Week 38...11 DAYS!

Week 38

Baby size:  a pumpkin...and does that sure fit this week!  I feel like a giant pumpkin!!!  

Cool Facts:

• Baby may have about an inch or so of hair already.
• She's slowly shedding that white goo on the skin (called vernix caseosa) but you might see some of it at birth.

(courtesy of http://www.findingsilverlinings.net)

How I feel about being pregnant:  This week has had its ups and downs.  BIG TIME!  Most the time I am ok....Here recently, I have had TONS of back pain and upper abdomen pain.  The Dr. said its my muscles in my chest stretching again....great!  More STRETCHING!  haha.  It's never ending at this point.  Mackenzie is sitting on the darn nerve again and I limp when I walk...its kind of funny but it hurts most of the time!  When Brandon sees me walking he always says "teach me how to waddle...teach me how to waddle."  haha.  

I'm digging the black wardrobe right now.....I'd be scared to see what I look like in colors!  

Symptoms:  heartburn...

back aches...

shortness of breath...

waddle waddle waddle...

hormones raging again

no sleep...

peeing every 30 minutes...

swollen legs and fingers some days...

Stretch marks: Gotta love em :)  She'll never let me forget this pregnancy!  

Food Cravings:  Can't say I crave anything besides my waffles and coffee....but I think that is more routine than anything!  At the beginning of the week I was starving like Marvin all day.....since yesterday, I haven't really been hungry that much.

Something I've done to prepare for baby:  Watched tv....lots of tv...laid on the couch...went to the doctor...oh and we got our carpets steam cleaned!  that's about it!  

Funny moment: When we were at the doctors office....Brandon comes with me now just in case!  So, the doctor was talking about how most first pregnancies you don't really go early and in fact most go late...especially when you have had an easy pregnancy without worries...So, I was expecting to not be dilated at all...haha...Brandon about fell into the corner of the room when he said I was 3cm!  I found it quite hysterical!  Now of course, he is being a man and completely inpatient....can you tell?!

What I miss:   Wine...sleep...wine...not peeing all the time...being able to get outta bed without rolling or huffing...clothes that fit or are even tight haha....

What I'm looking forward to:  Seeing our baby girl for the first time!  

Best Moment of the Week:  Let's just say that God has been extremely good to my family the past two weeks.  Especially this week.  Lots of prayers answered and lots of faith restored...I always knew God had a plan for us...I just didn't think it would play out this way!  But its his way and everything happens for a reason...

Least Favorite Moment of the Week:  Let's just say every single night when I can't sleep....It's getting worse and I'm just trying to accept the fact that I won't be sleeping much the next few months!

Thank you for everyone that has kept my family in your prayers!  We truly appreciate it!  We are very blessed to have the family and friends that we do in our lives.  

For now...we get to just wait....and if she's anything like her mother, she will stay in there as long as possible just to make people go CrAzY!!!!

Week 37.....or 16 days left...but who's counting?!

Week 37

Baby size:  a winter melon.....umm seriously?!!?!  Can't say that I don't look like I swallowed one though!  haha

Cool Facts:

She's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking.

Baby’s getting her first  poop (called meconium) ready for her first diaper. Ew.

How I feel about being pregnant:  Sooo...as much as I love it...I'm over it...haha.  Believe it or not I am really trying to just enjoy it.  But when you can't sit up...it takes effort to get outta bed...driving is a nightmare due to not being able to sit up straight...going to the bathroom is a suddenly a challenge/task ...you just get over being pregnant!  The majority of Mackenzie is on my left side and on a nerve...so, my leg falls asleep within 15 minutes and it hurts to walk...fun times!  Although every time I feel her kick me (and literally using all her might to break out of my ribs) or just wiggle around, I still love it.  As creepy and crazy as it is...I love it and I know I'll miss this feeling.  :) 

Got a haircut yesterday...Love the length...So much easier to deal with in the summer!

Symptoms:  heartburn...

back aches...

shortness of breath...

waddle waddle waddle...

hormones are at bay (I think!)

Braxton Hicks...

Hormonal...

hungry all the time...

Stretch marks: What stretch marks?  Oh you mean the tiger claw stripes on belly?!  hahaha...oh well...they are totally worth every feeling I have had! (See my attitude changing!??!)

Food Cravings:  Food...period...I don't care what it is...For some stupid reason, I am always hungry...and not just like its time to eat hungry..like stupid hungry!  At 3am I can be found eating apples! 

Something I've done to prepare for baby:  Brandon made me pack my hospital bag and Mackenzie's bag.  Her bag was much easier...how hard is a pacifier and clothes and a swaddle blanket?!  My bag on the other hand took quite some time!  He mainly did the packing because I have put it off for 2 weeks.  But...its done and the bags are downstairs just in case.  It's a good thing that he's so into it!  It's funny to watch.  Today, I also went to Buy Buy Baby and stocked up on everything that was a necessity (or so in my head) from the registry.  Talk about a fun time shopping!! 

