include nursing bras, comfy clothes and granny panties Yep, called my sister Amy today and she says the bigger the underwear, the better. That should be a fun shopping trip..not!

Hospital pre-registration form has been mailed in, pre-admission appointment has been set up and birthing classes start the 17th.

Get some Christmas/birthday shopping done. Since 6 of our 7  nieces and nephews are born in Nov. and Dec. I am wanting to get some shopping done since I won't be working in Dec. (no paychecks) and I don't want to have to do crazy amounts of shopping with a newborn and maybe (hopefully) snow. I have 1 thing for Harper ordered so that leaves many many more gifts to get. Sisters, send me lists for the kids!!!

Speaking of Christmas, I can't stop thinking about it! I love the holiday in general but I think because it will be our first holiday with Collins (unless she graces us with her presence before Thanksgiving) it's making it extra special. I can't stop buying her Christmas clothes, bows and researching stockings and mantle ideas. Crazy I know. I'm thinking I need to get the tree up the weekend before Thanksgiving since I hope to have newborn in my arms the weekend after Thanksgiving. Now I gotta talk Derek into putting lights on the house this year...

So those are the things that have been on my mind lately. I am getting sssooo anxious to meet Collins but clearly, I have plenty of things I need to do before she makes her debut.

31 Weeks (9/21/12)

How far along? 31 weeks

Size of baby: 3.3 pounds and 16.2 inches. About the size of a bunch of asparagus. It's so crazy to me how long she is now.  Derek and I are both short so I'm not expecting her to be over 20 in. which means she is almost full grown (length wise).

Weight gain: 21 pounds. I had A LOT of desserts this weekend so I was scared to get on the scale this morning at the doctors office. Wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be though. Doc said it looked like I had a bowling ball in my belly. Yeah, a 50 pound one!

Maternity clothes: Yes. Been wearing maternity jeans, tanks and shirts. I still wear regular clothes in bigger sizes too.

Stretch marks: Not any new ones

Sleep: I only woke up to pee once last night! That's huge! Besides last night though I have been waking 2-4 times to go to the bathroom and if I wake up after 4am, I can almost guarantee my nose starts running after I go to the bathroom. The allergy medicine wears off in the middle of the night which has meant lots of sleepless nights lately.

Symptoms: Been feeling great! Lose my breath quite a bit but I am hoping she drops soon and I can breath again.  

Best moment this week: My first baby shower! I plan to do a whole post on it but a couple ladies from Derek's hometown threw me a baby shower yesterday and I had a great time. Collins was spoiled with outfits, her first tutu (yay!!!!), bows and lots of necessities (diapers, wipes, shampoo, etc).  There was also really yummy cake and cupcakes. They know how to win me over.
I also had a doctors appointment this morning. Everything looks great and she felt the baby for the first time and was pretty sure she was head down. Let's hope she stays like that. She also checked my ankles for swelling and said they looked great. Heart rate has dropped to upper 130s/lowers 140s now that she is bigger but doc said 120-150 is normal so all is good.

Movement: Yes. She didn't move a ton yesterday but has made up for it today. I think the cheering from the k-state game kept her up late Saturday night and she was sleepy yesterday.  

Food cravings: Fruit. I ate a bag of grapes in like 2 days and have really been liking apples. I got caramel at the store tonight and had it with my apple for dinner. Ah-mazing. Still on an apricot kick too but didn't want dried apricots and couldn't find them in the produce section at wal-mart. Are they not in season?

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Basic movements like turning over, getting up and bending over. I don't know what I am going to do when it gets cold and I actually have to wear shoes. Guess I better be getting some shoes with no shoe laces!

Milestones: Getting closer and close to my due date!

11, 20 and 30 weeks

I meant to do this on my 30 week update but forgot so here is a comparison of my belly shots at 11w, 20w and now at 30 weeks. 11 weeks was the first week I took pictures. Kicking myself for not taking pics earlier. I mean I was 3.5 weeks along when I found out I was pregnant. Why did I take so long to take pictures?!

 11 weeks

                                      20 weeks                                                                      30 weeks

30 Weeks (9/14/12)

How far along? 30 weeks

Size of baby: 3 pounds and 15.7 inches. About the size of a large cabbage 

Weight gain: 20 pounds. Going to try and only gain a pound a week from here on out. Less I gain, less I have to lose after baby.

