40 Weeks

How far along? 40 Weeks 1 day

Baby Length: About 20 inches long

Baby Weight:  Who knows at this point!  The average newborn is about 7 1/2 lbs.

Baby weighs as much as: A Small Pumpkin...Halloween is in a day, how appropriately inappropriate. ;)
Weight gain/loss: 
Maternity clothes?

Stretch marks?

Sleeping?

Best moment this week : 

Miss anything? 

Feel any movement? 
Anything making you queasy or sick: 

Gender: 

Labor Signs:

Symptoms: 

Belly Button? 

Wedding rings?

Happy or Moody? 

Twins!  How crazy is this?  Her shirt was from Old Navy and mine was Motherhood Maternity...clearly they buy the same fabric!



New Granite and cabinets in Master Bath:





Kitchen cabinets, new pendants, island that was installed wrong :( and new backsplash!

 

New Chandelier Lantern in Foyer:

 

 

39 Weeks

How far along? 39 Weeks 3 days

Baby Length:  About 20 inches long

Baby Weight:  A bit over 7 lbs

Baby weighs as much as: A Mini Watermelon
Weight gain/loss:  Somehow I have managed to lose a few pounds this week.  I am down about 3 lbs which puts my total pregancy gain at this point right around 30 lbs.  Maybe it will stay there.  I can live with 30 lbs since the average gain is 25-35 lbs.  I'm okay being average.
Maternity clothes? I pick my favorites and stick with them.  At this point the bump is big enough that I am living in 2 pairs of jeans that work and a few comfy maternity henley's.  The temperature is supposed to drop and I don't have any cold weather clothes at the rental so I'll have to figure something out then.

Stretch marks?  Still no.  Although my stomach gets red and itchy sometimes so I am trying my best not to scratch since I know that can bring on the stretch marks.

Sleeping? I could sleep until noon these days!  I do get up about 4 times a night, and I still roll with my favorite BB&B body pillow from side to side about every 45 minutes, but I'm actually feeling better this week than I did a couple weeks ago.

Best moment this week :  Bed Bath and Beyond Corporate saw that I had sent back 2 replacement Uppababy Vista strollers (because the replacements had more issues than the original that showed up on our porch with the bent frame).  A lady called to apologize and see if there was anything they could do for me.  Then proceeded to tell me that they wanted to refund me the amount of the stroller - even though I'm keeping the bent stroller.  What??!  If you insist!  What amazing customer service!  She was so apologetic that I had to go through the return/exchange process a few times that she felt I deserved the $$$$ stroller for free.  I did spend alot of money at Buy Buy Baby with this registry, but I think that is still way above and beyond what could be expected of a company.  I'm thrilled.
Miss anything?  Laying on the beach in a bikini drinking a Cadillac Margarita in Wailea, Maui.  My cousin Katie just got back from a 2 week honeymoon in Maui/Kauai and it really made me jealous of her. ;)

Feel any movement?  The movement comes and goes.  I try not to worry about that too much since I do think the baby is just running out of room.  Some days there isn't much going on in there and other days the baby is going crazy.  Hopefully, everything is just fine in there.  They are doing a NST (non stress test) on the baby next week at my 40 week appt to make sure the little Nashable is still thriving.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  I just can't eat very much these days without getting so full that I feel sick.  And I can't seem to not eat too much.  I'm just good at eating alot I guess.  I'm not really that hungry during the morning and day, but come nighttime, I just feel like snacking...and baking something sweet.  I hope this passes when the pregnancy is over!
Gender:  Throughout my pregnancy I've gotten mostly "it's definitely a girl" guesses based on how I look and how I'm carrying.  Now that the baby has started to drop, I've begun to get alot of "oh, that is certainly a boy" guesses.  Until I tell them that I am due next Monday.  They are then shocked that I am full term, and change their position to "well then, I'm sure its a girl."  Who knows!
Labor Signs: Barely any!!!  I have a cramp or contraction here and there, and I do have some nights where my stomach still does the tightening up like a rock thing...but for the most part I'm feeling pretty good.  My doctor does not believe that anything good happens after your due date so I suspect it's going to be a little bit of a battle to push him to not induce me next week.
Symptoms:  Some swelling at night, achy feet, achy belly.  Some nausea here and there.  Otherwise, feeling good!!
Belly Button?  As the baby has dropped I do feel that my belly button has popped out more.  It really does look weird, so I am hoping when Baby Nash is out it will pop right back in.  I know some friends who have told me theirs never was quite the same.
Wedding rings? Off till A.B. (After baby). 
Happy or Moody?  I'm moody.  I wish I could be a little more relaxed and excited, but all the uncertainty with our housing situation makes it impossible.  So the new house is coming along, but won't be ready for another 2 weeks.  Which would be fine if we could stick with what we thought was the plan and stay in our rental until 11/14 as agreed upon with our landlord.  However, she was in Atlanta "speed walking" in Decatur - we came to find out she does competitive walking I guess - and fell and injured her hip.  She was going to fly home to Michigan to recover but then changed her mind and wants to stay here because she likes her Doctor better.  And now wants us out of her house ASAP (she feels bad about being an "Indian giver" as she said) so that she can recover here.  Hmmm.  I'm due on Monday and this lady wants to kick us out so she can mend her hip - after agreeing to let us stay.  Nice. 