Funny moment: On Sunday, my mom, Katie and I were all shopping at Target.  It started to downpour.  So, Katie being nice went and got the car.  Then we went to TJ Maxx and again when we left it started to downpour...Well this time it was a fend for yourself kind of deal.  Ever see a pregnant lady waddle as fast as she can to the car?!!?  If someone had a recorder, I'm pretty sure I could be on America's Funniest Home Videos!

What I miss:   Wine...Its finally hot here and feels like summer...a glass of Barefoot Moscato would be HEAVENLY right now....hell, a bottle would be amazing!!  I also would love to get outta bed without rolling, having Brandon help me, or grunting!  hahaha. Pregnancy really is a trip!  

What I'm looking forward to:  Being done with Summer Academy so I have all my exchange day points for the year and of course...Meeting Miss Mackenzie :)

Best Moment of the Week:  When Brandon and I go lay in bed and he puts his hand on my belly.  Before he goes to bed he usually kisses it too.  It's so sweet and I love those moments.

Least Favorite Moment of the Week:   Mackenzie decided to grab on to whatever she could and kick at my ribs the other day...I can't tell you how much it hurt!  I literally shouted!  Also, the heartburn that comes as soon as you attempt to lay down!  That is AWFUL....no fun at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers...More to come on that later.  Have a great week!!!  Maybe there will be some crazy exciting news next week!  After all, there is a full moon on Monday!!

Week 36

Week 36

Baby size: a honeydew melon...I feel much larger than a honeydew melon!

Cool Facts: -Baby's getting close and close to being able to breathe on her own.

-The skin is getting smooth and soft and gums are rigid.

-Baby's liver and kidneys are in working order.

-Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too.

{fruit and info from thebump.com}

How I feel about being pregnant:  Well....as much as I love it, she's beginning to hurt!  I'm beginning to wonder if there is a swing set in my tummy.  Her hiccups are also intense at times...I love feeling those but can't help but feel she gets annoyed with that!  If I hiccuped that many times, I'd be annoyed!  I've also started to think about life after she comes...it's so crazy to think that it won't just be us two anymore.  It's scary and exciting all at the same time.  So, needless to say, I'm trying to just enjoy time with Brandon and enjoy Mackenzie being in my tummy still!

wow..speechless...can I seriously get any bigger?!

Symptoms:  random heartburn...

sleeplessness...

peeing every 45 minutes...

moody...

shortness of breath...this has gotten a little better though!

waddling...oh waddling....

Stretch marks:  I hate those bad boys!  It means she's getting bigger and that's scary!  haha.

Food Cravings:  This week, I haven't really had any.  I have been STARVING at the most random times.  It's totally weird because I have really eaten on a schedule these last 9 months.  But they did say that smaller more frequent meals from now until I have her will help.  Now I just gotta work on that darn portion control!

Something I've done to prepare for baby:  I've packed her hospital bag.....that was a cake walk as opposed to mine...which still isn't packed!  I've also started to fill in parts of her baby book!  The nursery is finished, so here are the pics

We absolutely love her room!  It's so calming and peaceful in there (that is until she is in there screaming her head off!) 

Funny moment: Brandon and I keep having these crazy dumb moments and I absolutely love it.  If anyone else was around, they would think we were crazy!    

What I miss:  I miss my wine again....I feel like such an alcohie!  There are some things you just don't take away from people...and I think wine is one of them! 

What I'm looking forward to:  Enjoying the next few weeks with Brandon...my hormones have been at bay (so I think!) and we have really just been enjoying each others company.
 

Best Moment of the Week:  There was also a moment in our ultrasound when the tech did the 3D image.  When it came in to where we could tell it was her, Brandon's face was priceless.  The next best thing was when Walt and Weasy came to visit!  They are my sister-in-laws parents.  They stopped in Greenville over night at my parents, so we ordered pizza and salad and got to chat!  Well, Weasy has been making these quilts for about two years..maybe longer.  Anyways, I absolutely love them and when I got pregnant, I had told either Lori (SIL) or my mom that I wanted Weasy to make one!  Well...the response was..."She makes them out of love."  How was I going to get her to love me!!?!? So, I gave up.  Well, she surprised me with an ADORABLE quilt for Mackenzie.  It matches her nursery theme and the colors are perfect.  I love them.  I love it.  It means the world to me and I love that she has a quilt that was made with love.

Here's a pic of her :)  Can't wait to see that sweet face!                This is the quilt Weasy made!  AMAZING!

