35 Weeks

35 Weeks!  What?!  When people ask me when I am due (which everyone always says, "Anytime now right?"), I respond saying we are about a month away.  A month away!  Wow, this has gone by so fast, but at a pace that has allowed to me capture and appreciate great moments.  Baby Boyd is over 18 inches now and weighs about 5 1/4 pounds.  Not much room left in my belly to grow, so hopefully Baby will position itself head down in preparation for delivery.  

Baby’s progress: 35 weeks

Total weight gain for Mommy: 18 pounds 

Food cravings: Bryan got me what I have been thinking about lately...Jason's Deli chocolate pudding!  He went in and asked for a cup for pudding.  Whenever he goes in there, the employees are confused about why he wants only that and how to ring him up.  What other person goes into a deli just for the pudding in the salad bar?  So, (of course with Bryan) they give him the pudding for free.  It was delish!  

Symptoms of pregnancy: Did you know that you feel more pregnant when you are going 100mph all day at work?  Will discuss that later in the blog... 

Working out: Walking when I can.

Maternity clothes?: My regular clothes are still allowing me to squeeze inside.   

Mood: Feeling a bit down, but the Baby always cheers me up.  (More on this later in the blog...)

Sleep: Getting tough.  2 potty breaks, getting up, and turning over really can be uncomfortable.  

Movement: Never settles down, which I love, love, love!  And whenever I do notice a calm stretch of time, I place my hand on my belly and Baby usually reacts immediately.  It's as if my hand gives permission to play again.  Haha! 

Stretch marks?: No

Wedding ring on? Yes

Best moment of the week: Officially moving in!  When I walked in, I was shocked to see all the amazing accomplishments that were made.  Several pieces of furniture were up, decorating had begun and our closet was set and organized.  I have a great Husband and Parents!  What a relief to be welcomed into your home with so much already done for you.  We also got our new family car, a black Lexus SUV: used and in great shape for our little family.  

Miss anything from life before baby?: Wine has finally started to look really good.  It hasn't really bothered me that I couldn't have any this whole time.  Lately, when a good glass is poured it sounds so yummy!  Tying my shoes has been a little difficult. :)

Looking forward to: Continuing to unpack and find a place for each item that we have.  Also, we plan on painting and starting to lay out the nursery this weekend.  The furniture is already up and a few things are organized.  Just need those final parts to make it complete.  

Now, onto what has happened in the beginning of the week...

School started Monday, which I was excited for.  Not too excited to jump back into full time work (and then some) 8 months pregnant, but looking forward to meeting my Kindergarten students.  I wasn’t nervous or feeling overwhelmed like last year.  My experience had brought on an ease that allowed me to stay calm during all circumstances.  The only problem was that being pregnant really weighed me down.  I had a hard time breathing and standing up.  I felt as if I could pass out at any moment and Braxton-Hicks contractions were continuous.  Going home that night, Bryan and I discussed to try one more day.  Tuesday started off better but got exponentially worse after lunch.  My legs literally almost gave out on me and I was breathing pretty hard after standing and using my voice too long.  My boss’s were great allowing me to sit when I needed and avoid outside activities, but my job requires me to be involved 100%.  I could probably only run on 70%, which still was unsafe for Baby and me.  On Wednesday, I took the day to talk to my doctor and figure out next steps.  The outcome: to start my FMLA sooner than expected.  The way I see it: If I can’t perform my duties and expectations to my full potential, I can’t be the teacher that I need to be for the students, school, and myself.  This is not a job where you can just sit back and take a break.  You are “ON” during each minute in order to engage and captivate minds.  I was risking my health and the baby's, and with only a few weeks left, it made sense to leave.   I am feeling a bit upset about how everything happened.  My pregnancy has been so easy (I still think it is), but under these particular working circumstances, my body just can't hang in there.  I feel somewhat handicapped, which I am not because I am still functioning pretty well elsewhere.  

Trusting God during unplanned moments.

