Week 39

Written by Shannon Leigh

So it's official, my due date has come and gone and Peanut is going to make her entrance into this world fashionably late. Go figure.

It serves me right with all of the times I've been late in my life right? She's already taking after her mama!

I didn't think I could possibly get any bigger but week 39 proved me wrong. They say the baby can gain an average of a half-pound a week so this little thing will probably be quite the chunker (I'm definitely betting on an 8-pounder now). I can't believe how big I have gotten and I am really looking forward to being done.

I've had a slew of emotions in the last week ranging from major panic to total peace. I'm trying to remember that it's all God's timing, not mine. Hard to remember but true. I know the first time I see Peanut's face, I'll forget it all.

BUT It's definitely going to be a test for the next week or so.

I had my 39 week appointment and the doctor was less than encouraging. I hadn't progressed much and they didn't seem very concerned that I may go a week or two past my due date. I, on the other hand was not excited at the idea. Matt learned the hard way NOT to laugh when the doctor left the room. I might have had a mini breakdown.

I have my "40 week" appointment on Monday and IF and only IF I have progressed enough, we will discuss induction. We'll see what comes of it, I am not expecting much.

I'm really not sure if my poor ab muscles (or lack there of) can take much more.

Getting very anxious to meet our little girl!!

38 weeks (aka... ready to be done)

Written by Shannon Leigh

Well it's official... I am HUGE! I seriously think Peanut is going to be MASSIVE. Only time will tell I suppose (cue labor).

Peanut really doesn't sound like the right name any more but Watermelon doesn't have the same ring.

I've given up completely on tying my own shoes (bending over makes me queezy) and sometimes it's not even possible. Socks are hard enough.

The skin on my belly has HAD ENOUGH. It's rebelling against the growth with itchiness and burning.

The constant contractions are just plain annoying (but not consistent enough to create progress).

I am hoping every day to wake up in writhing pain... strange I know but I am so ready for REAL contractions.

I'm still sleeping pretty well at night so no complaints there.

I'm sick of cleaning my house.

Wondering how I will lose these 25 pounds after baby comes.

Enjoying the Olympics (not pregnancy related). They keep my mind off of my uncomfortableness.

I'm really thankful to my husband for doing our taxes. He's handsome.

Thinking that the "go into labor" practices are crap. I've been doing them all. They haven't worked yet. Note the VERY large belly.

I had my 38 week appointment and I was 1 cm dilated and 50 % effaced. It's nothing impressive but it is definitely progress from last week. I had my breast feeding class at the hospital last night (Matt had a Dad's class too). It was my last class/engagement that I wanted to make it to. Now that it is over, I am sooooo ready for Peanut to make her grand appearance. I guess we'll see what week 39 brings. Exactly one week to my due date!

Week 37

Written by Shannon Leigh

It's officially the waiting game.

Week 37 came and went and nothing exciting happened, which I was expecting.

I had my 37 week appointment and it was confirmed that "not much is going on." I guess that means that I at least have a few weeks left.

It's definitely hard to get around now and thank the good LORD that I am working from home until the baby comes or February 26th, which ever one comes first. I am guessing my end date will come before baby does.

I'm keeping my hopes up that labor is right around the corner but at the same time I'm trying to soak up my time with my Matty before she comes in and consumes our lives. I know everything will be drastically different after she comes.

Hopefully the next update is BABY but I am doubting it. In fact you can count a few more belly updates, I'm just sure of it.

Week 36

Week 36 was an exciting one. It feels really great to finally be "full term." But it's a little bitter sweet.
I could technically go into labor at any time or it could be another MONTH! That is really hard to deal with and it's making me pretty anxious. I am still counting on going AFTER my due date... so all Peanut has to do for the next few weeks is put on the pudge.

I have been having a few more braxton hicks contractions (I think) and according to my doctor, Peanut's head is REALLY low (she FEELS really low). These things are great but none of them point to me going into labor any time soon. At my 36 week appointment my midwife said that most first time moms go AFTER their due date, so I am just planning on a March baby instead of a February one.

Matt's firm threw us a shower last Friday, which was SO nice of them. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures. It was lovely and once again we felt very blessed and spoiled!

The doctor thinks that Peanut is still on the small side (I don't FEEL very small) so she is predicting a birth weight of low sevens if I go after 40 weeks. At this point she was estimating the low 5s. There is really no way of knowing for sure though.

I have one more shower this weekend... and any time after that I am ready to go!

35 Weeks

Written by Shannon Leigh

Week 35 was a busy one.

If you read my last post, you know that getting around town is getting a lot more difficult, especially my commute to work. Albeit pretty, the snow is NOT making it easier, that's for sure.

I had an appointment last week and my midwife said that from here on out if I go into labor they won't do anything to stop me. THAT is a pretty huge milestone. I feel like we have finally MADE IT (God willing). I feel blessed that everything has gone well so far. We're praying that it continues that way.

