39 weeks!

How far along? 39 Weeks!  Whoa mama!

Total weight gain: Good news, Lost 2 pounds since last appointment..I say this is good because last week I gained 5 pounds in one week..NOT GOOD!

Stretch marks? Tummy is clear I have a few marks on my side, but Its totally worth it~
Sleep: Sleeping is AWFUL! I pee every other second and I cannot find any comfy positions even with my HUGE pregnancy pillow.
I did have one moment this week where I slept 12 hours at night, and another 4-6 during the day..I felt AWFUL
Best moment this week:  Ava is due in exactly a week. We got our car back from dealership and now have heated seats!

Miss Anything? Not at all, so excited to meet Little Ava!  

Movement: She is super duper cramped so her movements have decreased a LOT., she does like to stick out her leg on my left side but that is about it for movement.

Food cravings: Nothing :( My stomach is so swashed I can hardly eat. ( yet, I gain weight:) )

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not lately


Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks.  And hubby and I have started trying out all the 'fun' things you can do to throw yourself into labor.  So far walking, hot sauce, pineapple, tea, bouncing on birthing ball....so far NOTHING...I'm open to suggestions :) 


Belly Button in or out?  Flat!
Wedding rings on or off? I can get my ring on, BUT :( Once I start moving around I swell up and I am afraid it is going to get stuck, so for now.....ring is off!
Happy or Moody most of the time: So incredibly happy :) Well except after my 39 week appointment...I had gotten my hopes up since last appointment..I was dilated to a 1, I lost my mucus plug and had a ton of time-able contractions. This weeks appointment I am at a 2 (little progress, still good I guess) but she scheduled an appointment for Aug 9th ( My new due date) and another for AUGUST 14th. I was just really excited that this week was the week I would meet my daughter( still could be) but hearing that I may have an appointment in 14 days made me break down...2 hours of crying. Justin was amazing and really supportive. We went to the beach and went for a walk, went to lunch and then my parents brought me Ice cream and flowers....I am now better but still so excited to meet this little girl. I guess I am blessed with a VERY VERY healthy pregnancy and I must have a very cozy tummy because she LOVES IT.

Looking forward to: Cannot to wait to meet our sweet Baby Ava...I am so excited for going into labor..I really hope that she comes out of the blue without us having to go get induced...I want to experience contractions and my water breaking and rushing to the hospital:)

Dear Baby Ava

To Our Sweet Baby Girl, 

You are full term!  I still remember waiting the two longest minutes of my life to read the word PREGNANT and then telling all my family and friends. Everyone is already in love with you.  You'll be here in no time now, we can hardly wait. 

Enjoy your last few weeks in my belly little girl! I think you will love the real world though, you love to kick & wiggle lots whenever I am in your nursery or when daddy talks to you. We can already tell you are one active baby and we cannot wait to do so many fun things with you every single day of your life. We love you SO much already & can't wait to kiss your sweet face.
Love, Mommy

Ava, I love feeling your little kicks, hiccups, breaths and rolls.  I cannot wait to feel your movements when you come out of Mommy's tummy.  I just want to hold you on my chest and rock you back and forth.  I can set you on my lap and rock you to sleep.  I just want you to be here so we can show you how much love we have for you.  Everything and everyone is ready for you now.  So hurry up and get here little girl!

Love, Daddy

 

 

I also want to take a moment to congratulate one of my best friends growing up. Her and her husband welcomed their precious baby girl Emma (Ava's soon to be bestest friend)! She is a beautiful baby girl!

38 weeks~ The countdown officially begins

 
 

How far along? 38 Weeks...266 days have FLOWN by...14 left (20 if I am being induced)

Total weight gain: 28lbs. 
Maternity clothes? Yes when I have to, otherwise I am very cozy these days in Basketball shorts and tshirts..I so cannot wait to wear NORMAL clothes
Stretch marks? Just on my left side I only have the little marks..nothing to cry about
Best moment this week: Being active ( I fight through the pain) I want to be as active as possible so Ava will want to come join all the fun. I had bonfires, went to a parade, went on walks, went fishing, went on a road trip. Good week!
Miss Anything? Well if I drop something on the floor I get really frustrated because it hurts to bend over (imagine a pumpkin in your tummy)..I either take a couple minutes to pick it up, nicely ask Justin if he could pick it up, or just leave it:)
Movement: Not as many..I think she is getting ready for her big debut :) But when she does move I can feel it.
Food cravings: I have no appetite, I get full VERY FAST!...although Caramel Mochiatos have been one of my splurges :) (Decaf of course)  
Anything making you queasy or sick: I just get full fast so big meals tend to make my stomach churn.
Gender: sweet baby girl
Symptoms: The worst pain when I walk, acid reflux (sleeping sitting up is my new thing), and starting to have more and more contractions.
Belly Button in or out? still in but def shallow.
Wedding rings on or off? This is VERY SAD to say...but I prefer to have it off. Once I start getting active I start to swell and the last thing I want is for my ring to get stuck. I can still get it on but I do not like feeling crammed so I tend to keep it off.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! I have had a few mood swings but nothing major..I blame those on pure EXHAUSTION 
Looking forward to: Going into labor. I want to go into labor on my own and experience all the exciting things, water breaking, contractions, going to the hospital in labor, and everything else. I am so surprised how NOT nervous I am for delivery. I just cannot wait to experience all these wonderful things. 

