Week 30 - Is the honeymoon over?

 

 

About ME:

Waist: 40.5 inches (Total growth 7 inches) - Another no belly growth week

Weight: 158.2 lbs (Total increase 14.4 lbs)

So last week was rainbows and sunshine and this week, Pregnancy got a little more real.  First off, I've developed a "little bumps" on a few places on my arms and feet.  Everything I've read says it's normal, and even have a friend who had the same thing in her 3rd trimester (and they are gone for her now).  Secondly, I almost passed out at acupuncture and thought that I might *poop* myself on the table.  Yes, it was lovely.  Third thing, I felt the "pass out" feeling at a client and had to go home.  I realized that it was low blood sugar, but it was scary.

The fun of this week is the real connection that Rich and I are starting to feel with Monster...I'm not sure if it is because we've been around so many babies lately, or it is just more real that Monster will be here shortly, but he/she really seems like a little person in there.  The personality is coming out through different activity times, responding to us when we talk to the belly and all around just starting to connect with me.  Say it's a mother's instinct, but this kid is really cool!  He told me today that he was going to do his best to make easy on Mama and Papa. 

I'm still working on keeping my body active during pregnancy (which I've heard makes for a better labor experience) with many walks with Chukar.  Also on the schedule is to get back into yoga this week (and for the duration of pregnancy).  Another must do is nightly stretches to make sure that my body is as ready as my mind!

About MONSTER:

Pretty cool week...Monster had HICCUPS (and I was able to feel it).  At first, it freaked me out, as it felt like a mini-seizure happening in my belly, but once I found out what it was, it was just amazing.  (DON'T HATE ME...this experience is so freaking cool and I'm loving it)!

Week 30 was BRAIN GAIN week for Monster...until now, the brain was smooth, but now it is taking on the characteristic grooves and indentations. These wrinkles allow for an increased amount of brain tissue as baby prepares for life outside of me!  Also this week, bone marrow production has taken over red blood cells...huge importance here because it means Monster will be able to thrive on his/her own upon arrival. Our hairy little Monster is also starting to shed the soft, downy hair that has been helping regulate his/her temperature to this point.

It's amazing...but Monster is really getting ready now to show us who HE or SHE is!
 

Planning for MONSTER:

Last night we had our 1st of 5 Childbirth Prep classes and surprisingly it went A LOT better that either Rich or I could have hoped for. Neither of us are really good in a hospital setting and just the discussion of labor and delivery typically makes me nauseous, however, this class was amazing. What really did it for me was when the instructor showed a life-size baby and pelvis and how the baby comes out...it was great. WE CAN DO THIS!!!!

The calendar shows 71 more days, but Rich and I both agree that this baby isn't going to wait until then...but maybe we will have an "election day baby"...or Halloween...or whenever Monster decides it's time!

Week 29 - The Glory Days!

About ME:

  

Waist: 40.5 inches (Total growth 7 inches) - No growth this week!

Weight: 157.2 lbs (Total increase 13.4 lbs)

Seriously, just cruising along.  I have a feeling that the discomfort of my size will come soon enough, so I'm just trying to enjoy every minute of feeling great, having an appetite, sleeping good and crusing through the beginning of the 3rd trimester!

I've been able to get out a lot recently to walk with Chukar and even spent the afternoon at the pool today swimming.  The only thing that could make this better would be being able to swim everyday!  There is something to be said for being "weightless" and just floating around.  I did overdo it a little with the flips and turns and have spent the afternoon be nauseous...lesson learned!  I'm pregnant and can't do everything I used to do!

During a walk this week, I experienced my 1st Braxton Hicks...took my breath away and had to sit down.  I realized that I better bring my cell phone with me on walks to make sure that Rich could come get me it needed...of course, I had it with me, spaced and ended up walking home in a bit of pain only to realize when I got home that I did indeed have my phone with me.  Lesson learned...I'm sure that there will be more of these "false" contractions in the weeks to come, so now I'll be ready. 

Fatigue is also entering back into the picture a little, however, I'm not sure if this is 3rd trimester related or anemia related.  I'm going to continue taking my iron supplements, exercising and hoping that my energy stays at a good level.  Worst case, a little afternoon nap is always ok!

About MONSTER:

If we thought Monster was moving a lot before...it was NOTHING compared to this week.  I compare it to a dance competition or a rotesserie.  Baby is constantly in action.  My tracker tells me that the space is getting cramped in there for Monster and movement will start to slow, so I'm anxiously awaiting a little less kicking, rolling, punching and down right boogying down!  Basically, the energizer bunny is living inside me! 