Peanut's room is ALMOST complete. I finished binding the quilt and my Mom helped me finish the crib skirt last weekend. The curtain topper got finished this week too. We have the car seat/stroller put together and the swing and highchair (I know we won't need that for awhile, but we were too excited). We only have a few things left to do! I even washed diapers and blankets in Dreft this week. Onsies are next!

I'm pretty sure the baby has dropped a little in the last few weeks. I am able to breath a little better so that is nice. Last week Peanut weighed over 5 pounds and was over 18 inches long! Only one more week until I'm "full term."

The ladies at work threw me a wonderful shower at Biaggi's last week and I feel SO spoiled. I am really going to miss these ladies once the baby comes. It was just lovely and I got so many wonderful gifts! Here are some pictures to prove it.

Week 34

Written by Shannon Leigh

Last week was week 34.
It went fast.
I had my first shower.
There was punch and lots of dessert.

It was lovely.
I felt very spoiled.
My family and friends are awesome.
I got LOTS of books... (everyone was told to bring a children's book with a message to Peanut).
We've been reading to her at night.

{My girls from school- minus a few}

{Some besties from home}

{The Gardner Girls- minus a few}

{The In-Laws}

Last week Peanut weighed approximately 4 3/4 pounds and was 18 inches long. She won't be getting much longer (probably) but will be packing on the pounds. From here on out she could put on up to a half a pound a week! I start going to the doctor weekly now, so we will be closely monitored until D-day which I am predicting to be March 2nd (just a guess).
It feels good to be so close but at the same time it is OH so far! I am still sleeping pretty good, just getting up once or twice to pee. I noticed this week that my hips are kind loose, which is a very strange feeling. I am definitely feeling like I have the pregnant-lady-waddle going on now. Oh joy.

Peanut's room is really taking shape and there isn't a ton of stuff left to do. Thanks to my darling brother-in-law, Josh, we get our rocking chair this weekend (which is the LAST piece of furniture to add). He's driving to Nashville Tennessee to get it... it's a long story, trust me.
Peanut's quilt is very close to being finished and THAT feels good too. All I have left to do is finish quilting it and then do the binding! Here is a little sneak peak.

By the way, I would really be okay with NOT taking my picture for the next 5 weeks, but I know I would regret it if i didn't.

Week 33

Written by Shannon Leigh

Week 33 was an absolute whirlwind.

I think the 2 "snow days" last week helped a lot. I enjoyed working from home and I think Peanut enjoyed it too. I was able to stay in my pj's all day and lounge on the couch. That is MUCH more comfortable than having to dress up every day and sit at my my desk chair.

Matt and I attended the "Prepare Childbirth" class at the hospital last weekend with our friends Derek and Janna (they are only a few weeks behind us). It was pretty informative and I feel a little more prepared as far as the labor and delivery go. It's amazing how everything must fit together so perfectly for a successful delivery. I am fervently praying that everything goes textbook. We toured labor and delivery at the hospital and standing in the room I got really nervous. In a few short weeks we'll be in one of those rooms getting ready to meet are sweet little girl. Crazy.

Last week Peanut should have weighed about 4 pounds and she should have passed the 17 inch mark. I can definitely feel all of those 17 inches and I'm seriously thinking she might be extra long, or just extra active, both are plausible.

I have my first baby shower at home this weekend and I am very much looking forward to it. Nothing else to report. Still healthy and feeling good!

32 Weeks

Written by Shannon Leigh
Last week was week 32.
I am enjoying getting things ready for Peanut but I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed by it too. I make things much harder on myself (and my mom) by wanting to make everything instead of just buying it, especially when I don't have the time. But alas, my creative endeavors will not be squelched, so help me God.

I'm feeling pretty insecure about actually HAVING a newborn at home too. I don't have a CLUE about what I am doing and it still amazes me that they'll let me take this little creature home without taking some sort of test. I mean shouldn't I have to prove to somebody that I know what I'm doing? Guess not, since clearly I don't.

In other news...I was unaware that my lungs, stomach, and heart could feels so smooshed together. Eating a full meal is pretty much impossible but yet I am soooooo hungry. I've decided that this little girl is going to take after her father and be an absolute tank, which was his nickname for the first few years of his life.

I had my 32 week appointment and the doctor said she was head down... WAY DOWN. Her words, not mine. This concerns me a bit since her feet are so comfortable up in my ribs. Does that mean she is super long? It sure feels like it if she's not. She did predict (just a prediction) that the baby won't be very big, just based on my measurements. I'm measuring a little small (not enough to raise a concern) and based on my size she doesn't foresee a 9 pounder. phew.

Last week Peanut was supposed to be 3.75 pounds and approximately 17 inches long. Her main job for the next 7 weeks is to put on the poundage... probably about double what she is at right now. All that means to me is "ouch."

31 weeks

Written by Shannon Leigh

Due to the Christmas holiday, week 31 flew! I wish there was a major holiday every week for the next 8...that would really make things go fast. At least this week we have New Years to celebrate.

