Today a friend of mine did a maternity photo shoot for me,
we got great pics and had so much fun! Here's some of my favorites!
Ready to POP!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
38 weeks
38 weeks!
(Jordan was watching food network when I had him take this!)
How Far Along: 38 weeks!!!
Size of Baby: She weighs about 6.8lbs (it feels even heavier!) and is over 19 1/2 inches, like a leek.
Total Weight Gain: 30lbs! I really hope this baby gets out soon, I don't know how I'm going to stay below 35lbs. I've done so well throughout this whole pregnancy but it seems impossible now. I'm hungry ALL the time! Hopefully it'll all just come right off.
Gender: Baby Girl. ♥
Movement: She's moving around all the time, especially after I eat!
Sleep: Sleep's been good. I mean a get up a lot to go to the bathroom but that's just part of having a baby inside you! The only problem I have is I have contractions mostly at night so I'm just so excited for this baby to come I stay up hoping it's time. Unfortunately it never is. I seriously CAN'T wait. I just want to get it over with so we can finally meet our baby girl. ♥
Symptoms: I just feel so uncomfortable, for so many reasons. I WISH SHE WAS HERE!
Belly Button: Same as before, popped when I'm standing straight.
Cravings: Burgers, burgers and did I mention burgers?!?!
What I Miss: Not being pregnant, I'm SO done.
Best Moment(s) from the Past Week: Walks with Spencer. ♥ We try to walk as much as we can to get this baby OUT!
What I'm Looking Forward To: Meeting this little girl! ♥
Friday, February 1, 2013
37 weeks! ♥
Aren't those flowers beautiful? (Sorry the pictures such bad quality I used my phone.) I love them! Pink tea roses, my mom got them for me last week and I hope I can keep them alive long enough for me to plant them this spring. ♥ I'm definitely not the best gardener around but I love flowers! This summer my mom and I are going to have so much fun with all these pretty plants. They're so, so, so pretty.
Before I start this post let me tell you about my lovely puppy Phoenix, he's a little black Pomeranian; he's fluffy, funny and oh so cuddly. He's also the biggest trouble maker of a dog I've ever owned. For example, earlier today I asked Spencer to let him outside to go potty. Spencer sends him out and comes back in and Phoenix is supposed to be out there being a good little boy taking care of his business. So after about 5-10 minutes with no return (he usually comes and bangs on the door with his paws), I put on some shoes and head over to the side of the house with a treat to see if he's over there. I'm calling him and standing there freezing and then all the sudden I hear some little neighbor dog yapping and freaking out the way only little annoying pups can. Then I hear Phoenix join in with what he THINKS is a bark. So obviously he's off with some other dog playing and being obnoxious. I don't really mind cause he's a pretty well behaved and rarely barks or bothers anybody. I keep calling "treat" until I finally hear him bounding through the fences to come get his snack. "Aww look at that cutie!", I'm smiling watching his fluff bounce up and down . As he gets closer I realize, one half of his body's hair is laying flat and looks really strange. When he finally gets close enough I see, HE'S COMPLETELY PLASTERED IN POOP!!! It's not a little spot, no his ENTIRE left side is COVERED. He starts jumping up and down around my feet trying to earn his treat and poop is just flying everywhere! I'm still wearing my pajama shorts mind you, he's flinging crap (literally) on my feet. He is just so stupidly pleased with himself, jumping around flopping his tongue up and down like he's the cutest thing. Yeah, no!
I run to the house yelling for Spencer to come get Phoenix who's still leaping hysterically in the air flinging mushy poop all around.Once Spencer sees the horror of crazy, happy Phoenix playing in another dogs doo he runs, throws a towel on top and we safely captured him. We started to wash him in the shower but it smelled so bad I had to stand back while Spencer did the dirty work. Finally he gets all the gross off of him and cleans the shower. It was a pretty crazy morning. That being said our dog is CRAZY, but we love him so much. I just hope he doesn't go on anymore adventures like THAT one!