Wow...How my belly has grown!

Thank goodness that I have taken pictures. I forgot what I use to look like!! I still dont feel like I am "about to pop" huge, but now that I look back there is SUCH a difference. I am excited to get back to my "normal" body and maybe even better ;) I told Justin that he will have plenty of bonding time with his daughter while I am at cycle classes and ZUMBA! Ava and I will bond over long walks and jogs! I recommend pictures every week to any pregnant person...it is so amazing to see how your body changes to make a perfect home for your precious growing baby.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

FULL TERM...37 weeks! WE MADE IT

 

I can't believe I am classed as full term! The last nine months have pretty much gone by in a blur now that I look back, meaning that I don't know where the time went! With this being our first baby we hang onto every milestone, feel every kick and count every month, week, day and second.  During the past 9 months I never thought this day would come, now that its here I cannot believe it is about to end. I love being pregnant. Justin and I wanted nothing more than to start our own family and now that she is almost here we are over come with joy. I have been blessed with an amazing pregnancy, I have had my rough moments but I constantly remind myself that there is an end and the reward is worth it. It also helped having a very good support group around me. Any day now Ava is welcome!

How far along? 37 Weeks

Total weight gain: up 28 lbs.
Maternity clothes? If I go in public I wear my maternity jeans. Luckily I have survived with normal shirts for the most part just stretched to capacity. If I am around the house I wear Justins shorts and shirts.I might have to buy him a new waredrobe just to thank him.
Stretch marks? none yet just those 2 weird red marks..I know after she is out there will be something funky there.
Sleep: None! Nadda! Sleep is the worst!!!!
Best moment this week: Maternity pictures. Feeling like I am OFFICIALLY ready for her arrival.

Miss Anything? being comfortable and active
Movement: lots of major movements & rearranging... I'm sure she is pretty darn cramped in there! Lately I can even feel her hands and feet.
Food cravings: No appetite at all. I have cereal for breakfast, very tiny lunch, and TRY to have a normal dinner. I never FEEL hungry though.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still the thought of meat. I try to eat it but the thought of meat is no good.
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: I have a few contractions here and there. I have A LOT of pain when I walk and some pressure. Nothing significant…any day now!
Symptoms: Week 37 is when I officially hit a wall. Being uncomfortable has a whole new meaning... I have been tired again like the first trimester & my stomach is pretty painful..Wondering if it has anything to do with her little head pushing through my stomach muscles. Also, my heartburn is back full force.

Belly Button in or out? Technically still in. Maybe it won’t ever pop.
Wedding rings on or off? On most of the time but I have been getting swollen if I over do it.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to: baby girl's arrival of course ... can't believe it is almost time!! I was so nervous about labor and delivery around 30 weeks, but now I am so excited to go into labor and the whole process. I am so antsy and ready..Which I know will come back to bite me in the tush because now she will be late or something. This mom doesn’t have very many patience haha! 

36 weeks...25 days

I have to start this weeks blog by saying HOW ANXIOUS I am...I am so excited for this little girl and our new little family. I cannot even begin to believe that in 25 days we will have our precious little addition. Justin and I are busy trying to finish things up around the house. I am now CONSTANTLY cleaning to make sure everything is in order, JUST IN CASE she decides she wants to meet us early. 

How far along? 36 Weeks

Total weight gain: up 27ish ...only gained .5 pound last week
Maternity clothes? Kinda..lately a lot of sweats and T-Shirts
Stretch marks? None technically..there are some weird spots on my side..but nothing bad!
Sleep: Sleep...the only reason I have cried this week..I was sleeping great and feeling amazing when I woke up. Now, I wake up 5-7 times a night to go pee and I STRUGGLE to get comfy..this belly of mine just is never satisfied. I also have ZERO energy again..but cannot sleep to save my life!
Best moment this week: Enjoying the sunshine. My mom and I floated in our pool ALL day and it was fantastic. Even the sunburn was awesome. We also had our doctors appointment. Was checked and baby is HEALTHY and NO Dilation :( Next week she is FULL TERM so from here on out she is MORE THAN WELCOME to make her arrival. We also had our maternity session with Taustin Photography ( Our wedding photographers). I am so HAPPY we decided to do them. I cannot wait to see how they turned out but no matter what it was SUCH a fun experience. 
Miss Anything? I miss a lot of things..but this experience has been pretty amazing & I'm a little sad that it's almost over. I also have NO appetite.I am excited to feel hungry and enjoy food once again.
Movement: Still lots of movement, more rolls and jabs than little kicks..this little girl is getting bigger every day.
Food cravings: Nothing. Haven't had a gummy in WEEKS...maybe I will have to pick some up :)
Anything making you queasy or sick: still meat - I really am excited to not want to gag when I think of meat. Luckily I am able to eat it without getting too sick though. 
Symptoms: overall feeling pretty great, other than lots of pressure in my belly as she continues to grow & some pain in my hips & ribs.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? on..I am starting to swell! There was one moment in this week Justin and I were walking through a store after ALOT of walking I became VERY VERY swollen..couldnt get my ring off, got very closterphobic and he had to PRY my ring off. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: I am happy and love being pregnant and I really will miss it..but I am so ready to be my energetic, spontaneous, athletic self again...I have cried a few times this week because I think I am boring..lol
Looking forward to: baby's arrival of course! Just finalizing everything.