Maternity clothes: Yes. Been wearing maternity jeans, tanks and shirts. I still wear regular clothes in bigger sizes too. In the beginning, I was so excited to wear maternity jeans because of how comfortable they are...wrong!! Am I the only 1 who doesn't find these things comfortable? The ones with the elastic are near impossible to get on and I can hardly breath when I sit down and the ones with the bands are just annoying. I hate pulling the band over my belly cause it leaves a line but if I leave the band low, their hard to keep on. I guess I might just need to go shopping since all my jeans are hand-me-downs but I have Gap, Old Navy and Motherhood maternity ones and I don't like any.

Stretch marks: This is embarrassing but I have a some tiny ones on my butt. Really? My butt? That is the last thing that I needed to grow!  

Sleep: Some nights are pretty good and some nights I wake up to use the bathroom and then my nose starts running and I can't fall back asleep for like an hour. This always happens around 5am so by the time I fall back asleep, I only get 30-45 more minutes of sleep. Rolling over is getting super hard so usually I only switch sides when I wake up to go to the bathroom.  

Symptoms: Hard time breathing sometimes but other then that, feeling good!

Best moment this week: Learning to make bows, and getting stuff for the nursery.

Movement: So much movement. Poor girl is getting crammed in there! Sometimes I wonder what in the world she is doing in there with all the movement she does. I am constantly putting my hand on my stomach feeling her move and feeling what I think is her head or foot (super hard spots). Derek yells at me because he think I am damaging her brain. Ha!  

Food cravings: Not many cravings this week. I might have had Pizza Hut, leftover Pizza Hut or pizza rolls almost every day this week but who's keeping track :)

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Tanning!!! I don't do it a lot but now would be a time that I would definitely go.

Milestones: FINALLY reached my last 10 weeks! It's crazy that in a few weeks I will be packing my hospital bags just in case she comes early. We have our first baby shower this weekend so Derek will be assembling baby things and then we will be set for her to arrive! I'm scared to death of labor but I know the end result will be all worth it. I am sssooo anxious to see her face and hold her in my arms. And now I am crying. Dang hormones :)

29 Weeks (9/7/12)

How far along? 29 weeks

Size of baby: 2.5 lbs and 15.2 inches. About the size of a butternut squash

Weight gain: Went to the doctor today and I am up 19 lbs. So much for only gaining 20-25 lbs this whole pregnancy. Measuring 1 cm (1 week) ahead.

Maternity clothes: Yes. Been wearing maternity jeans, tanks and shirts. I still wear regular clothes in bigger sizes too.

Stretch marks: Not that I can see

Sleep: Not too bad. Usual 2-3 bathroom trips and I am starting to cramp easily and have to switch positions more frequently. Allergies haven't kept me awake in the middle of the night but sometimes I wake up early with them and can't fall back asleep. Doctor recommended I take Zyrtec in the mornings and Benadryl at night to knock me out so I am going to try that tonight.

Symptoms: Little heartburn, 1 headache and a couple mornings I have gotten really hot, short of breath and nausea's 1 time. Doctor said it was normal, just a growing baby pushing on my organs.

Best moment this week: Going to the doctor today. Felt like I hadn't been in forever so and I didn't get to see my doctor the last time I went so I was anxious to see what she had to say. Everything looked great, Collins heartbeat was right at 150 and I will start going to the doctor every 2 weeks now! Only bad news, this was the first time I had been to the doctor since my 2nd glucose test and since a nurse just called with the results, my doctor actually talked to me about it all today. You have to fail 2 of the 4 tests to be considered diabetic and I only failed 1. So although I don't have diabetes, I am at a greater risk for having a big baby. Awesome. NOT!!!! She just said to go easy on the sugar and everything should be fine. So Collins is probably going to be 10 pounds. Lovely.

 Movement: Oh yeah. I loved the little kicks but now that she is getting big, some of the movements feel weird and sometimes tickle. I still love feeling her kick and watching my stomach move but it can be weird at times.

Food cravings: Well I just got back from the grocery store so here are a few things that made it into the cart that normally don't. Granted, I went before dinner so I was hungry and wanted everything. 1. Dried apricots. Never have I ever bought apricots but they sounded delicious. Even ate some on my way home. 2. Pizza rolls. I haven't had these since freshmen year of college. 3. Butterfingers. These are a weekly occurrence. Derek probably won't let me go alone again.

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Not waking up 1000 times a night. I think those days are long gone though.

Milestones: Last week in the 20s. I feel like the 20s have been the longest 10 weeks and I am anxious to start the last 10 weeks of pregnancy. Start going to the doctor every 2 weeks now until end of October and then I start going every week.

Elsie and Collins are best friends already