37 weeks!
How Far Along: 37 weeks... FULL TERM!
Size of Baby: I had an ultrasound this Monday at my appointment and my midwife said Brielle's growth is right on track with her due date! (Unfortunately we didn't get in pictures because it was just the little mobile ultrasound, they were just checking to make sure she's head down.) So she should be about 6 1/3 pounds and a little over 19 inches. Also if she's going to have any hair at birth it should be mostly in by now.
Total Weight Gain: 27lbs, so I've gained 7lbs in 4 weeks! YIKES! That's the biggest jump so far. My midwife said I should gain up to 35lbs this pregnancy so hopefully I'm just below that. Throughout this whole pregnancy I've been trying to watch what I eat and exercise at least 3 times a week but unfortunately there's nothing else I can do about it. I hope I walk out of the hospital at least a little lighter than this!!!
Gender: Girl, thank God! At the ultrasound her umbilical cord was near her legs and it freaked me out but the midwife double checked and she is still penis-less. ;) Good, almost everything I have ready for her is covered in pink.
Movement: Lots, she's so strong it wakes me up at night sometimes now. She has hiccups a lot too, so adorable. Last night Spencer and I went swimming at LA Fitness and she was loving it! She was kicking and twirling around the whole time.
Sleep: Sleep's been good for the most part. A couple nights I was having contractions which kept me up, it wasn't too bad though I always end up getting at least a couple hours of sleep.
Symptoms: I feel like jello! My body just feels so strange, my hips feel so loose. I can barely get in and out of bed at night, I just roll out, waddle down the hall to the bathroom, waddle back and flop down. Haha! I'm still able to walk, swim and do the stair climber which is really good though. Today was so beautiful outside, Spencer took me on a walk which was really nice. It was great to get some fresh air and it gave me some pretty good contractions too which I'm happy about. This baby can't come soon enough!! I've been told by a lot of people that walking is one of the best things you can do to help your baby move down and come on time.
Belly Button: Popped but only if I'm standing up.
Cravings: Dibs, chips and Mama's potato salad! Hmm, about all that weight gain...
What I Miss: Tops that actually fit me, even my maternity shirts are barely cutting it. At this point I mostly just wear dresses everyday.
Best Moments from the Past Week:
- Ultrasound on Monday! It was so amazing because we got to see everything so much more closely and she looks like a newborn finally. My midwife spent a really long time showing us her face, and guess what? She has the biggest, cutest, chubbiest cheeks! Just like Mommy. ♥ My midwife just kept saying, "Wow, look at those cheeks!". I think Brielle's going to look more like Spencer though. She has big lips! They're so pretty. The whole time during the ultrasound she kept smacking her lips and practicing breathing. It was too cute. But most importantly she's in perfect head down position.
- I started using evening primrose oil which is supposed to help baby come on time.
- I'm finally full term, I can't believe we get to meet Brielle any day now!
- This week at childbirth classes Spencer and I learned a lot more and we've been practicing so I have the best chance at the natural birth I want. I know it's going to be really hard but I think with the right mindset and good support I'll be able to do it.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Tea Time
Today is a day I've been desperately needing. I woke up at 9:30am did my bible study, had some oatmeal with brown sugar, woke up Spencer, listened to a sermon online with my family and then spent the rest of the day relaxing. Ahhh. ♥ Later this evening my hubby and I headed to the library. We spent our time picking out books and just browsing. Afterward we headed to Olive Garden. There was a bit of a wait but we didn't mind because it meant STARBUCKS!!! I had a decaf vanilla spice latte which was the perfect taste for this kind of day. We had a really good time talking and spending time with one another. We finally ended the day with delicious peach glazed chicken, parmesan pasta, laughs and happiness
I think that with everything going on; all the anxiety and excitement while waiting for Brielle to make her grand entrance, we're needing time to relax and empty our minds more than ever. Spencer and I are enjoying are last days to just be the two of us. We are so anxious to meet our baby girl, at the same time we're trying to soak up all the time we can have together before things get hectic. We're spending many stolen moments remembering the good times, and talking about what our future little family is going to be like.
