Bump Watch 2011: Week 36

Week 36 brought another lamaze class & another doctor's appointment.  We did the normal breathing & massage at lamaze but nothing too exciting to report.  The excitement came at our 36 week checkup.  I had to get the Strep B test so Dr. Stone asked if I wanted her to check to see if I was dilated at all.  Of course I did!  I don't normally mind pelvic exams but holy moly, that was a little more intense!  Hahaha, I'll leave it at that - any moms know what I'm saying.  She discovered that I was a little more than 1cm dilated & 50% effaced - that's a lot more than I expected!  I figured I wouldn't have any movement until the end.  She also assured me that her head is down & pretty low, thank goodness!  I'm trying not to get my hopes up for delivering early but any progress is awesome!

As if we don't already have enough to worry about, we've decided to get new carpet in our whole house - 4 weeks before the baby is due.  I know, we're really great planners & don't procrastinate at all.  : )  Hopefully it can get installed at least a week or 2 before my due date so lets pray that Baby T wants to stay in & cook for a few more weeks!  I won't complain if I go a week early though!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: 36 weeks

Size of baby: 18.5 inches & 5.8 pounds

Total weight gain/loss: 27 pounds

Maternity clothes: All comfy maternity clothes but I'm soo sick of them.

Gender: It's a GIRL!!

Movement: She is very active after I eat & in the evening.  She's very entertaining when she really stretches & makes my tummy dance around.

Sleep: Up once or twice & some hip soreness again.

What I miss: Nothing new - moving without grunting, haha.

Cravings:  Ummm does a Rolo Mcflurry count? ; )

Symptoms:  I've started having a few braxton hicks contractions, especially if I walk a lot during the day.  I have also been experiencing the "lightning crotch" phenomenon as her head is starting to descend & does not feel so great.

Memorable moment for the week:  Finding out that we've made a little progress!

Bump Watch 2011: Week 35

Week 35 has come & gone like all the rest - me and Baby T keep growing little by little!  I was kind of cranky this week because I'm tired of watching the scale creep up & my stomach expand.  I remind myself that this is all for our sweet baby girl but I'm sure I'm not the only one that's a little vain & doesn't want to get any larger.  I think there comes a point in every pregnancy when you're just "over it" - not the baby but actually being pregnant.  It was fun for a long time but now you're just ready to meet the baby!  It sounds so bad but I want to blog honestly & even though I ususally feel great when people ask, there are times when I don't feel so awesome.  Hopefully next week I'll be back to my chipper self & not Debbie Downer.  (I'll blame it on the horomones, too).

Anyway, this week wasn't all boring & negative because I had baby shower #2!!  My sister-in-laws threw me & Baby T a shower at Island Bay Yacht Club & it turned out great.  Her closet is even more full now & we got lots of cute stuff!  (That will get its own blog post though).

We also attended our 2nd Lamaze class (we go 4 Mondays in August from 7-9pm).  The class started out with a little ice breaker where we introduced ourselves, told our due date, & shared something nice that we did for each other that week.  We kind of looked at each other & said what did we do??   I felt like a horrible wife - I cooked, did laundry, etc but what did I do for him besides the normal stuff? We don't usually argue & I feel like we have a great marriage but this made me feel bad! So basically we had to make something up...  I think our homework from the week before was to give each other massages & we totally dropped the ball on that one (that's what most people answered).  That should have been the easiest homework we've ever done!  Oh well, it's tough when Scott works 60+ hours per week & I'm trying to get baby stuff organized.  Now we plan to take a few minutes to do something nice for each other every week until the baby comes.  (I know that babies can rock even the most solid marriages so it's important to focus on us a little). 