 

38 Weeks

How far along? 38 Weeks 4 days

Baby Length:  Over 19 1/2 inches long (probably has reached birth length)

Baby Weight: About 6.8 lbs

Baby as Long as:  A Leek
Weight gain/loss:  Sad to say I am up 33 lbs...I really did think it would be easier to keep the weight from piling on, but every week that scale seems to tip a little further to the right.  Home stretch....I need to tell myself that the weight will come off once I'm done with pregnancy.  And done baking Triple Fudge Brownies at 11 pm every night.
Maternity clothes? Finally caved and picked up some cute shirts from Macy's and Pea in the Pod.  The weather has cooled off and my ankles are so swollen I wouldn't dare wear a dress around in public.  So I've been living in a few pairs of jeans and these comfy henley 3/4 length sleeves I got.  See bump shot below.

Stretch marks?  None.  Yay!

Sleeping? Sleep is a battle every night.  I just can't seem to get comfortable, and my belly literally aches at night.  Alot of times it also gets really hard and tight (I think maybe practice contractions) and it just doesn't feel good.

Best moment this week that then turned into an annoying moment: We set up the new UppaBaby Vista stroller and bassinet to get ready for the baby coming home to this house.  We know its probably going to happen so we need to be ready for it.  It was a fun little Friday night for us and setting up the bassinet that the baby may sleep in for the first few months made everything feel much more real.  I then realized the super duper $$$$ black matte finish of the stroller had a scratch in it and my OCD crazy pregnant lady kicked in and I decided it had to be exchanged.  Stroller was just fine other than that little tiny scratch.  But...nevertheless crazy girl insists on driving out to Snellville to swap it out - twice.  Because the next one had a scratch, and had foam tearing on the bassinett than I had to obsess about.  Either way, it will get worked out (ps. Bed Bath & Beyond is shipping me a new one) but I do like to make life harder on myself - and my poor husband Jake.  Here are a few pics of us having fun putting it together before I soured over the scratch.  Focus on happy moment :)

Miss anything?  A day when you have nothing to do.  I can't remember what it's like not to have To Do lists pouring out of my purse and off tables.  Whether it is prepping for this baby or dealing with something for the renovation at Jett Forest, I feel like our work is never done.  This may contribute to the sleeping issues and inability to unwind.  Just sayin'.

Feel any movement?  Some days more than others, but I do think the baby is running out of room.  I feel "stuffed".  Like driving is uncomfortable because sitting up straight puts too much pressure on my stomach.  But it is nice to feel little elbows and knees and feet moving around along the surface of my stomach.  I think I will miss that.
Anything making you queasy or sick: I wake up nauseas at night alot.  Or if I let myself get to hungry.  Or if I eat too much.  So pretty much 50% of the time I feel a little sick to my stomach these days.
Gender: The predictions from random strangers keep coming in as Girl.  We'll see very shortly.  We'll be happy with healthy of either sex, but I'm still secretly rooting for a boy.
Labor Signs: Nausea, cramping, contractions that are strong enough they wake me up at night.  Still hoping to make it to due date of 10/29!  That's 10 days from today!
Symptoms:  My new gift from pregnancy is swelling.  Like scary, my feet might pop swelling.  As the day goes on, if I spend any time on my feet, and don't drink quite enough water, I can actually watch my ankles vanish.  Its very weird to observe, and feels awful!
Belly Button? Out even more, and it has changed into a weird stretched shape.  The old belly button piercing definitely did not help with the cute pop out of the pregnancy belly button.  It gave it a sad, frowning appearance.  Gross.
Wedding rings? With the new onset of swelling nightly, the rings have stayed off all week.  I think its safer to leave them off until after delivery.  I don't want to lose a finger during labor, and now I've seen the possibilities of my body and swelling.
Happy or Moody? Maybe I should have Jake fill out this section ;)