Least Favorite Moment of the Week:   My upper back has started to hurt this week and I feel like she is holding on to my rib cage (even though her feet are at the top!).  So, maybe a foot is stuck...or maybe she just likes to push on my ribs...who knows...but it's not a favorite moment!

Week 35...Times a ticking...very QUICKLY!

Week 35

Baby size: A Coconut!  I feel MUCH bigger than a coconut!

How I feel about being pregnant:  I do have to say this week has been totally different for me.  I've been very lucky with an easy pregnancy so I try not to complain (except to Brandon and my family) too much.  However, this week has been totally different!  I FEEL HUGE!!  She is sitting weird and moving like crazy and it's just different.  Now I understand why people are so uncomfortable the last month of their pregnancy!  The sad part is that it isn't even really hot down here!  haha..

 

My 4th of July outfit!  Thank goodness for maxi skirts!  haha. 

Symptoms:  random heartburn...

sleeplessness...

peeing every 45 minutes...

moody...

shortness of breath...

waddling...

Stretch marks:  No more than 2 weeks ago :)

Food Cravings:  can't say I have "craved" anything except Arnold Palmers....The Arizona one in the can that is the Lite version.  There is something about that can!

Something I've done to prepare for baby:  We finished her room and her laundry!  I've managed to reorganize the bathroom and kitchen cabinets to "mesh" her stuff with our stuff.  Who would have thought trying to add another person to your life would be so tricky!! 

Funny moment: When we realized we would rather go to bed than stay up and hang out.  haha.  Brandon and I find the craziest things hilarious and we get into a "zone" where we are the only 2 that get it.  I love those moments and hope they never go away. 

What I miss:  Not having to roll outta bed because I get out of breath sitting up...walking without waddling...sleeping longer than an hour at a time...only going to the bathroom a few times a day...there are a few! 

What I'm looking forward to:  We have our ultrasound on Tuesday!  I can't wait! We haven't seen this little girl in over 11 weeks!
 

Best Moment of the Week:  When Brandon organizes things in Mackenzie's room.  It melts my heart.  I can't imagine what it's gonna be like when he sees her for the first time!  Heck...he cried at her first ultrasound!  haha. 

Least Favorite Moment of the Week:   My back suddenly hurts more...Im sleeping even less...and my patience...are non-existant!  haha. 

Week 34...Greenville Baby Shower :)

Week 34

Baby size: A Butternut Squash  

How I feel about being pregnant:  I feel LARGE...haha...I'm trying to embrace it but its not working out too well!  I try to remember that you are only pregnant for 9 months and that there are many not so pretty aspects to it...but it is a wonderful thing!!!

Symptoms:  heartburn...yup

bathroom ever hour...yup

massive boobies...yup

mood swings...check!

 Maternity clothes:  Im over them...Sometimes I think I look cute until a picture is taken...then I freak out!  haha.  Oh well..only 5 weeks left of them! 

                                                                       Me with Jen :) 

Stretch marks: I don't think I have any more than I did last week! 

Food Cravings:  still sticking to my strawberries and waffles.  No strawberries on my waffles...just waffles with butter and syrup....strawberries seperate.  HAHA!  I've added sweet tea/lemonade to this list too!

Something I've done to prepare for baby:  Put the finishing touches on her room and are basically done! Just need a precious baby girl to add!  :-)

Funny moment: Brandon trying to put together the stroller was pretty funny!!  Here are some pics :)  He had help from my dad and Mrs. Benson.  It still took them about 30 minutes!

               They finished it! 

What I miss:  Not having to roll outta bed because I get out of breath sitting up...walking without waddling...sleeping longer than an hour at a time...only going to the bathroom a few times a day...there are a few! 

What I'm looking forward to:  Well, July 4th is always fun...especially because Brandon has off this year!  Also, next week we are having a growth scan of Mackenzie done, which is totally crazy and exciting because we haven't seen her in 10 weeks! 

 

Best Moment of the Week:  Having everyone at the baby shower and being showered with all those gifts!  Mackenzie is loved so much already and people are so excited for her to be here!  It's so much fun to be apart of!  I loved seeing everyone who came in from out of town and those who I haven't seen in a long time (mostly due to early bed times!)  My mom and sister did an amazing job of putting it together!  They spoil the crap outta me!  Can't say I'm not the luckiest girl on the planet!  Thanks Mom and Kate!

Mary Poppins themed shower :)

Just a spoon full of sugar!!

The Scholz's

Everyone!

Opening presents with Mom's help

Brandon even came!

Reading cards and opening gifts.

    Party Favors!  Wish I could have that vodka!

Least Favorite Moment of the Week:   Washing all of her new stuff!  Those stupid plastic tags that hold things together take FOREVER to get off before the wash!  I do love washing her clothes and that baby smell that comes from them!