39 Weeks (December 15-22)

It is TIME for this child to come out and meet the world.  I am ready. Pretty much everyone that I knew that was due around me has had their baby...and here I am, still waiting! I know my due date is still coming up, but I am just hoping that he decides to make an appearance before the big day (I know...it's not likely since it's my first, but a girl can dream, right?!).

Over the weekend we had a few Christmas parties and programs at church to attend, but otherwise, we spent most of the weekend being SUPER lazy. 

On Saturday, I didn't get out of my PJ's until 4:30 in the afternoon.  That's embarrassing that I'm admitting that! We laid around, watched movies, and napped all day.  It was pretty awesome being so lazy!

On Sunday, I tried pretty much whatever I could find on the internet to help bring on labor--I walked on the elliptical, bounced on my yoga ball, we went for a bumpy ride around town, I'm drinking red leaf raspberry tea, and taking evening primrose oil.

The baby is the size of a watermelon this week!  Baby keeps growing, despite being so crowded in there.  He probably weighs around 6.2 to 9.2 pounds and measures about 18.9 to 20.9 inches.  By week 39, the baby is probably able to flex his limbs.  His brain is still rapidly developing and he's getting smarter by the week!

37 and 38 Weeks (Dec 1 - 15)

I'm combining weeks again...I'm lazy and there's really not much to write about. Well, there is one big thing, which I'll tell you about below.

I'm feeling huge and everyone is noticing. I put this picture up on Facebook earlier this week and got a lot of comments about how much bigger I'm looking lately!

My biggest news this past week was that I accepted a new job after the baby is born.  I know. I'm a litttttttttttle bit crazy...I mean, I interviewed for a job at 35 weeks pregnant, and accepted a new job at 37 weeks pregnant.  That is insane. 

I had absolutely NO intentions of switching jobs. I love (most things) about my current job and I couldn't have better co-workers, but I found a position in Hiawatha that is part-time and I couldn't pass it up.  Not only that, but I feel like it's more in line with what I see myself doing long term. I'm excited for this new opportunity!  I'm planning on working at my current job until either I have the baby, I can't work any longer, or up until my due date, whichever comes first!

After the baby is born, I plan on taking around 8 weeks maternity leave and then I'll start my new position.  I've also worked it out with my current job that I will be available on a part-time or on-call basis to help train a new person or to be available to answer questions about my position. The last thing I wanted to do was to leave them in a bind.  Luckily, I had been making lists and how-to's for maternity leave.

Other than my job news, there really hasn't been much going on.  I've still been sleeping well. I pee so much during the night it's not even funny. My wedding rings don't fit any more. And basically, I'm just ready to be done being pregnant!

As I was about to finish up this post last Friday (the 13th), I was having a lot of contractions and they seemed different than the braxton hicks that I was used to--a lot of pain in my lower stomach and back, so I called my nurse and they squeezed me in for an appointment before the weekend.  Unfortunately, nothing had really changed from my appointment on Monday; I was still dilated to a two and my doctor just said that he'd maybe see me later this weekend or maybe not! I have my regular weekly appointment on Monday, so hopefully something has changed by then!

Week 37, the baby is the size of a winter melon.  The baby is full term.  He likely measures around 18.9 - 20.9" and weighs about 6.2 - 9.2 pounds and he's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day.  During week 37, baby's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking.  He's also getting her first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for his first diaper.

 

Week 38, the baby is the size of a pumpkin!  The baby is about 18.9 - 20.9" long and weighs about 6.2 - 9.2 pounds.  His head is about the same circumference as his abdomen.  By week 38, the baby may have about an inch or so of hair already.  He's also shedding that white goo on his skin (called vernix caseoa), but you might still see some of it at birth.

35 and 36 Weeks (November 17 - December 1)

I seem to be getting lazier with my blogging as the weeks go on, or I have nothing else going on besides getting fatter every week.