This week Monster is the size of a small cabbage...appx. 17 inches and 2.9 lbs!  Growing up before our very eyes!

Planning for MONSTER:

With the third trimester upon us, we decided it was time to get the crib and dresser put together (and out of the garage).  Weekends have been so crazy lately, that we decided the evenings were the best time to do these "little" projects, however, we did not plan on it being in the 90s every time we tried to work.  Rich was a trooper and when he gets his mind set on getting something done, there is NO STOPPING HIM...so now, we have a crib and dresser that are complete and ready to use.  Funny thing is, the baby probably won't be in there until January, so what was the rush.  :)

All the pieces out and ready to start assembling the crib.

 

Rich starting to assemble the feet and legs...

Now for the sides and back...

Final screws...Chukar was such a trooper!

BAM!  The Crib...with our fun little bedding.  Chicks, stripes, FUN!

Next project was the dresser and I was surprised on Friday night when I got home and Rich was already knee deep in assembly!

It was definitely a lot more complicated to put together and I was not help...too awkward to contort and help.

Another BAM!  Dresser complete!  

The next fun surprise in the "Planning for Monster" this week was in the mail on Friday!  I received invites to my showers in September.  One for my family that my sister is throwing and one for friends that Michaela and Jenn are throwing.  So much fun!  Monster is already spoiled rotten and hasn't even made an appearance yet!

The invites were too cute to not post...and how perfectly do they both match the theme of nursery!  Next up, getting a baby book so I can make sure that these have a safe home forever!

Week 28 - The final stretch!

About ME:

Welcome to the THIRD TRIMESTER!!!!

Waist: 40.5 inches (Total growth 7 inches) - this is around, not the measurement they do at the OB!
Weight: 156.8 lbs (Total increase 13 lbs)

We had our 28 week appointment with our OB today and found out that the glucose test I took last week came back negative (or positive), however you want to look at it.  Basically, the results were great and I don't have diabetes.  Baby is growing great and the only issue is that I'm anemic as a result of the prenancy.  I will be adding red meat back into the diet and continuing to eat leafy greens...quite possibly going to start taking an Iron supplement too to make sure that I get my levels back up.

I'm growing and in the words of Rich "becoming huge"...I'm starting to accept the fact that my belly is now a reason for people to double-take when they look at me.  Get over it people...it's a baby!

This week also brought on a little worry about how things will be post baby...mostly work related, but still starting to get lists together so we can plan this a little better.

I'm back at walking 4-5 days per week and even if I don't go fast, or go to far, it's been great for my energy and also my attitude!

About MONSTER:

Monster has moved into the final position for birth (hopefully) and is officially head down.  The movement last week was like a circus, but it seems like he/she knew what to do and it getting ready to just hang out for the next 11-12 weeks and grow.  I'm guessing that the room in there is a little smaller and the days of flips are close to over.  Lots of kicking and punching, but this is expected at this point.

Monster now weighs about 2.5 pounds and is almost 16 inches long....plus, has added blinking into his/her bag of tricks!  Another thing to note this week is that Monster's lungs have, for the most part, reached full maturity.   We hope that Monster's stays put for at least 9 more weeks...but we have a little peace knowing that there is an excellent prognosis if he/she decides on an early debut!

Planning for MONSTER:

Look at the room....it's fully painted! A picture and video for your viewing pleasure!

August in Packwood!

A weekend away with Friends...Relaxation....Hiking...Lounging...and SLEEPING in!!! Rich and I headed out early Friday afternoon to Packwood to meet up with Jen, Alex, Brodi and Dan!

A little view from the drive along 410...yes, that is Mt. Rainier that you can almost reach out and touch.  It was absolutely breathtaking and the picture does not do it justice. 

Rich and I ended up getting to the cabin a little before the crew...so we took Chukar down to the river for a little PT.  He swam so much that we were sure he would sleep all weekend...well, not all weekend, but he did crash early on Friday.  Our little swimmer LOVES the water!

Rich and Chukar playing a little fetch!

We met the gang at Cruiser's for a little Pizza and headed to the cabin for a night of "just hanging".  For Rich and I, these times are so precious, as we know that the "quiet" time of just friends relaxing together has a little ticking time-bomb attached named MONSTER (eta November 2012)!

Saturday morning, we rallied the troops and headed out for a hike.  Yes, at 28 weeks pregnant it was all will power as my body DID NOT want to cooperate.

A little shot of the ladies and Chukar before we headed out!

Alex, Jen and Sadie at the trail-head ready to get moving.