Whats in the bag?

So, want to know what’s in little Miss Avas bag?

Well, I’m going to tell you…

First of all, I am the type to pack EVERYTHING just in case...but knowing the hospital will have EVERYTHING and ANYTHING I need I decided to TRY to pack VERY, VERY light. Plus, We really have no IDEA what we need, as this is our first experience with bringing a baby into this world. I have two bags, 1 for baby and 1 for Justin and I ( Not packed yet). They are both average size and will only be filled with essentials.

First up, Avas bag ( Coach bag, thanks to the Aunties of Vermont). Everything has its place inside all the little pockets. Knowing me this will get reorganized at least 5 more times...and probably stuff added to it :)

                               

I know the hospital will provide us with blankets but I like to be prepared. I have a swaddle blanket, receiving blankets, and 2 burp clothes.

The hospital will provide diapers and wipes but knowing I have some for the way home and just in case is always nice. I also am bringing to types of binkies and binky wipes ( I don't like germs). I also want to try NOT to use a binky but sometimes they just need something in their mouth:) I am also packing Ava some newborn mittens so she doesn't scratch her beautiful face. 

It was so hard to choose only 4 outfits to bring, especially since we have no idea how big she’s going to be. Justin and I both picked out 2 outfits and decided to bring one set of PJ's( Which will probably worn the most of time). Along with this we packed two headbands and some socks to keep her BIG CUTE feet nice and warm. 

I feel like we have WAY to much but then again I also feel like we don't have near enough stuff. Of course when she gets home I will totally re do her diaper bag, and put spare clothes, WAY more diapers/wipes. Diaper cream, bottles, and all the other fun stuff but I think for the 1-3 night stay we will be more than set...I am getting WAY too excited to bring this precious baby girl home. 

Justin and I are packing LIGHT! I figure Ill be in a hospital gown the whole time and Justin will be more than cozy in his Gym shorts and Sports shirts. We each brought some extra undies in case we stay a few days. I have sports bras/nursing bras.After labor I brought my own t-shirt gown to wear around hospital. Going home I am going as comfy as possible..Ava can look all cute :) We are bringing toiletries; Makeup, Hair straightener, deodorants, toothbrushes and other essentials. Since we are unsure how long we will be staying we didn't want to NOT pack enough for a few days nor did we want to pack TOO MUCH. We are all set and ready for this little girl to get here.

35 weeks....33 days to go!!

 

How far along? 35 Weeks

Total weight gain: 20 lbs. According to my scale at home I lost two pounds this week..which is not "normal" but it may have been a fluke...plus doctor scares ALWAYS tend to be higher.
Maternity clothes? oh yes!
Stretch marks? No REAL stretch marks..but I can see 4 new red dots on my side that look like the beginnings of some :(
Sleep: ehhh....I sleep but constantly wake up for potty breaks, and really struggle to get in a good position..and I wake up around 5-6am EXHAUSTED but still cannot go back to bed. 
Best moment this week: Hearing about Justin's trip to Ohio and his being home is SO NICE! He is so supportive and so helpful. I sure did miss him.
Miss Anything? breathing, sitting & laying normally, NORMAL clothes, and HOT TUBS!
Movement: mostly TONS of karate kick here & there. She also loves my rib cage lately and my hips...so I am thinking she is nice and long just like her mommy!
Food cravings: Nothing really..I haven't had gummies in 2 weeks!
Anything making you queasy or sick: still meat
Gender: sweet baby girl
Symptoms: Pain when I walk..feels like my pelvic bone is bound to shatter at any point. I have a tiny bit of ligament pain, and 3-5 contractions a day:)
Belly Button in or out? FLAT!
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! HAPPY! I love being pregnant, and I love that I get to meet my baby girl soon.
Looking forward to: meeting our sweet baby of course... excited to hold her and TAKE TONS OF PICTURES and now VIDEO:)


I also cannot wait for all our company to come to town. Ava's grandparents will be here at the end of August and Avas second Aunts will be visiting the beginning of September.