 

37 Weeks - Full Term Baby, Baby!

How far along? 37 Weeks 3 days

Baby Length:  A bit over 19 inches long

Baby Weight:  About 6 1/3 lbs

Baby as Long as: A Stalk of Swiss Chard?? Again any takers??  Never eaten it or cooked with it, so not a very helpful visualization this week.
Weight gain/loss:  Up another pound and broke into the thirties.  Crap!  Up 30 lbs.
Maternity clothes? The weather has been cooler, so its fun to dig out the donated maternity jeans from friends.  Some are actually pretty comfy.  I wore a pair of Gap Materity "sexy bootcut" jeans today in "size 27"....sure they're a size 27.  Vanity sizing anyone?  I know how much I've gained and how much wider my hips are.  There's no way these would qualify as 27's...even for maternity wear.

Stretch marks?  Itchy belly these days.  Trying really hard not to itch as I've heard that can bring on the stretch marks, but so far so good.

Sleeping? Its 2:30 am as I am typing this weekly journal entry...so no, I'm not sleeping.  I'm all riled up at night and have a hard time getting comfortable, but then I'm exhausted in the morning and can't motivate.  They say the baby's schedule can get reversed in the womb, and I think it has managed to rub off on me!

Best (and scariest) moment this week:  Realizing this baby will be here soon!  I got a wake up call after my 37 week appt on Monday that it was time to get my butt in gear and get ready for our little Nashable.  So I finally dug out all the things I "might" need in the first few weeks and picked up the dye/perfume/scent free detergent and washed all the baby's stuff.  I ran around and picked up some last minute items for Jake and my hospital bags (maternity/nursing loungewear -- wish I owned A Pea in the Pod stock, nightlights, snacks, L'Occitane pillow mist and hand cream, nursing bras, comfy socks, etc).  I didn't realize it was optional but I allowed my OB to do an internal exam on Monday.  He reported that I was already 1 cm dilated and that he touched the baby's head.  It was exciting nerve-wracking all rolled into one moment!  Until I stood up and bright red blood came out of me...So I peeked out the door and grabbed the nurse and she checked with the doctor who said it was normal and because of the check.  So I get dressed and head to my car, and stop short of the door because I literally feel blood running out of me.  This feels like more than what a cervical check would cause, so I head back up to the office to ask some more questions and annoy the staff.  The stick me in the exam room and bring Dr. Marcus in to check me.  He agrees its more blood than is normal, and does another really painful, uncomfortable inspection down there.  His concensus what that it has nothing to do with the baby and is just because a blood vessel on my cervix broke...or something like that.  They have me lay there for a little bit to check again, and then decide all is good and send me on my way.  But not before Marcus says that there's no way I will make it to my due date and that I need to be ready to go at any point.  He reminds me that I'm full term and this baby could be ready to go any day!  I'm sure everything is fine, but I have felt different since Monday's appt.  Lots of spotting, and cramping, and weird feelings...some of which hurt and I'm guessing may be contractions.  But, back to the good part - I got my wake up call that this baby is coming whether Jake and I are ready or the house is ready or anything is set up.  We're scared, but so excited to meet him or her.

         

Miss anything?  Sleeping on my stomach for 8 hours without moving once.
Feel any movement? Tons of movement.  And it feels like the baby is trying to get out sometimes!  The baby also has hiccups frequently, which Dr. Google states is the baby practicing for breathing on the outside by exercising its diaphragm.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nausea randomly from time to time.  Still not sure why, but I do know eating small meals seems to keep it more controlled.
Gender: We'll see very soon!
Labor Signs: Spotting, Cramping, Baby seems to be moving down and pushing on my lower parts, what I think may be early "contractions."  And I think I'm a wuss who is in for some serious trouble bc the early stuff hurts and I'm not even technically in labor.
Symptoms:  Same old, same old and all the new stuff listed above.
Belly Button? Interestingly enough is full of freckles.  Who knew?!
Wedding rings? Tight and currently off.  Maybe permanently.  Will try again tomorrow and report back.
Happy or Moody? Happy about so many things, but also really moody about our house and contractor.  Who Sucks!!!  Cabinets are more delayed.  Now we are hearing that they will probably be delivered on 10/19.  So we are definitely having this baby while living in the rental.  I need to accept it and move on and try to stay calm and make the most of it. Is it ideal?  No way in hell.  Is it the end of the world?  Not at all.  Baby will be just fine in Virginia Highlands.  And the bonus is that I am definitely off the hook for help with moving duty which is kind of sweet.