We continued the class with some more massage (bonus!) and learned the 2 breathing techniques that they recommend.  The first was slow breathing which was easy & more relaxing - I pictured myself on my favorite beach of course.  The instructor called the 2nd type "E Hees" - these are for more intense contractions, almost like panting without hyperventilating.  She had us face each other when we practiced & we cracked up throughout a lot of it.  At the end we did an exercise where Scott was supposed annoy me & I needed to use breathing & focus techniques until I didn't feel him.  He decided to dig in my arm where they take blood (because I absolutey HATE that) to simulate a contraction.  Well, I'm obviously not very good at tuning out pain because I felt it & squirmed the whole time while trying to breath.  If I can't ignore that, how will I handle contractions?!?!  Oh geez, looks like we have some practice to do!  Hopefully we can practice our "E Hees" this weekend since that's our homework.  : )          

Even if I don't use these techniques during labor, I think these classes have been great because we've had tons of fun together while still focusing on our peanut.

  

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: 35 weeks

Size of baby: 18 inches & a little over 5 pounds

Total weight gain/loss: 25 pounds, still gaining consistently.

Maternity clothes: I'm living in tunics, leggings, & dresses.  This week I really wanted to shop again because I'm tired of the clothes I've been wearing & re-wearing BUT I decided I can get through another 5 weeks.  Then hopefully the baby weight will fly off & I can go shopping at my normal stores again!!  ; )  haha

Gender: It's a GIRL!!

Movement: It's getting quite cramped in there - I can tell by the random body parts bulging out above my belly button.

Sleep: Up once or twice & some hip soreness again.

What I miss: This goes along with bending over, but doing laundry with ease.  Bending & reaching are definitely not my strong suites anymore.

Cravings:  I really wanted Thai food & we got Magic Kitchen, yummm.

Symptoms:  Occassioanl lower back or hip pain but nothing too bad.

Memorable moment for the week:  Baby shower #2!

Extended Family Fun

The weekend of August 5-7 we traveled to Chicago (LaGrange) for the Messmore family reunion.  Now this isn't the normal family reunion where you get to see your aunts, uncles, & cousins.  We also see our 2nd, 3rd, 4th cousins, aunts, & uncles.  Well maybe not that distant but you get the idea.  My grandpa's brothers & sisters come with their kids & grandkids so we have quite the group! 

We arrived Friday afternoon, checked into the hotel, & headed to my dad's cousin Gary's house for a cook out & pool time.  Here are some pictures from that evening that I took from Gary's wife's facebook - thanks Linda! 

Grandma & Cora

Group Photo with most of us

My family was up bright & early Saturday morning so we drove into Chicago to tour Navy Pier.  We did a lot of walking, took some pictures, & had lunch before heading back.  My brother even started to complain about his feet hurting and I immediately gave him the "did you really just say that to a preggo" look.  I was in flip-flops, sweating like a man & I wasn't complaining.  I'm sure he learned what NOT to say to a pregnant woman.  haha

We were each others dates :)

Group shot at the end of the pier

Saturday evening we gathered for the infamous Messmore family photo before heading to dinner at Salerno's.  

The "Sarah Messmore" picture, but now there's only one!

We had lots of fun catching up with extended family and listening to our grandparents talk about the "old days." haha.  The end of the night entertainment consisted of a family trivia game.  It was pretty interesting to learn fun facts about family members - especially from when they were younger.  Here are some pictures of our immediate family:

The Wood family minus Michael & Brooke

The Messmores minus Patrick & family

The Messmores minus Megan & Stephanie

My fam

Grandma & Aunt Aly

Grandpa on the right & his brother Harry 

This is a distant Messmore relative that found my cousin Ian online & has done tons of research on the Messmore family.  He traced the roots back to the Mesmer's of Switzerland in the early 1600's.  He gave a short speech about our heritage which we've never done before.  

We all had a great time catching up with everyone & missed those of you who couldn't attend!  Sunday morning we got up, had breakfast, & said our goodbyes.  Oh yeah, and took a preggo picture (bad idea on a Sunday morning).  Oooh well, we had to document the 3 preggos of the group!  

My cousin Scott's wife, Bobbi, me, & my dad's cousins' daughter, Josie

And little did we know but there was another preggo in attendance who hadn't told anyone yet - my cousin Ryan & his wife Kari are due in March with their 3rd bambino, congrats!        