Lincoln's mom had both of her knee's replaced this week, not fun!  We went to St. Joe one night after work to see her and were SO close to hitting the most gigantic deer ever on our way home. I freaked out. It scared the crap out of me! I started crying almost instantly for some reason; I think it's because normally when it's dark out and this time of year I have my eyes glued to the road for deer...for some reason, I was on my phone and not paying attention and the damn thing just jumped out in front of us and I had no time to react.  The poor little deer would have been in my lap that night had we hit it. Yikes.

I had my 36 week check up at the doctor this week also and there wasn't really anything new going on...my doctor wasn't 100% sure that the baby was head down, so I have a sonogram at my next appointment (37 weeks) to make sure that he is.

We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Hillyer's on Thanksgiving day this year.  Since Lincoln's mom had just had surgery, his sisters and I took care of making all of the food and we just brought it all out to his parents house. I took care of pretty much all of the carbs: mashed potatoes, stuffing, homemade rolls, and a dessert. Everything turned out really good!

Later that weekend my mom's two sisters and my cousins came up for a late Thanksgiving and early Christmas celebration.  We did a lot of eating all weekend!  I don't know if I did a lot of standing or if I ate too much salt or what...but my fingers and toes swelled up over the weekend!  I had to take my engagement ring off (it's still not back on!) and my toes looked like sausages. Sick. 

I went home and drank a bunch of water and put my feet up and luckily when I woke up the next morning, the swelling had gone down, but it scared me a little since I hadn't had any issues with swelling so far! I guess I am lucky that it is just now happening and I haven't had any issues prior to this week!

 

At 35 weeks, the baby is about the size of a coconut or about 17.2 - 18.7" and around 4.2 - 5.8 pounds.  By week 35, hearing is fully developed, the circulatory and musculoskeletal systems are complete and his lungs are mature.

 

At 36 weeks, the baby is the size of a honeydew! He's still in the 17.2 - 18.7" and 4.2 - 5.8 pound range and continues to beef up.  The baby would probably be able to breathe on his own if he was born right now.  Most of his systems and organs, such as his liver and kidneys are in working order at 36 weeks.

34 Weeks (November 10 - 17)

Thank the Good Lord I had Monday off of work. I was exhausted from our whirlwind weekend!  I was able to sleep in a little bit, go to my doctor's appointment, and best of all, decorate for Christmas!!

I know, it may seem early, but with my due date being 3 days before Christmas, I wanted it to be done.  On top of having the decorations done, I also had my Christmas shopping pretty much done and wrapped. We have a lot of nieces and nephews, so I was able to do pretty much all of their shopping pretty easily online after I got lists from all of the kids!

One of my favorite traditions with my group of friends happened this week also, "Friendsgiving"! Normally I organize and host it, but since we live a little further away and since we're getting ready to have a baby, our friends, Mel and Stephen who live in Lawrence offered to host this year. I just helped get all of the food organized!  This was our 11th year of having Friendsgiving. It was a tradition that we started in college and somehow, we've managed to keep the tradition alive for many years after being out of school!  Nowadays, the group is so much bigger than what it was in college with everyone getting married and having kids! We always have SO MUCH FOOD. One of our first years of having friendsgiving in college the guys across the street were in charge of mashed potatoes...somehow we ended up with somewhere close to 20 pounds of potatoes for about 10 of us; needless to say, we had plenty of mashed potato leftovers....

I am starting to feel quite a bit more uncomfortable than I had in weeks past.  The baby is getting bigger (and heavier), braxton hicks contractions happen pretty frequently, I'm not sleeping quite as well, and I feel like I'm starting to get the pregnancy waddle down...overall though, I really cannot complain. This pregnancy (even though I have nothing else to compare it to) has been pretty easy. My biggest complaint would have to be sleeping on my side! I was a stomach sleeper prior to getting pregnant, so adjusting to sleeping on either side has been kind of a challenge for me. Luckily I have some good pillows!

This week the baby is the size of a butternut squash and weighs in at about 4.2 - 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 - 18.7".  By week 34, he's recognizing and reacting to simple songs. Fat layers, which help regulate the baby's body temperature after birth are filling the baby out, making him rounder.  The central nervous system is maturing and the baby's lungs are continuing to mature as well.

