Maternity Pictures

I had maternity pictures taken a few weeks ago and ordered them ALL-too hard to choose and it is nice because now I have them all on a CD if I ever want to print copies in the future I can! Anna with Anna Marie Photography did the pictures. www.anna-mariephotography.com  She is AMAZING!! She is going to do Brooklyn's newborn pictures (her specialty) so I can't wait for those! Enjoy...

I made Ben come to the maternity session with me as I wanted a few with him, and as you can tell by the smile, or lack thereof, on his face, he was not thrilled to be there...

40 weeks

Pregnancy Updates-40 Weeks

How Far Along: 40 weeks 2 days

Total Weight Gain: 32 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Yes!

Favorite Moment This Week: Scheduling my inducement for Saturday the 26th! 

Gender: Girl

Movement: Yes, and she is starting to hurt me.  She is a strong girl!

Food Cravings: I will eat anything and everything!

What I Miss: Being able to get out of bed easily

Sleep: Good-I know tonight I will not get much sleep

What I Am Looking Forward To: Getting to meet my baby girl-hopefully only about 24 more hours!

Symptoms: Being 40+ weeks pregnant...need I say more?

Belly Button: OUT!

Next Dr. Appt: No more prenatal appointments.  Scheduled induction tomorrow morning at 6:30am

Contractions: Yes

Dilated/Effaced: 1 cm, 80%

 I look miserable and I feel miserable too! I have enjoyed my pregnancy, but I am over it! I am ready to meet my baby and become a mommy and start a new adventure in life! Hopefully my next pregnancies will be as great as this one has been! Overall, I enjoyed being pregnant and have no complaints.  I am sure some days I complained a lot but looking at the big picture, I got along with pregnancy just fine! 

See you tomorrow Brooklyn!!!!

39 Weeks

I still can't believe how fast this pregnancy has gone! It is amazing! I really hope time slows down once Brooklyn arrives, but I doubt that will happen. I hear parents all around say time goes by so fast when you have little ones.

Pregnancy Update-Week 39

How Far Along: 39 weeks 1 day

Total Weight Gain: I actually lost a pound this past week, so I have gained a total of 33 pounds! WOW!

Maternity Clothes: Yes.  I actually did a little online shopping for myself last night and purchased some NON-maternity clothes that I am hoping to be able to wear by the first of the year.  I ordered a size up than what I normally wear, so hopefully I can wear them sooner!

Favorite Moment This Week: Finding out there is a definite end in sight!!

Gender: Girl

Movement: Yes, starting to slow down though!

Food Cravings: Nothing in particular.  Some days I am hungry, some days I am not.  I did make some amazing beef stew the other night and I have been craving it since so I think I will have leftovers of that for lunch on this chilly day!

What I Miss: having a back that does not ache.

Sleep: So-so.  Last night was ok.  I tend to sleep best between the hours of 5am-11am.  Luckily, I am fortunate enough to be able to sleep in like that-but not for long! :)

What I Am Looking Forward To: Meeting Brooklyn.  9 days maximum!! Yipee!!

Symptoms: Back ache, aches and pains all over, a lot of pressure down low, etc. etc.

Belly Button: Out

Next Dr. Appt: Tuesday, Nov 22

Contractions: Yes

Dilation/Effacement: Still 1/2 cm dilated and 80% effaced.  I had surgery on my cervix back in 2007 (that is why I had so many ultrasounds back in early pregnancy-to check on my cervix to make sure it was holding the baby), well now, my doctor thinks I have scar tissue on my cervix from the surgery and that is preventing me from dilating.  So, the plan is to be induced on Saturday November, 26 if Brooklyn does not come on her own.  During labor my doctor will have to go in and break up the scar tissue to help the dilation process...yikes!! I used to be up in the air about getting an epidural but now that all of this is happening I will gladly be accepting that epidural.  I do not want to know what it feels like to get scar tissue on my cervix broken up.  Yikes!! So-the countdown is on-9 days maximum until I can hold my baby girl! Ben and I have one last weekend just the 2 of us.  We don't know what to do-should we stay home and relax and enjoy each others company in our home or do we plan something fun and go out on a date!?!? I think we are for sure going to see a movie on Saturday but that is all that is planned.  

I have been debating when to take down Fall decorations and put up Christmas decorations.  I usually wait until the day after Thanksgiving, but I think I am going to start this weekend.  I don't want to spend my last day before giving birth putting up Christmas decor.  So, we will see if Ben is up for helping me put up the tree and stuff. 

Week 38

The end is near and I could not be more excited! I can't wait to meet Miss Brooklyn!! Ben and I are enjoying our last few days as just the 2 of us.  We talk about Brooklyn constantly and always are wondering what she is going to look like.  The suspense is killing us! But, we know that she will come when she is healthy and ready-so we don't want to rush things! I keep telling myself that, but it is easier to say than it is to actually listen to myself and be patient....let the waiting continue...

