36 weeks and counting (less than a month to go!)

36 weeks and counting...

36 week profile - getting BIG!

Mama's view looking down at the belly - and showing off my boy's cute shoes!

 

How far along? 36 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Total of 21 lbs since early September 2013. It's amazing how much I've gained just in the past month!

Maternity Clothes? Oh wouldn't be possible without them.
 

Stretch marks? Yes :( Not a fan of the stretch marks, but I think I will always look at those "marks" as a reminder of the beautiful miracle I have had growing inside me.

Sleep: I sleep better when it's colder. But it is intermittent through the night. Sometimes I wake up and have to use the bathroom, and sometimes I wake up because I need to adjust my position. It's no wonder I feel like taking a nap many times during the day.

Best moment this week: Feeling Caleb move is always a highlight of course. But the fact that we got to this important milestone of 36 weeks! WOW! He could quite literally come anytime (though I want him to stay in there as long as needs). It's exciting!

 

Miss Anything? I mean yeah I still wish I could have a Diet Cherry Zero, but I have a feeling that when Caleb is here, I won't care. :)

Movement? LOTS! Hiccups and punches and kicks! It's truly the most amazing thing ever. Even if he manages to punch an organ in there...it just makes me laugh (even if I partially wince because it hurt)!

Food Cravings? Cereal is still my favorite thing in the world to eat.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Only when I am congested in the morning and I cough way too much to cause me to be too sick in my stomach.  

Have you started to show? (see photos above)

Labor Signs? Braxton likely due to dehydration, etc.

Belly button in or out? It's in, but it is definitely losing a lot of the "in" and becoming more flat now. ;) sooo crazy!

Wedding rings off or on? They are still on amazingly. But if I notice I am getting warm, I have to take them off for a bit of time.

Happy or Moody most of the time? HAPPY!

Wisdom: Had lots of wisdom from my last baby class yesterday (Saturday - 4/26). It was the best class yet - the Birthing class. I needed to go to that class to relax and finally see and hear all that is going to happen on Caleb's BIRTH day! :) It was actually a lot of fun.

 

Looking forward to: 4 weeks or less til our baby boy comes! So yes very excited!!!! I'm also looking forward to seeing photos from my sister's law school graduation (next weekend!!) and seeing my parents the following weekend for Mother's Day! :)

Just for Fun: Part of our class on Saturday - the teacher showed this clip (see below) from Bill Cosby about Childbirth!

If you haven't watched it - you should! It's hilarious!! Click the link below:

Bill Cosby - Childbirth

34 week update

34 weeks - maternity photos with my sweetie

 Belly shot - 34 weeks

 

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Total of 16 lbs so far (gained 4 in 2 weeks). I've also been quite puffy, so part of that might be water. Still - not doing too bad.  

Maternity Clothes? Some of my favorite outfits are definitely too  tight to wear, so it's good I got some new maternity clothes because I just can't fit the initial maternity clothes like I used to.

Stretch marks? Yes - a little more noticeable this time around

Sleep: I wake up at least 2 times during the night, and I constantly feel congested. Maybe it's partially allergies (since I hear the pollen is out in full force now), but mostly it is pregnancy rhinitis. I really hope in about 6 weeks, this clears up :)

Best moment this week: Well always to hear Caleb's heartbeat at the Dr's. But it was also quite fun seeing him move my belly this week. He was so entertaining! I loved watching one part of my stomach go flat while the other side just became huge! It was fun watching and feeling his hand and feet move my belly all around.

Oh and our nursery is done! So I'm super duper excited!

Looking into Caleb's room - isn't that penguin just darling?!

Rocking chair in nursery - I love it! 

Miss Anything? I miss not having to wake up several times during the night, but even when Caleb is here, I guess it won't change. I've been thinking a lot recently about how I miss having a Cherry Coke (diet) or something like that without caffeine. Just makes me want one now. :)

Movement? OH YEAH! I thought he would move less because he is starting to get all cramped in there, but I feel him more. Either that or his movements do more because he is cramped in there. ;)

Food Cravings? hmmmm I still love Oreos, but not as much. I think I'm more hungry for mexican food this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Just when I get myself in a coughing fit in the mornings because of my pregnancy rhinitis. That's not fun.

Have you started to show? (see photos above)

Labor Signs? Not especially no.

Belly button in or out? In still, but it feels like it is less "in" than it was.

Wedding rings off or on? They are still on amazingly. But my hands are starting to swell more. I think they are going to be coming off soon :(

Happy or Moody most of the time? Pretty happy most of the time.