33 Weeks (November 3 - November 10)

I have been having Braxton Hicks contractions like crazy lately! They don't hurt at all, but my stomach gets rock hard (I mean it was pre-baby anyway, but it is way harder now if you can even imagine), and at times it's uncomfortable to stand or sit...lying down is the best position for me! :)

We had a short week at work this week because Lincoln had a conference in Branson, MO for work and I got to tag along.  We left for Branson Thursday morning and got there early afternoon that day.  We were able to do a little shopping that afternoon before our evening plans.

That evening we had tickets (with the group we were with) to go on the Showboat Branson Belle.  Now, if you've never been to Branson, you're missing out...lets just say it's geared towards those in the 60+ age category. 

Sure, there are plenty of things for younger people to do, but if you're out walking around the average age is 65-70 years or older.  There are also A LOT of buses.  The Branson Belle is a riverboat that holds like 700 people or something.  They do a variety show and serve you dinner. 

Branson was already decked out for Christmas when we arrived, so I loved it.  The dinner show had ALL Christmas music, so I was able to sing a long to pretty much every song.  Lincoln loved my singing. Dinner on the boat was not so great...I pretty much had my salad, a few bites of chicken, some sugar snap peas, and my dessert. There was some roast beef stuff smothered in gravy and instant mashed potatoes. Ew.

Friday, Lincoln had meetings in the morning and golf in the afternoon, so I had a whole day to myself to go shopping!  I did well. We'll just keep it at that.  Nothing really for myself, I just finished a few Christmas and birthday presents. I was able to sleep in a little and just relax in the afternoon after I was done with my shopping spree.  We stayed at the Chateau on the Lake and had a really pretty view over the lake in the morning:

 

The hotel was also all decked out for Christmas and they had these giant gingerbread houses on display:

 

 

Friday night there was a dinner at our hotel along with a comedian/magician.  I have NO idea how this magician did any of the tricks he did. I am in awe of their talent.

 

We were planning to spend the day Saturday doing other touristy things in Branson, however we learned after planning the trip, that our baby class at the hospital was also that weekend from 10-4.  Ugh.  SO, we got up bright and early Saturday morning (4:30 to be exact) to get ready and get on the road for our trip back home.  We originally thought the trip would take us 5 1/2+ hours, but we must have been driving like NASCAR drivers and we made it back in 4 1/2 hours. Instead of being late to our baby class we were right on time. 

 

Originally there were supposed to be at least 4 or 5 other couples in the class on both days, however, we ended up being the ONLY COUPLE THERE FOR BOTH DAYS!  I mean, don't get me wrong, it was great to get the one-on-one attention with the nurses and to get all of our questions answered, it just would have made things a little less awkward at times and it would have been nice to bounce questions and ideas off of other soon to be parents.

 

Saturday evening we had a surprise birthday party for one of our friends.  I think the babe knew that my body was tired...I was having a lot of braxton hicks contractions while we were at the bar for awhile. Luckily, we didn't stay out too long! 

 

 



The baby is the size of a durian (what the heck?!)--or a pineapple.  This week the baby weighs about 4.2 - 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 -18.7".  He may even grow up to a full inch this week! He's turning into a curious kid who can keep his eyes open while awake, and he's starting to coordinate her breathing with sucking and swallowing.  The baby bones are starting to harden as well.





32 Weeks (October 27 - November 3)

I started out the weekend thinking that I would get a lot of things done....however, after getting home late from Wicked on Friday night, my body had other plans.  It was tired.  So, of course, I had to do what it was telling me too....

On Sunday, Lincoln woke up early to go the Chiefs game with some friends.  I woke up when we was leaving and promptly went back to bed.  I got up to eat breakfast and a half hour or so after that, the dog and I made our way back to bed...I managed to miss church, and almost missed lunch.  I guess I needed some sleep...