Pregnancy Updates-Week 38

How Far Along: Today I am 38 weeks 5 days

Total Weight Gain: I don't want to talk about it-after not gaining any weight for about 2-3 weeks I gained 3 pounds in 1 week-hopefully it was all Brooklyn

Maternity Clothes: Yes-and Ben's clothes!

Favorite Moment This Week: Finishing up things around the house-and spending quality time with Ben!! Also, spending quality time with my mom.  On Friday we went shopping, out to lunch and got pedicures! It was a great day with my mommy!!

Gender: Girl

Movement: Yes! They aren't as frequent but when she does move my entire belly moves, I am hoping she is running out of room, so she will want to come out and play!

Food Cravings: Nothing in particular-I got my BBQ fix at Smokehouse on Friday night, so I am good!

What I Miss: Bending down easily, sleeping comfortably, not having to pee every 15 minutes...

Sleep: Last night I was up several times to use the restroom and then from 5am-7am I could not sleep, but around 7 I finally fell back asleep and slept until 10:30-oops!

What I Am Looking Forward To: My doctor appointment tomorrow (Tuesday 11/15) to see if I have progressed any, and of course can't wait to meet Brooklyn!

Symptoms: all that comes with being 38-39 weeks pregnant, but I wouldn't change any of it for the world! My back has been really hurting! Last night Ben gave me a great back massage and I took a bath, but the pain never seemed to go away.  It comes and goes today, I am hoping it is not the start of back labor...

Belly Button: OUT!

Next Dr. Appointment: Tomorrow; Tuesday 11/15

Contractions: Yes, random ones.  I had about 4 in a 45 minute period on Friday but then they just stopped! 

Dilated/Effaced: Yes-but I was a little bummed last week at the doctors office because I had not progressed any from my 37 week appointment-I was still 1/2 cm dilated and 80% effaced.  I better have made some progress this past week or I will be even more disappointed.

Ben tells me this is a fake smile, I tell him it is just showing exactly how I feel-miserable! My back has been really bothering me :(

Baby Shower #2

***For some reason, this post did not get posted to my blog-I wrote it all out on 10/21 but for some reason it never posted-glad I noticed it.  I need to do a post about my third baby shower, but that will have to wait...***

I had my second baby shower on Saturday October, 1st.   It was held at my house and put on my Ben's mom, Lisa.  The shower guests were those from Ben's mom's side of the family-such as his aunts and cousins, Grandma and his mom's friends.  My mom and step-mom were there as well.  It was so much fun to see everyone and for them to see where Ben and I live (most of them had never been to our house) and show off Brooklyn's nursery.  I got a lot of wonderful gifts and the food Lisa made was amazing.  What a great shower it was! Thank you Lisa! Ben's aunt Kathleen made a quilt for Brooklyn (picture below) it matches her room perfectly-aunt Kath pieced the quilt together and a 90 year old lady helped her quilt it-so sweet!

4 of Brooklyn's 6 living Grandma's.  We are missing Janet and my Grandma Potter

Ben's mom Lisa and my mom Sharon

Me and my mommy-she will be called Nana

My step-mom Cheryl, who will be called Mimi and my mom!

Ben's mom and his Grandma Patty

37 weeks

Wow!! 37 weeks already-I have a full term baby in my belly! I never thought this day would come! How exciting!!

Pregnancy Updates-Week 37

How Far Along: 37 weeks 5 days

Total Weight Gain: I didn't gain any weight at my 37 week appointment last week-yipee!!

Maternity Clothes: Yes! And hubby's clothes.  I can wear some of my non-maternity lounge pants which is nice!

Favorite Moment This Week: Going for my weekly appointment!

Gender: Girl! Brooklyn Paige

Movement: Yes! She is doing weird things lately-I think she is running out of room and trying to see what she can still do.  The other night Ben and I were watching my belly and we saw her foot as clear as could-it was the weirdest looking thing ever-it freaked me out a little bit.  I have been getting very emotional when I sit and watch her move because I know that these days are coming to an end-I am going to miss feeling her in me, but I know I will love holding her in my arms even more! It is bittersweet!

Food Cravings: I haven't been craving much-I think my appetite is decreasing and so is my stomach size.  I don't feel like I eat very much these days.  I am just not hungry!

What I Miss: Sleeping on my back

Sleep: Some nights are good some night are bad

What I am Looking Forward To: My 38 week doctors appointment to see if I have progressed any and of course meeting my little Brooklyn Bear (that is her new nickname I have given her)

Symptoms: all of the aches and pains that come with being 37 weeks pregnant

Belly Button: I think it is as far out as it is going to get-so I am going to officially say it is popped all the way!

Next Dr. Appt: Tuesday Nov 8

Contractions: yes! A LOT more cramping these past few nights.  It seems as though the cramping comes at the same time each night, so I am wondering if when I go into labor if it will be in the early evening since that is when I have been having all of these cramps.