Wisdom: It doesn't take much to tire out a pregnant woman. Seriously. My husband did such an amazing job on our nursery last weekend and he did a good 80-85% of it, and yet I was the one that was worn out. I just feel so tired all of the time.

Looking forward to: Let's see - I am looking forward his arrival! :) 6 more weeks! But in the shorter term (though 6 weeks isn't that far away), I look forward to getting that hospital bag packed, celebrating Easter with my family, and having our last class (Birthing class) in two weeks.

 

Just for Fun: We had our friend Reva take some maternity photos of us - boy do I look BIG! :) But they are fun!

 

 

 Kissing my belly! 

 

All three of our shoes! 

 



32 week Update (8 more weeks to go)!!!!

32 week profile

Momma's View looking down - 32 weeks!

 

How far along? 32 weeks exactly!!

Total weight gain/loss: My lasts appointment was just yesterday (March 28th), and I found out that I have gained a total of 12 lbs since September. I know at least 4 of those lbs are Caleb! :)

Maternity Clothes? Oh yes - had to get a couple more shirts to help with my expanding belly!

Stretch marks? Yes a little. Not too bad

Sleep: I have good nights and bad nights.

Best moment this week: Well everytime I feel Caleb move of course, when I got to see him on the ultrasound, when I heard his heartbeat, and when I got to see my belly move because he moved it!! :) All great things!! Oh and we went shopping this week too! So a lot of his stuff has arrived.

Miss Anything? I miss sleeping like I used to. It's getting harder to sleep on my sides.

Movement? Oh YES!! He is a mover for sure!! Love it and love him!!

Food Cravings? Oreos!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Only time I feel queasy is when I cough too much and it upsets my stomach

Have you started to show? Ummm look above. I think so.

Labor Signs? Braxton Hicks only.

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding rings off or on? They are still on :)

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy!

Wisdom: This week we had our Infant CPR class - and that was great! I feel pretty good about that class. Learned a lot! Also learned this week how expensive baby's are! Man - that baby stuff is crazy expensive!!

Looking forward to: I look forward to getting the nursery together. Having everything arrive is key! But a lot of things have arrived! OH - and I just made this:

 

Can't wait to hang this up!



Just for Fun: My school (University of Dayton) made it to the ELITE 8 in basketball, so I'm pretty excited. As you can tell - I've got Flyer Pride!! Go Flyers!!

 

Caleb - Future Flyer!

 

Closest way for Caleb to wear it now - it will have to do! :)

 

 

 

 



To my dearest Caleb,

Hello my sweet boy,

You are 31 weeks today, and there is so much anticipation for your arrival. I can't believe in 9 weeks, you will be here with us. I can't believe that in 9 weeks, your sweet face will be looking up at mine. I have dreamt of you for so long! Did you know that I knew your name when I was just in my 20's? Your Daddy and I have been waiting so long for you, sweetheart. We went through years of trying for you, and disappointment after disappointment. I remember when we knew about your big brother or sister (Gabriel), and it was very exciting! Our hearts were so broken when he or she went to heaven because we thought that all our dreams were dashed. But God healed our hearts and over time we were able to try again. We know someday we would see each other in heaven and be a family again.

We went through treatments and disappointment for a little over a year later after we lost Gabriel. I was told by a specialist that I should focus on getting healthy, and I did. I walked 5 out of the 7 days a week, and at first it was very hard, but then I found it something I looked forward to. I felt good about my body and felt healthy. I used the time in the mornings to walk as time to just talk with God, and also have some fun in my walking praising Him too. In just 7 weeks time, I lost 10 lbs, and I was just so proud of that. We took a break from treatments and just focused on enjoying life for a few months and each other. We weren't expecting you...and then - you entered our lives. For a moment you weren't there, and then sometime around August 19, 2013 - you were there. And you stayed!

My love for you started at the very instant I thought you were there, and when I kept getting negative tests, I still thought that those tests had to be wrong. Even your aunt Jen thought the same thing. She believed you were still there. Well on September 13th (your uncle Wes' birthday), I took my final test and at first it only showed one line. So at first, I was sad again because I thought you weren't there. But then I glanced again - and the 2nd line was there! WOW! Do you know how much I laughed? I was soooo excited. And instead of waiting to surprise your daddy, your mommy had to tell him right away! He was so excited when he found out! We still had some fear though because we didn't want to lose you too. But do you know, that your Daddy prayed for you every single day you have been in my womb since he knew? Yes every single night! He loves talking to you, and he loves this connection he has with you already. Your Daddy just adores you!