I had planned on cleaning the house, doing laundry, getting groceries, making some food for the week, and lounging around, but it just wasn't in the cards for the day! I did get some of those things done, just not quite as much as I had planned. Oh well!

In addition to my big plans for the day, I was also having some maternity pictures taken.  Lincoln was supposed to be there for them, but my forgetfulness has been sinking in full force lately and I told him to go to the game even though we already had pictures set up...ugh. Luckily, our photographer was really flexible, so we did some of just me on Sunday and we'll squeeze Lincoln in sometime this week.  All of the trees are turning colors and everything is so pretty right now, so I think we got a few really good ones!  Here's a little preview:

 

Don't the trees look fake here?!

 

 

Isn't she so talented!?

  

This week was also Halloween.  Halloween is a HUGE deal in Hiawatha.  The kids get out of school for it!  They also have two nights of trick or treating.  I thought I had bought more than enough candy for both nights, but for some reason we were all out of candy on the first night and I had to leave my light off on the second night (which was totally fine with me!).  I gave out 2 pieces per child, so it wasn't like someone was taking hand fulls! It never ceases to amaze me that some kids come with more than one bag or that parents trick or treat with their kids and expect to get candy. Oh well, I figure if they want a couple of pieces of candy THAT bad, I'll give it to them.

 

On Friday one of my best friends from college, Jess, came up from TX for the weekend and to go to the KSU football game on Saturday.  I picked her up at the Manhattan airport and then we went to Topeka to meet up with pretty much all of the rest of our college friends for a girls night.  It was so fun to see everyone!

 

On Saturday, Jess and I got up and went back to Manhattan to go to the game and Lincoln met us there. It was a perfect day for football--not too cool, not too warm, and not too much of a breeze.



 

 

The best news of all is that KSU pulled out a win over Iowa State.  Even though Iowa State isn't that good this year, a win is a win!!  Especially with the season that KSU has had so far!

 

The baby is the size of a squash this week! At week 32, the baby weighs in at about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds and measures about 15.2 - 16.7 inches.  He's likely to be in the head down position now, getting ready for his descent--the journey down the birth canal. And not a minute too soon, because at this point, he's probably feeling even more cramped inside mommy.



31 Weeks (October 20 - 27)

After the baby shower over the weekend, I still feel like I'm putting stuff away from that and from my shopping trip to Target...yikes. Baby's need a lot of things.

There have been many weeks lately where I feel like having a three day weekend would be really helpful.  Now if only I could get work to agree with that...

I'm still feeling really good; I'm quite a bit more tired than normal...it's not unusual that I'll be watching a show on TV and fall asleep on the couch around 8:30.  Luckily, the tiredness really only hits about that time and I'm fine throughout the day. Unfortunately for Lincoln, when he tries waking me up to go to bed, I'm usually not the most pleasant person...

On Friday of this week my coworkers and I went to see Wicked, in Kansas City.  This was the second time that I had seen it and it didn't disappoint! We decided to have an early Christmas celebration since my status could be up in the air in December!

With Wicked being in KC, we didn't get home until realllllly late Friday. Well, really late for me; it was after 12:30. I was pretty worthless Saturday morning!  Lincoln and I decided to have a date night on Saturday since our days as it just being the two of us are numbered!  We went out to dinner and to the movie, Captain Phillips. The movie was really good, but really suspenseful! I was pretty jumpy through most of the movie! I would definitely recommend it though if you're looking for a good one!

The baby has been moving around pretty frequently and lately I feel like I'm getting kicked in the ribs--mostly just on my right side though. He seems to kick up a storm after I eat breakfast and around 10pm.  I feel a few jabs throughout the day, but nothing like what I feel at night!

 

This week the baby is the size of a pineapple! This week the baby is about 15.2 -16.7 inches long and weighs about 2.5 - 3.8 pounds.  He's also going through major brain, nerve, and eye development.  His irises even react to light.  All five of his senses are now in working order, plus, baby's body temperature is now partially being regulated by parts of her brain.  His bones, with the exception of the skull, are hardening too.