I am still feeling pretty good. If i'm not trying to tie my shoes or put socks on, I can even forget that I'm pregnant, although my belly is really protruding now. It really gets in the way. :)

Peanut weighed about 3.4 pounds and was about 16 inches long last week. She's rolling around like crazy and wakes me up at night. I'm hoping she'll be head down at the next appointment but I'm skeptical since I am pretty sure I can feel her head in my ribs. Hopefully I'm wrong.

We celebrated Christmas at my parents this week and Peanut got lots of sweet little gifts. My mom made her a girlie sock monkey out of Grandad's socks. I can't wait to display her in the babies room.

Week 30

Written by Shannon Leigh

Last week was week 30 and let me tell you... I am starting to feel LARGE and in charge.
She has really gone through a growth spurt recently and all of that growing has made me tired!
In fact, I feel almost as tired as I did in the first trimester. Around 9 pm my eyes start rolling back in my head and on most nights I am in bed by 9:30. Pathetic, I know.

Even though I am getting to bed much earlier than usual, the amount of quality sleep I am getting is slim. I wake up every couple of hours to an aching back and sore belly. I can't really complain because as long as I pee and switch sides I can usually go back to sleep pretty quickly. I hear this gets far worse as the pregnancy progresses. Oh joy.

According to babycenter.com, Peanut was 3 pounds and 15.7 inches long last week. She's running out of room in there and her movements have changed quite a bit. Instead of kicks I am feeling more "nudges" and rolls.

I had another doctor's appointment this week and everything still looks good. We are measuring right on track with no foreseeable problems! She said the baby is laying sideways, which is still fine at this point. She expects her to turn head-down in the next few weeks and isn't at all concerned.

All of the books warned me that clumsiness starts to take over in these last weeks. I didn't really believe them until last week. Holy cow, I didn't think it was possible for me to get MORE clumsy, but me at 30 weeks pregnant is just plain ridiculous. I feel like I am walking on a tight rope all day long. I guess it's true that my center of gravity is just off. Here's to hoping I don't seriously injure myself in the next 9 weeks.

Week 29

Written by Shannon Leigh

Well I am officially out of the 20s and into the 30s (weeks that is) and boy does that feel good. I can't decide if that is a really LONG time or if that is a really SHORT time. I change my mind about it every other minute. Knowing all that I have to get done before the baby arrives makes me panic a little. The nice thing is (and the thing I'm trying to remember) is that the baby doesn't care if her room isn't ready and things aren't in order so maybe I shouldn't either. I'm running out of free weekends in the next 10 weeks so the chances I get everything finished before Peanut comes is unlikely.

Originally my contract with the University was up on December 31st which meant that I would be staying home for 8 weeks before the baby came. I knew 8 weeks was a long time but I was kind of looking forward to the break. Anyway, they decided to extend me all the way to my due date. I was pretty excited since that was 2 extra months of paychecks that we weren't counting on. It enabled us to buy a new car since mine was... janky. At this point though I really wish I had a few weeks off before the baby's arrival. Sitting at a desk for an extra 8 weeks doesn't sound too appealing to me. Bleh. Oh well, I am very grateful and thankful since we now have a safe vehicle to tote around Peanut.

Anyway, last week was week 29. Peanut weighed approximately 2 3/4 pounds and was over 15 inches long. She's getting pretty hefty these days and I can't imagine that she could gain 4 or 5 more pounds in the next 10 weeks. Oh my aching belly. They say she could be having dreams in the womb at this point which would explain the periodic kicks to the ribs. My doctor said she was head down at the last appointment which is good but could change.

After PAINSTAKING research, we finally ordered and received a bunch of cloth diapers this week. Hopefully it's enough to get started. We aren't really concerned about trying them out the first few weeks but after about a month I would like to be mostly cloth diapering. A decent goal but we'll see. I am now on the search for detergent/water combinations that will work in our high efficiency washer. I will let you know what I find...

1/4 of the pregnancy left to go...

Week 28

Written by Shannon Leigh

Last week was week 28. Can you believe Peanut and I made it through the first week of the final trimester? It feels good but we still have a long way to go!

She was about 15 inches long and weighed approximately 2 and a quarter pounds. From here on out babies gain weight at their own pace so the poundage is truly just an estimate. I am hoping she ends up in the 7 pound range but it's really not up to me.

{Sorry, I couldn't leave Izzy out. She always wants her picture taken. What a diva.}

I'm still feeling good but she is definitely all up in my lungs. After I eat lunch at work I can barely sit up straight at my desk. I just feel like I can't breath. I am looking forward to the "dropping" that takes place in the 3rd trimester. Unfortunately I think I'm a long way away from that.

I had my 28 week appointment and everything looks great! I gained 2 more pounds and I am measuring right on track. I passed the glucose screening test with flying colors so I don't have to drink any more of that sugary goo. I have to go every 2 weeks now so I may have more news come week 30.