We made it to the 2nd lake on the hike, Big Bertha Lake and let the dogs cool off a little and have some fun.  We were about 1.75 miles into the hike at the point.  We cruised on to the next lake, but decided that Big Bertha was where we would eat lunch and hang out for a bit before our decent back down the hill.

Our little family...at BIG BERTHA LAKE. 

A group shot from above...everyone enjoying the water and having some fun!

Rich and Chukar even got a little time to fish in...

and the ladies a little time to enjoy the sunshine!

We made the trek back down and assumed that we did about 4.5 to 5 miles round trip...and most likely that is the last hike while pregnant for me.  It was brutal. 

Saturday night, we stayed in, grilled dinner up, watched movies and a few of us even went to the river to watch the meteor shower.  Relaxation at it's finest!

Sunday morning, Rich, Chukar and I beat the rest of the crew up and headed to Skate Creek for a little Meyer Family time and fishing.  Chukar is an absolute NUT when it comes to Rich fishing...but my boys had fun and that is what really matters!

This was too funny to not post...I caught a glimpse of my shadow and I have to admit, it shocked me a little...when did my belly pop out so much.  Guess that means Monster is growing up!

A final glimpse of the weekend...Rich and Chukar by the creek!

Batteries have been fully-recharged again and it's likely that we will have enough energy to get the nursery set up during the week!

August weekends!

Seafair weekend has a new meaning when you are pregnant and boat-less...too hot to go to the races without a cold beverage and no fun!  For Seafair this weekend...we decided to kick off the weekend with some friends and do a "Crab Boil" ala Crab Pot!

First, we start with a layer of CRAB...

Next, add CORN and SHRIMP...

Finally, add SAUSAGE, POTATO, MUSSELS and a splash of green stuff!

The troops ready to fest...

Adam & Heather, Suzanne & Clay, Amanda & Nikolai (CHEF) and Richie!

We destroyed the fest...leaving no shell unturned or uneaten!

A little picture of the ladies...

Rowan was wide awake for this one and didn't want to miss out on any of the fun!

And, a little Birthday surprise for me from the group...

Strawberry Shortcake! YUMMY!

What a fun night and a MUST do again soon!

Saturday brought on some projects...the nursery being the main one, but also a little table that we have wanted to "restore" for months (or years) now!

Chukar, as a puppy, had his way with the top of this when we left him unsupervised one night

...so the thought was to refinish it

We decided to square it up a little so that we could do a mosaic on top....

after some mounting of the tile...we were ready to grout!

Rich busy grouting away...

 and then for the clean up and final product!

Looks pretty good to me!

Of course, no weekend is complete without a picture of Chukar!

Thanks for the pool GMA and GPA Boness....I'm a happy and cool pup now!

Also, this week...we found out some great news (a huge relief) about Chukar...we had been worried about a health scare for about 5 weeks and finally got results back that he has a sprained shoulder and will only need a little PT and be back to the happy pup he is meant to me!  We knew it wasn't the end of his story yet...Monster and Chukar are destined to cause us many headaches together in the NEAR future!

Baby is coming in 95 days (plus or minus)!

Week 27!

About ME:

Week 27 will be known as "HEAT WEEKEND" and crazy adventures at the doctor's office.

Waist: 39.5 inches (Total growth 6 inches)
Weight: 155.2 lbs (Total increase 11.4 lbs)

This past week I had my glucose test...which turned out to be a little more of an adventure than I thought it would be.  Drink a drink, wait an hour, get a blood draw...how hard can that really be? Do I need Rich to come? Gosh no, I can handle this.  Well, I was wrong with how I answered each of those questions.  After drinking the "mountain dew on crack", I started getting the WORST sugar headache. Then, while getting my blood drawn, I passed out after vial #3 or #4.  Are you kidding me?!?!  Let's just hope they got enough and I don't have to redo that test. 

Next up, the hottest weekend Seattle has seen in years...don't think it is all pregnancy related, but I do know that I can't handle 93 degree days anymore (unless I'm on a beach with a margarita).

 About MONSTER:

Growing, tasting, kicking, cuddling, hearing and just getting stronger for his/her arrival in 13ish weeks!

Planning for MONSTER:

More work on the nursery....painting, painting and painting!  Seems like we might have something picture worthy in a few weeks.

The room all ready to get sprayed...

 

Doors in the backyard...getting sprayed!

The white spray is done...

Now, to just let the white dry for a few days and we can start of the GREY for the other half of the room.  It's starting to look like a nursery...well, you can picture it, right?!?!