The waiting game has begun and I already feel like it's been going on far too long. This week I started to drink raspberry leaf tea which is highly suggested for pregnancy. It really has nothing to do with "raspberries" it's a certain little herb that is packed with benefits. Why am I drinking it now you may ask? Well there's lots of great benefits -
- Reducing pain in labor
- Helping with post birth pains and recovery
- Toning uterus ( that's what's reducing the pain and helping make recovery faster)
- Helps make contractions more productive
- Helps with delivery of the placenta
Friday, January 25, 2013
36 weeks!
36 weeks pregnant!
How Far Along: 36 weeks
Size of Baby: She now weighs almost 6lbs like a crenshaw melon. ♥ She's over 18 and 1/2 inches long.
Total Weight Gain: I still haven't weighed myself for 3 weeks haha, so as of then 20lbs.
Gender: Girl!
Movement: Yup. Tons today :).
Sleep: Sleep hasn't been great, I wake up ALL the time and just so uncomfortable. I've also been having a lot of braxton hicks at night, I sleep through them but whenever I wake up and try to get it up to go to the bathroom it's almost impossible! My stomach is so hard I can barely pull myself up. I can't wait to sleep on my stomach again...
Symptoms: I have an upset stomach a lot of the time just with heartburn and everything and tums aren't helping the way the used to. Not to mention I have a cold now. I tried so hard to stay healthy but my whole family got sick so I guess it was only a matter of time. My head hurts really bad but other than that I'm okay.
Belly Button: Popped, half in and half out. Haha I'm starting think it may just be stuck like that and not be able to go all the way out!!! It shows through my clothes now.
Cravings: Hmm... I don't really know. I've been eating a lot of chili and strawberries with sugar lately but no extreme "cravings" for anything really.
What I Miss: Being able to sleep comfortably. I can never seem to get in a good position.
What I'm Looking Forward To: Brielle!!! I can't wait to see what she looks like and to finally meet her.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
30 days...
Only 30 days. 30 days until my world is completely altered, 30 days until the house is one person fuller, 30 days until love forever has a new meaning. Brielle's due date is now exactly 30 days away. I'm so exited to finally meet my precious little girl, I know things in my life and Spencer's will never be the same. I know it's going to be really hard and scary, but I also know it's going to be the best thing that's ever happened to me. I know we're going to make a lot more mistakes as brand new parents, it's pretty terrifying, but I also trust with all my heart that God has a plan for us. I trust completely that he has plans to give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
When I first found out I was pregnant in June 2012, I thought that my life was over. I didn't see any plans filled with "hope" and a "future". The only thing I saw for me was a life of shame and regret. I didn't love my baby. There was no instant connection, I saw her as the one to blame for changing my life in such a "horrible" way. I knew that I'd keep her and carry her because even then I couldn't justify killing a baby, but I didn't want her or care about what happened to her. I didn't care if I ever had an impact in her life. I could only see was what was right in front of me. I saw my boyfriend who I was so scared of losing. I saw my mom with a broken, disappointed heart. I saw my dad and brother so sad and I knew all three of them were so ashamed of me. Then after awhile of thinking and forcing myself to use the word "baby" over and over, I realized it no longer had anything to do with me. This was about Brielle. It wasn't about how bad I felt for hurting so many people. It wasn't about everything I'd have to give up. It was about doing what was best for the little person trying to grow inside me. I was the one who had screwed up, it wasn't my baby. It wouldn't be fair that just because she was unwanted she'd miss out on having a life full of love, laughter and big dreams.