Bump Watch 2011: Week 34

It's official, I'm an oven!  Cooking this baby has finally increased my body temp and I'm finding it a lot more difficult to stay cool.  We went to Chicago last weekend for a family reunion and I was loving the AC so I froze everyone on the way up in the car and also in the hotel room.  Up until lately the heat wasn't affecting me much but this weekend it hit me hard.  

After walking around Navy Pier Saturday morning we went back to the hotel to swim.  The indoor pool area was soooo humid & warm that I didn't think I'd be able to hang out in there.  I decided to dip my feet in the pool but it felt warm and not refreshing at all.  A little later I noticed that everyone else that was getting in the pool acted like it was chilly.  After a while  I got in & quickly realized that it really wasn't warm at all but my body just took a lot longer to cool off after our morning excursion than normal.  Anyway, I could bore you with a million other examples of how hot I was all weekend but you get the idea!     

Update:

I totally forgot to include a big highlight from last week!  We attended our first lamaze class on Monday evening at Memorial.  I went into it with an open mind, knowing that many people told me that it goes right out the window when you're actually in labor.  This class was a general overview of the labor/delivery process and what to expect.  We started out watching a movie that showed different women & their pain management techniques.  If you know Scott & I at all, you know that we are pretty laid back and like to joke around.  Needless to say, we giggled through this movie a few times - especially at the moaning women.  I keep telling Scott that I think I'm going to use the 'vocalization' technique : )  I'm sure this won't be so funny when I'm the one in labor!

The instructor also reminded us that exercise is vital especially during these last weeks of pregnancy.  They put women on bed rest so they DON'T go into labor so we need to get our booties up & walk!  That was enough motivation for me - I DO NOT want to go past my due date!  We also learned stretching techniques and practiced massage.  I got a great massage at the end of the class from Scott so I wasn't complaining :)   

Preggo pic from the reunion
(Forgive the un-showered look, this was at breakfast the last day)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: 34 weeks

Size of baby: 17.7 inches & around 4.7 pounds

Total weight gain/loss: 24 pounds - This keeps creeping up faster than I would like!

Maternity clothes: I'm living in tunics, leggings, & dresses.

Gender: It's a GIRL!!

Movement: Lots of rolling around.  I thought she was head down last week but she may be moving to that position now given how much she's wiggling.

Sleep: Up twice per night & I've started taking Tums almost every night to control acid reflux.
What I miss: Bending over with ease.

Cravings:  Nothing crazy this week.

Symptoms: Occasional back pain & acid reflux but these have been normal for the last few weeks.

Memorable moment for the week:  Our first lamaze class.

Kenny & Baby Shower

Kenny Chesney Concert

We drove down to STL Thursday evening (July 28) for the Kenny concert with Rob & Sue & met Christie and a few of her friends.  I was a little nervous about the excessive heat we've been having but decided to brave it for Kenny.  Beth & Michael were also there with Michael's sister, Stephanie, & her husband, Matt.  It was great to meet them & we even got to have some baby talk as they have a 3 month old at home - he's pretty cute!  Uncle Kracker & Billy Currington opened for Kenny and put on a great show.  Our tickets were on the lawn and we lucked out by having a little shade and a breeze so it wasn't too hot at all!  I still felt the need to get some shaved ice since they didn't have virgin margaritas.  : (  Check out the snow cone in the picture below:  

It was huge & messy but it sure hit the spot : )  Kenny played all the best songs but the show seemed like it was over too fast.  I could listen to him for hours!  

Taking a break on the lawn

Baby Shower
Saturday July 30 was the day of my first baby shower thrown by mom, Beth & Cora.  It was held at Lake Pointe Grill, one of my favorite places to eat!  They based the decor off of the invitation so they decorated with bright pinks, oranges & browns - super summery.  We had a really great turnout and got lots of awesome gifts!  Here are a few pictures from the day:

Cake table with our baby books & baby shoes

On the food table - we sure make a cute fetus! haha

Gayle & Lynne - they knitted the cutest blanket! 

Gift table

Mini diaper cake centerpieces 

Cake table

Banner

Shower hostesses!

My cousin Amanda is due 10 days after me!

Another preggo-Ashley's due in March!