Here is the weekly belly pic and some update pics from the house!

Master Bath Shower:

 Double Chandelier in Dining room - I wanted Restoration Hardware but out of the budget:

 Lantern in Living Room:

 New Opened up basement landing (used to be boxed in drywallj) with new banisters:

 Stack Stone Fireplace in new Master -- needs some work still but major improvement on the Red Mexican Tile:

New Double Slipper Freestanding Tub in Master Bath: 

 New Sconces for Upstairs Hall:

Lantern Foyer Chandelier we ordered off Amazon of all places - 5 feet tall and cant wait to see it up!  No this isn't my foyer ;)

Mailbox I am ordering on 11/15 from Frontgate when its 25% off - so excited!

 

36 Weeks

How far along? 36 Weeks

Baby Length:  More than 18 1/2 inches long

Baby Weight:  Almost 6 lbs (gaining an oz a day!)

Baby weighs as much as: A Crenshaw Melon??  Anyone??
Weight gain/loss:  I was told I'd gain about a pound a week at this point in pregnancy, yet somehow I manage to exceed all expectations.  Up about 3 lbs since last week and now clocking in at 29 lbs gained overall.  Congrats to me!

Maternity clothes? Yes.  Only.  And even some of them are uncomfortable.  Its a weird feeling to grow out of maternity clothes.

Stretch marks?  Still keeping the tiger stripes at bay.  I highly recommend Palmer's cocoa butter.  I think its the richest, most moisturizing cream out there.

Sleeping? I sleep terribly.  The heartburn and reflux haunts me all night now, and my belly aches at night so I do alot of tossing and turning.  I am tired, but never nap during the day and seem to make it through every day without much sleep.  Maybe this is my training for when the baby is here?
Best moment this week:  Seeing all of my family in Nashville for my cousin Katie's wedding to Josh DeVier!  It was a great time, and I got to be in the wedding in all of my pregnant glory :) 
Miss anything? Drinking too much at a wedding....it was always a skill of mine.
Feel any movement? Yes Yes Yes.  And the movements have started to hurt sometimes!  No one ever tells you how strong these little things get inside of you, its bizarre!  The baby loves to kick out my right side - like a few inches out - and up into my ribs.  Our baby is seriously strong.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nausea has returned and it tends to come on unexpectedly and randomly.  The good thing is that it usually doesn't last long and if I take a few deep breaths and close my eyes it tends to pass quickly.
Gender: Jake's still guessing girl.  I'm still rooting for boy.  As a solution I bought a hospital take home outfit with matching accessories for either outcome...thanks mom!  ;)

Labor Signs: Really easily worn down and crampy from time to time but feeling pretty good!
Symptoms: My feet hurt all the time!  They can't handle carrying my big butt around these days.
Belly Button? Out and Proud.
Wedding rings? So tight...I can't decide if I should just leave them on, or commit to leave them off until after the baby.  I'm prone to swell.
Happy or Moody? I am irritable from time to time but starting to get excited about finally meeting our new addition to the family.  The question is...where is this baby going to come home to?  Here is the weekly bump shot and a few fun pics from the wedding.

35 Weeks

How far along?  35 Weeks 4 Days

Baby Length:  Over 18 inches long

Baby Weight:  About 5 1/4 lbs

Baby weighs as much as:  A Honeydew Melon

Weight gain/loss:  26 1/2 lbs as of this week, but I seem to vary by a few pounds from hour to hour so who knows.  My official record at the OB's office shows a 25 lb gain since pregnancy.
Stretch marks?  None - Yippee!  One pregnancy side effect that I have managed to avoid :)

Home Reno Update

So, needless to say we did not make the renovation deadline of 9/20 that was originally agreed upon with the contractor.  We are still living in our rental in Virginia Highlands which is very nice so it's not a bad place to be stuck, and we anticipate about 3 more weeks of renovations.  As of right now we have extended this rental until 10/7 and we may choose to go to 10/14 so that we don't feel rushed and have time if there are any other hold ups.  Here are a few recent pics from Jake's cell phone of the house.

Jake got one of the pool lights working.  He was so proud.

The tile is going in the master bath...stage 1 is Ivory Silver with Onyx Travertine. 

 Staining the wood floors in the kitchen... We went dark with the color "Jacobean."

 The newly finished hardwoods and fresh paint in the newly converted Master Bedroom.