Baby and Hubby keep me happy.  :)

34 Weeks

Baby Boyd is weighing about 4 3/4 pounds and measuring 18 inches.  Doctor is still saying that I have a fun baby in my belly whenever we get to hear the heartbeat.  I asked if she thinks Baby is head down and she thinks so based on where I am getting kicked all day long.  Therefore, our baby is cooperating up to this point.  When people ask how I feel, I honestly feel great!  Of course, there are the several bits of changes that I am facing each day that cause a lot of discomfort, but totally worth it and not a reason to feel bad.  Reminded that I didn't have this gift 9 months ago, so I have nothing to complain about.  God is so good; it's been the best gift ever!

Baby’s progress: 34 weeks

Total weight gain for Mommy: 18 pounds 

Food cravings: Been thinking about Jason's Deli pudding I guess...which is a normal thing for me to be thinking about when I want something super delicious!  I got to eat a great sandwich the other day at Teacher Training that was made with shredded turkey (not deli meat).  I smothered it with mustard and enjoyed every bit!  Haven't had Cheese Its in a while... 

Symptoms of pregnancy: Feeling heavy when I sit down too long!  This baby is putting a lot of weight on my tush as I sit for long training workshop classes.  Also, if I sit too long, my left leg gets uncomfortable from the knee down like it's about to go numb, or it feels heavy?  Hard to explain.  

Working out: Missing you...

Maternity clothes?: Maternity Band has been a help!  I don't wear it all day, but it helps to keep my belly lifted up a bit when I am feeling uncomfortable.  

Mood: It's gooood.

Sleep: Turning over gets harder and harder each night.

Movement: Crazy little baby!  I am feeling Baby all over much more often.  Before, Baby would only kick and squirm on my right side.  There is some serious gymnastics happening all over now.  

Stretch marks?: No, but I don't know how much more my skin can stretch!

Wedding ring on? Yes

Best moment of the week: Putting the crib up with Bryan was exciting!  We thought it would be a project, but it turned out to be something my 1st Graders could have done last year.  He also got the dresser in.  It makes me anxious to start painting and getting things ready in there.  Almost time to move in!  It was also great to see all my teacher friends at training!

Miss anything from life before baby?: Squatting and bending down with ease.  My belly is getting in the way, which is sometimes painful because I forget it's there when I am moving around.   

Looking forward to: Moving in this week!  I just want to get in our home and start living.  Life will always be crazy, but at least we get to live it!  

33 Weeks

This week Baby Boyd has reached the 4 pound mark and is about 17 inches long.  Whew baby!  As the skeleton begins to harden, Baby is looking less and less wrinkly and more and more like a tiny human being.  I am getting more excited as time gets closer to meet Baby Boyd!

Baby’s progress: 33 weeks

Total weight gain for Mommy: 17 pounds as of last doctor's appointment.

Food cravings: No cravings, just foods that Baby loves (listed on chalkboard).  When I wrote out my list of favorite things, my Mom was trying to get me to list junk foods: "What about french fries?  Ice-cream?  An entire Rotisserie chicken?"  Wishing I had a bit more of a junk food craving sometimes just so I have an excuse to eat it!  

Feeling nauseous? No

Symptoms of pregnancy: During meals, I am getting fuller faster due to my stomach running out of room to place food.  Shouldn't I be eating like a Mad-Woman?!?!  Baby growing bigger is starting to cause some physical changes in my body (like the leg pain mentioned last week whenever I am on my feet too long or if I move too fast).  Baby is definitely gaining weight because I can feel more and more pressure against my body.  Mom got me a maternity support band this week, which I think will help a lot!  It's a lacy, fancy looking one.  We were joking around last night that I should audition for Victoria's Secret: Pregnant Edition.  Wouldn't that be a sight to see?...hahahaha!  

Working out: Not anymore...how greatly things have changed.

Maternity clothes?: Maternity Band

Mood: Loving life!