I will never forget the first time I saw your heart beating! It was so special! I had never seen a heart beating before on an ultrasound, and even though it should have been a little early to see, there it was! Your heart! I cried so much...tears of joy! You are so our little miracle! From there our love just doubled and tripled in size for you. I remember when your Daddy first heard your heartbeat. He had tears in his eyes for sure. And when we first saw your face on the ultrasound and finding out you were a boy! Words can't describe our emotions! Or when I first felt your little flutters inside me or when I feel your kicks now. It's amazing! You are growing so big! I love how you like to move when I play music, especially when I feel you moving to songs like "How Great is Our God" and "God's Great Dance Floor." I hope you always know the love of God in your life! He loves you SOOO much!

You are our little Caleb Isaac. And someday you will grow up to be something amazing. We pray over your life and pray that God will bless you and use you. I know He will. I know He has some amazing purpose for you that only you can do! You are here for a purpose, and it is special and God-given. And we feel so incredibly blessed that we get to be the parents that raise you. Just know that we will raise you to know God and have a relationship with Him. We hope and pray you do choose Him because He will never leave you nor forsake you. And He is the One who gave you to us! And as much as we love you, God loves you SOO much more! We can't wait to read you stories about how God created the heavens and the earth, about Noah, about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, about David and Goliath, about Jonah, and of course Jesus! I can't wait to sing to you and rock you to sleep! And for all that I can't wait for those things, your Daddy is in the same boat. He can't wait either!

You have excited grandparents and an ecstatic aunt and uncle as well! Lots of family who just can't wait for your arrival. Do you know how loved you are? You have people around the country who have been praying for you! You are a blessing in every way! Life won't always be easy, and Mommy is scared that I will fail you. I know we are both scared that we will be able to give you everything you need, but we also have faith in God our Heavenly Father. We know He will provide everything we need to take care of you. Just know that we will do everything we can for you and with God's help, we hope to raise you into a God-fearing man! We want you to learn from the things we have learned, and also trust God as your everything!

Just know that we will make mistakes, and sometimes we will even make you mad. I'm sorry. We're trying...and we want to do a good job. Also know that when we have to discipline, it is all out of love. We want you to grow up into the strong man that God designed you to become! Just know that we will do our very best with God's help.

Now this letter is a little emotional for sure, but it's because of the journey, and it's because my love for you is beyond comprehension. I can't wait to see you, sweet boy! Just 9 more weeks. Keep on kicking and growing! And when you see me for the first time - I'm your Mommy. And I will do all I can for you! Same for your Daddy! Love you so much!

See you soon! Love always!

Mommy

30 Week Update (1/4 of the way to go)!

My profile photo - 30 weeks

 

 

Baby Belly - 30 weeks

How far along? 30 weeks exactly!!

Total weight gain/loss: My lasts appointment was on March 7th, but I forgot to ask how much I gained. I will find out again on March 28th

Maternity Clothes? Definitely...some of them are even getting tighter.

 

Stretch marks? Yes a little. Not too bad

Sleep: I have good nights and bad nights.

Best moment this week: Feeling Caleb move is always a best moment! We had our first baby class this week, which is good! Because I know nothing! I also think that Todd may have felt the baby for the first time just last night! :) OH - and I found out that I don't have gestational diabetes!

Miss Anything? I miss sleeping like I used to. It's getting harder to sleep on my sides.

Movement? Oh yes...in fact, I think I felt Braxton Hicks contractions for the first time this week. I was in the store and walking, and I stopped suddenly because my stomach suddenly started contracting in on itself and got very hard for a few seconds.

Food Cravings? Right now I am craving Doritos...mmmmm!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Only time I feel queasy is when I cough too much and it upsets my stomach

Have you started to show? Just look at my photo...definitely showing!

Labor Signs? Braxton Hicks - even though that isn't labor, it is the body's way of preparing for it.

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding rings off or on? They are still on :)

Happy or Moody most of the time? I am happy, but very moody because it doesn't take much for me to "freak out" about something.

Wisdom: Our first baby class was this week, so I learned quite a bit in that class. I am looking forward to learning more so I will hopefully feel a little better.

Looking forward to: I look forward to getting the nursery together. We start that process this weekend!

 

Just for Fun: I have been designing my own onesies this week. You always need lots of onesies, and so I bought in bulk some blank ones, and I have been able to put things on it I really like! See one of my faves below!

  

Yes - Caleb is definitely worth the wait!

 



28 weeks - 3rd trimester (update)! :)

How far along? 28 weeks

28 weeks - first week of 3rd Trimester! 

 

Total weight gain/loss: Weighed last on February 3rd and I had gained about 5 lbs. I will be having another appointment though (March 7th) and this could have changed since then.
 