My niece Delaney & sis-in-law Christie

The "big stuff"

Lots of clothes & other necessities

  Thanks again to everyone that made it to celebrate our future arrival!  She will definitely be well taken care of & loved by many!

Summer Treats

I usually have a hard time thinking of "cravings" to put on my weekly bump watch updates but I just thought of one that I am currently "craving": 

The new Rolo Mcflurry from McDonald's

I'm a caramel lover & a chocolate lover & this has tons of both!  Lets just rub this all over my already cellulitey preggo thighs, hahaha.  If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it!  I'm pretty sure you don't classify these as "cravings," I think I just really want one.  : )

Aaaand I promise to get the other blogs posted soon, I'm a little behind!

Bump Watch 2011: Week 33

Baby T and I had 2 big events this week - the Kenny Chesney concert & our first baby shower!  

Scott & I at Kenny

Baby shower banner

This is my bump picture for the week - I forgot to take a normal one.

(I'll do a full blog on the Kenny concert & baby shower later).


We (Scott) also got the changing table/dresser put together this week!  We learned a very important lesson during the assembly process - when online reviews says it takes 3 hours to put together & it's really difficult, trust the reviews & spend a little more money to make it easy on yourself.  Apparently he forgot that I told him that & was cussing the thing the whole night...ooops!  Anyway, we got it together & it's pretty cute & sturdy which is always a plus.

"Assembly required"

Dresser & crib

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: 33 weeks

Size of baby: 17.2 inches & around 4 pounds

Total weight gain/loss: 23 pounds

Maternity clothes: I'm living in tunics, leggings, & dresses.

Gender: It's a GIRL!!

Movement: Lots of kicks & wiggles!  It still makes me smile when I feel a big movement.

Sleep:  Usually up twice.
What I miss: Nothing this week.

Cravings:  Still cold foods from the heat.

Symptoms: I'm getting more lower back pain especially if I'm on my feet a lot during the day.  It also happens after I sit for long periods of time & get up - I feel like an old lady!

Memorable moment for the week:  Our first baby shower!

50 Day Countdown!

ONLY 50 DAYS LEFT UNTIL WE MEET BABY T!!!

(Or less!)  haha, I can dream right?! 

To celebrate this small milestone I'm posting a hilarious list that I found on a preggo website.  Most of it is so true but I added a few of my own comments, too.

You know you’re in the 3rd trimester when…

• Picking up a sock anything off the ground requires preparation and thought.
• There are crumbs on your belly that you don’t notice until you stand up.  I just started noticing this issue, unfortunately it's a few hours after I've eaten...
• There are crumbs in your cleavage that you don’t notice until you change.
• You’re afraid to laugh or sneeze too hard (you know why…)
• People look at your belly before your face.
• You get mad that Nordstrom is at the other end of the mall from Macy’s.  If only we had a Nordstrom...
• You consider getting into the car to drive from Nordstrom to Macy’s.
• Heartburn visits you before, during, and after every meal, regardless of what you eat.  And especially at night, ugh!
• You’re full in 10 bites or less.
• Maneuvering a mirror around your belly to see if you have any stretch marks becomes a daily pastime.  Or just asking the hubby.
• You break a sweat walking from the car to the door.  Especially in 100 degree heat.
• You wish someone would offer you a ride from the car to the door.
• Exercise equals getting up from the couch to fill up your water glass.  Or swimming 2 laps in the pool which made my arms burn! So pathetic.
• After picking up a few socks you decide that from now on you’ll leave anything that falls to the floor exactly in its place until your husband comes home to pick it up for you.
• You select your shoes based on which would be the easiest to put on.  I gave up on a pair that buckle on the side, I can't contort that way anymore!
• You stop wearing your rings in fear of the swelling you know is soon to come.  I haven't yet & I hope I don't have to : (
• Rolling over in bed is a task that requires counting out loud. 1,2,3 GO!  Or in my case, a grunt.
• You stare at the cute baby clothes in the nursery at least 5 times a day.  Duh.
• You panic about not having the nursery completely ready.  It's more like the rest of the house.
• You forget what life was like before you fell in love with the baby in your belly.  : )