Sleep: A challenge to turn over and move all my pillows and blankets around each time.  Reminds me that I am pregnant and it makes me smile. :)

Movement: I started Teacher Training this week for Challenger.  (Yeah I know, back to reality.)  Baby Boyd must like our teaching methods because Baby is super busy in my belly while I am sitting and listening to lectures during each workshop.  Baby Boyd is starting it's education early as it is listening to songs about grammar, math, science, geography, etc.  Who knows?...This baby could come out reading words!  Also, it has been fun to have people feel the baby as it moves with more elaborate force.

Stretch marks?: No, checking more often at this point.

Wedding ring on? Yes

Best moment of the week: Last Friday, my Mom and Cary hosted such an incredible Baby Shower!  My Mom went all out with decorations and her amazing hosting ability.  (More on this below.)  Bryan and I (finally) got our keys on Friday and so much painting has already been done.  (Thanks to ALL who helped!)  I was able to get my kitchen put together for the most part and bring all the baby items into the nursery. We plan on moving in once more things are accomplished so the house will be ready for Delilah, Mommy, and Daddy...and Baby, but hopefully that particular arrival will come later.

Miss anything from life before baby?: At Teacher Training, they had yummy looking turkey sandwiches for lunch, but I decided it would be safer not to eat them because of the deli meat.  They looked so good!  

Looking forward to: Seeing the rest of my teacher friends next week as training continues!  Also, being able to start the nursery.  Baby needs a special little space to call its own.  

The Baby Shower was super fun with the theme of "mini" or "bite-size" everything just like a baby.  We had mini pigs-in-a-blanket, mini pizzas, small cups with dips, mini caprese salads, Tater-Tots, mini meatballs, mini M&M's, mini marshmallows, mini Oreos, and mini cupcakes.  

One table was GIRL, full of sweets.

One table was BOY, full of rough and tough snacks.  

Most people said we're having a boy, which NO ONE said in the beginning of my pregnancy (besides a few).  I feel so thankful for all the gifts we received. Really has been a blessing to get such incredible items for our baby.  Thank you!!!

32 Weeks

This Week: Baby Growing Fast, Baby Shower, and Becoming Home Owners.  Life is good today.

Baby’s progress: 32 weeks

Total weight gain for Mommy: 17 pounds. Still on track at gaining 1 pound per week. Baby will be rapidly growing these final weeks.  Of each pound I gain, Baby is taking about half for itself. Time to chub up! (BABY, not me.)

Food cravings: No cravings, just more lenient eating. Baby Boyd enjoys yogurt, fruit, Frosted Cheerios, oatmeal, Cheese Its, and bread. 

Feeling nauseous? No

Symptoms of pregnancy: Love feeling my Baby move still!  I have several surprises now and then.  I think I am finally feeling pregnant!  My leg pain from walking is tremendously painful; therefore, speed walking is done for now. There is an occasional shortness of breath (usually after not doing much at all!).  I spoke to my doctor about the Braxton Hicks and she told me I should not be having more than 4 in one hour. (I am keeping track because I definitely have had more than 4 in an hour a couple handful of times.)

Working out: I mentioned before that I should no longer be walking in the mornings. The pain is not worth it.  So pathetic!  What to do now, what to do???

Maternity clothes?: None for me besides the long maxi skirts I made. 

Mood: In good spirits!

Sleep: I have officially forgotten what it feels like to sleep through the night. Don't think this will be changing when the baby arrives. 

Movement: Love it!!

Stretch marks?: No

Wedding ring on? Yes

Best moment of the week: Being back home after a great get-away is always nice.  And speaking of home...ours is READY!  Bryan and I get the keys today.  We are officially home owners!  We are so excited to start painting, move our stuff in, and start our new family adventure.

Miss anything from life before baby?: Running hard and really getting my heart going. 

Looking forward to: My Baby Shower is today and my mom is going all-out-CRAZY!  Also, getting the house keys!