Maternity Clothes? Definitely...some of them are even getting tighter.

Stretch marks? Yes a little. Not too bad

Sleep: Eh it's okay - I sleep, but I feel more antsy, I am awake a lot more thinking about stuff, and so I end up not sleeping as much as I'd like.

Best moment this week: This week was very special for my baby shower that my sister Jen and my Mom hosted at my home. It was wonderful! So many special memories!

 

 Mom and Jen kissing my belly :)

 The girls! :)

 

Miss Anything? I miss being able to sleep certain ways. I think sleep right now is the hardest.

 

Movement? Definitely...anytime there is a meal, he loves to move!

Food Cravings? I did have a Butterfinger craving for about a week or so, but that was quickly killed after I got sick. So no more Butterfingers. But I will say, when I find something that I just love and tastes so good, I become a little obsessed about it. I will make sure I get to have it as much as I want. For instance, my mom made this wonderful spinach dip for my shower, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. So I have eaten a decent amount of that just in the past day! :)

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope. Only time I get sick is in the morning when I might have a coughing fit, and then I cough so much that it upsets my stomach. I then end up sick. Otherwise, nothing really makes me sick to my stomach.

Have you started to show? Just look at my photo...definitely showing!

Labor Signs? No! And he can stay in there for another 12 weeks. :)

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding rings off or on? They are still on :)

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy :) Though now that I am officially on my 3rd trimester, I am starting to get a little moody because I realize how quickly he is going to be here. I don't feel ready, and I'm pretty nervous. So prayers are appreciated! :)

Wisdom: I will reflect some of the wisdom my mom, Sue Ann, and Reva gave me at my shower yesterday. They told me that every first time mom feels the way I do (anxiety, how am I going to do this, etc). And I do feel more of those things. It's like 28 weeks arrived, and I am suddenly filled with nervous feelings! They told me that when they first left the hospital, they didn't know if they could do it either. But they reminded me that God gave me instincts that make us mom's. And that I need to trust those instincts and not get bogged down by what I think others might say or do. This little guy is my baby and God gave him to me for a reason. Essentially, they told me I need to trust myself more and trust that God is going to give me everything I need. I appreciated that advice, but I will say, I need to reflect and pray on that more.

Looking forward to: I look forward to hearing and seeing Caleb again this upcoming week. Will he have moved from the breach position - don't know. But I'm praying he does. He really is a cuddler. I look forward to him moving MUCH more though so that hopefully Todd gets to feel him. I so want him to feel him!

 

Celebrating our little Valentine - 26 week update!

How far along? 26 weeks exactly!

 

Profile view - 26 weeks

 

 

Valentines Day - Love this boy!

 

Total weight gain/loss: Weighed last on February 3rd and I had gained about 5 lbs. 

Maternity Clothes? Oh yes - and so thankful for them!

 

Stretch marks? Yes a little. Not too bad

Sleep: The past 3 weeks have been awful because of bronchitis, but I am thankful that I am finally getting better sleep. :)

Best moment this week: Feeling MUCH better and feeling Caleb play "drums" inside me! :) So thankful for our little valentine! <3

Miss Anything? not really...thankful that I can breathe, sleep, and eat again.

Movement? Oh yes...playing drums on Mommy this week

Food Cravings? Not especially....

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope

Have you started to show? Oh yes...I was too sick to update this back at 24 weeks, and it's amazing how much bigger I look and feel since the last time I took photos at 22 weeks

Labor Signs? No! Thankful for that...keeping on baking in there, Caleb!

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding rings off or on? They are still on :)

Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy :)

Wisdom: I learned over the past few weeks how amazing this whole pregnancy thing really is. I mean I knew that before, but all the changes and watching the growth of the belly, and learning about your baby's personality already. Nothing short of a miracle! But I have also learned it's so hard! Being sick and trying to overcome the illness while pregnant, was really tough. Feeling every ache and pain is hard, and I learned how awful my attitude was before pregnancy about women who would complain. Pregnancy isn't all rainbows and flowers. There are some definite tough times in there. And just because a woman might complain about a pain she is feeling, doesn't mean she doesn't appreciate the gift. I know I wish I hadn't felt as awful as I did, and the back aches and rib aches are not all that wonderful. But I'm also incredibly thankful for this gift too. I think it was a good wake up call to me.

Looking forward to: Well my shower is in 2 weeks!! :) I can't wait to see my sister and spend the Friday before with her! :) I look forward to seeing my Mom and all the dear friends and family who are able to come as well and celebrate little Caleb! I also continue to wait and hope that Todd will feel Caleb soon. I know he wants to feel him SOOO bad! :)