Dilation/Effacement: At my 37 week appointment I was 1/2 cm dilated and 80% effaced-nothing to write home about but at least I know my body is making progress (although slow) and getting ready for this baby!!

***Ben thinks I am going into labor this Thursday night (11/10) and she will be born on 11/11.  My guess is she is going to be born on 11/15 or 11/19 but not any sooner.  There is a part of me that also thinks she is going to be late, which I try not to think about.  ha!! Only time will tell.  I was talking to my dad yesterday on the phone (who is in California until Thursday, so Brooklyn can't come before then) and he asked how I was doing and I told him I feel fine but this waiting game SUCKS! He knows that I am not a very patient person and we both just laughed at the situation because this is the hardest thing for me-I am too much of a planner and want to know the exact day and time she is going to arrive and I am not patient either so that doesn't make anything better!

Good thing I still have a few things to do around the house to keep me occupied.  Today I am doing some light cleaning/laundry and organizing a few last things, tomorrow I have a doctors appointment, need to get an oil change in the Jeep, have a massage at 1pm so that should keep me busy.  On Wednesday, Janet is taking me out to lunch and to do some shopping so that should be fun! Thursday I don't have much planned, I will probably clean the house again, ha!  On Friday, I am spending the day with my mommy! We are going to go to lunch, a movie, get pedicures and I need my eye brows waxed! I told Ben Brooklyn can't come on Friday because I need one last day to spend with my mommy until she arrives! So, this week is planned for-it is this weekend and next week that I don't have much going on at all! So next week would be the perfect time for her to come! But, I know, she will come when she is ready and that is how I want it-I don't want her to come unless she is completely healthy and ready! 

***My camera is charging so I can't upload my picture for the week right now-will do that sooner than later (hopefully)!***

Weeks 35 and 36

Again-I am a week behind.  I am actually 37 weeks today but am going to do a 35 and 36 week post.  I will catch up eventually....maybe...

I do have a good excuse though-I have been cleaning and organizing, (aka:nesting) like a mad woman! After today my house will be as clean as I think it can possibly get.  I woke up at 6:30am ready to clean.  I am taking a break now, as I have just got done with the kitchen and 1/2 bath. I had Ben move all big furniture off of hardwoods this morning and I am going to clean, scrub and polish my hardwoods downstairs.  Hopefully my back will make it through today.  I will be taking several breaks-I have my breaks all timed out-ha!

Pregnancy Updates-Weeks 35 and 36

How Far Along: As I am typing this I am officially 37 weeks

Total Weight Gain: I am holding steady at 31 pounds total-not too bad.  I really prepared myself to gain 35 so I still have a few extra to gain if need be and I won't be upset.  

Maternity Clothes: Yes, and the hubby's clothes-nothing better than putting on an oversized t-shirt or sweatshirt that is Ben's-I love it! I just wish his pants fit me-they are a little too big!

Favorite Moment This Week: Getting the hospital bags packed and ready to go! I have 2 bags for me-1 is a bag for labor and the other is my postpartum bag.  I have also packed Brooklyn's diaper bag with a few onesies and her coming home outfit.  Ben is on his own for his bag!

Gender: Girl

Movement: Yes-I don't think she is going to ever slow down.  Ben said last night that she is going to be a tiny little girl since she is still moving around in big motions!

Food Cravings: Nothing really-I haven't had waffles in awhile and I don't crave orange juice anymore-I still drink tons of it but don't crave it.  I think my appetite is decreasing.

What I Miss: comfortable sleep and being able to move around quickly.

Sleep: Hit or miss still.  I have found that staying up later, like until 1am, helps me to sleep through the night a lot better, but then I don't get up until 10am and I feel like half of my day is wasted and gone.  But, when I go to bed between 10-11pm I don't sleep as well.

What I am Looking Forward To: Meeting Brooklyn! Ben and I can't wait.  We talk about her every day and how excited we are and the one question we always ask each other is "What do you think she is going to look like?" The suspense is killing us!

Symptoms: Anything and everything!

Belly Button: It is working its way out, but I don't think it will ever officially 'pop'.  I think it likes being half in half out.

Next Dr. Appt: I go every Tuesday now until I deliver

Contractions: Yes, Braxton Hicks and mild cramping throughout the day

Dilation and Effacement: I had my 36 week appointment last week, and that was the first pelvic exam.  I was 75% effaced, but no dilation yet.  It is good to know my body is starting to do something!

 

Hospital bags-packed and ready to go!

 Along with boppy pillow and 2 pillows for Ben and I to sleep on at hospital.  Notice: Brooklyn and I have matching bags! The little one is her diaper bag! I love it! Vera Bradley comes up with just about everything-it has so many compartments inside and is fully lined and has a changing pad that matches-it's perfect!