I decided I'd do my best to be the mom she needed, at first I thought about adoption, but then I thought the best thing I could do for my baby was to give her the best chance of knowing her savior and Father in heaven. I couldn't risk not knowing that she was given the chance to learn about Him and feel the love and joy He brings. It took me awhile to really truly care for her. It was when I first saw her tiny little shape at an 8 week ultrasound that I understood how special she is. That was then. It seems like forever ago but at the same time I can feel the pain like it just happened. The hardest part for me wasn't knowing I'd have to give up my life of freedom. The hardest part was hurting the people I love. I understood I'd messed up so I was fine to deal with the things I'd have to go through. But it wasn't fair to anyone else. Especially my family. They'd done nothing wrong but they still had to be hurt because of me. That is the one thing I will always regret. I did all this to myself but they hadn't.
I had to go through a lot because of my sin, and every single day I feel the consequences of my mistakes. But it's not about that. It's not about my guilt or how anyone treats Spencer and I. It's about God's never ending love. In His love He choose to give me a baby, I still can't tell you why, I may never be able to but I believe He has my best interest in mind. He still accepts me as his daughter and I know that He will never leave me even when everyone else has. It's hard to believe sometimes but I know it's true. You don't have to be perfect to receive His love. He gives it to you freely no matter where you've come from. If anyone says different or believes you can't be in his love and light just the way you are today, not tomorrow, not in a year but right now today; I can tell you they're dead wrong. Jesus ate with and loved the tax collectors and prostitutes, He didn't make them change and live a perfect life full of rules, He welcomed them and just loved them. That's how I know I'll be okay. When I think I can't take anything else I remember the person He is and the love He has. Once you accept Him and love Him back, you'll want to be changed. You'll want to live a new way, His way.
When I look back to June, that month I thought the world truly was ending. I can smile. I've come so far. I've learned so much. In 30 days I finally meet my little miracle. My little game changer. I'm going to be the best I can be for her. It's really hard to have given up a lot of the things I have but I'm so glad I did. I want to be the best mom I can be, even if that means giving up things. I don't want her to miss out on one thing because I'm young. I want her to have just as full and happy of a life as anyone else. I'm really scared but at the same time I'm so ready. I'm going to be there for her forever and I will never give up and abandon her no matter what happens. That's something I learned from my own mom. Love is the best thing you can do for your children. Love them, hug them, tell them they're special and important and most importantly tell them about the One who will never make a mistake, the One who won't ever let them down.
I've changed so much in these past 8 months. I finally understand grace. It's almost impossible to comprehend and fully accept until you've been broken to pieces and He's put you back together again. People like to say you are "sweetly" broken. I can tell you this right now, there's no sweet feeling about it. It hurts and destroys. There's no way to explain what it really feels like to be broken. To be crushed and turned to nothing; until it's happened to you. But it's taught me so much and now I see the sweet. God's grace is truly the most incredible, perfect thing. In 30 days I'll see His grace complete.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
35 weeks
How Far Along: 35 weeks
Size of Baby: Honeydew Melon! ♥ She weighs as much as a melon about 5 1/4lbs and is over 18 inches long head to toe.
Total Weight Gain: Still haven't weighed myself since 33 weeks so as of then 20lbs.
Gender: Girl. ♥♥♥♥♥
Movement: She's kicking ALL the time!
Sleep: Sleep's been okay, I haven't been sleeping entirely through the night but I don't feel to tired. I am getting a lot more sleepy though so I think I'm going to starting taking little naps during the day so I don't end up feeling exhausted.
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks have been a little painful lately but not terrible, just a little bit more uncomfortable then before. My back's been killing me though it hurts almost all the time and just feels achy and tired. I need to start laying down more to give it break because my belly's just pulling on it all the time. It's getting HEAVY.
Belly Button: Still hasn't popped out entirely, it's almost there haha!
Cravings: Right now I'm feeling pretty sick so I don't even want to think about the foods I've been craving lately. UGH.
What I Miss: I miss not feeling super uncomfortable all the time, everything just aches and hurts and I'm tired. I can't wait to be back to normal!
Best Moment from the Past Week: Childbirth class and setting up Brielle's nursery!
What I'm Looking Forward To: Meeting Brielle! I can't waitttt! ♥
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