38 weeks

How far along? 38 weeks
Total weight gain: 29 lbs.  This has been a huge thing for me this pregnancy.  My final weight with Ali was about 196 lbs., my almost final weight with Christian is 159 lbs..  I hope this helps with my recovery this time around.  

Maternity clothes? Whatever fits and is cool

Stretch marks?  Yes

Sleep: Some nights are better than others. 

Best moment this week: Celebrating my birthday and Ali's.  I'm so glad I left Ali's birthday "open" we ended up having a great mom/daughter day.  The morning started off with Ali making her own pancakes, picking out her own clothes, giving all of her Barbies baths.  Then we went to the mall to look for new flip flops but got caught up at Claires and ended up getting a few things.  Then we went to the pita pit for lunch.  Ali's only request was that she wanted to see Paxton on her bday, so he came over to decorate her cake, sing happy birthday and eat it!  They played a little, then it was off to swim lessons!  It was a great day for her (and me). 

Miss Anything? Working out, feeling comfortable, and holding Ali.  Kinda miss wine tasting during this time of year. 

Movement:Pretty active lately. 

Food cravings:  Anything cool and fresh. 

Gender Prediction: Boy!

Labor Signs: I've had a lot of contractions lately.  I'm feeling like this last week is going to be a challenge to keep him in for another week.  Some day's I've even had to start timing my contractions because they feel so strong and close together.  I'm also really low now.  Really praying that he can hold  off for one more week! Ali was born at 38 weeks exactly, so this week will be an uncharted experience for me.  

 Belly Button in or out? out

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: This is the last week before my scheduled csection, I am so looking forward to meeting him and for everyone else to meet him as well! 

38 weeks, 31 years old, 4 years old!

1st pic is of Ali headed to her birthday buddy (Rishi's) party, they share the same birthday.  2nd is on her actually bday getting phone calls from all of her loved ones.  3rd is her pancake creation. 4th is at the gynmastics center. 5th is more pancakes, 6th is at the mall going on a few rides, 7th is at the pita pit, 8th is cake with Pax, 8th is on my bday celebration.  

37

How far along? 37 wks
Total weight gain: 27.6 lbs

Maternity clothes? Just trying to stay cool in this 100 + degree weather. 

Stretch marks?  Unfortunately...yes :(

Sleep: Not great.  

Best moment this week: Celebrating Ali's 4th birthday!  

Miss Anything? Being comfortable and I miss holding Ali.   

Movement:Pretty active lately. 

Food cravings:  Meat

Gender Prediction: Boy!

Labor Signs: Braxton hicks.

 Belly Button in or out? out

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: Finalizing all of our prep. for Christian!

36 weeks! Start the countdown!

How far along? 36 weeks
Total weight gain: 27 lbs

Maternity clothes? At this point I'm wearing whatever is comfortable (dresses, leggings, long tanks tops). 

Stretch marks?  My old ones are back.  Ali and Christian and have both had major growth spurts which my skin doesn't like much.  

Sleep: Pretty bad.  Up at 3 am and can't go back to sleep.  Naps are nice, but they don't always happen. This last part of pregnancy has definitely been the hardest part for me. There is no comfortable position.  

Best moment this week: Ali didn't have camp this week, so we spent a lot of time together and I enjoyed it so much that I'm thinking about canceling a few weeks of her camp before baby gets here.  Starting to feel a little sad that she won't be the only child anymore. 

Miss Anything? Being comfortable and working out like I was.  I can still jog 3 miles, but I have to take 5 minute walking breaks.  

Movement: It actually has slowed down a bit.  He is running out of room.  My doctor has estimated that he is going to be about 7 lbs., but I have a feeling he is already 7 lbs.!!!  

Food cravings:  Sweets

Gender Prediction: Boy!

Labor Signs: I've had quite a few uncomfortable Braxton Hick contractions. 

Symptoms: Back aches, cramps, vericose veins, nose looks wider, and some swelling (I've been lucky that this summer has been cooler so far, but this week it's suppose to be mid-90's so I need to stay on top of my water intake). 

 Belly Button in or out? out

Wedding rings on or off? On but getting a little snug. 

Happy or Moody most of the time: A little moody but mostly happy :).  I don't love being able not to physically do things, this belly makes it difficult ;). 

Looking forward to: Celebrating Ali's 4th birthday! 

35 weeks-Happy Anniversary!

Joel and I celebrated our 8th Anniversary by staying in Troutdale and going to the Edgefield spa.  Such an awesome place!

Hiking the gorge with one more month left!!!

Ali is taking her big sister job seriously.  Here she is helping to prepare his room and she also made him his birthday present.  She's going to be an awesome big sister!

34 weeks!

This week we celebrated Christian with a small baby shower!  It was a lot of fun and Christian got so many cute outfits and baby essentials.  

Raquel-26 weeks, Me-34 weeks.

Thanks mom for throwing me a one! I was super hesitant but I really did enjoy it :).  And thanks to everyone who came to celebrate Christian!

33 weeks!

6 more weeks left!  The nursery is finally coming together. Crib is almost done!!!  I have "dropped" quite a bit.  Workouts are slowing down.  We are getting closer!!!

32 weeks

How far along? 32 weeks
Total weight gain: 22 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Lots of leggings now, one pair of maternity pants and shirts and dresses a size up. 

Stretch marks?  I think I may have seen a new one, time to start the lotions and potions :)

Sleep: Not great, super uncomfortable now. 

Best moment this week: We had a great last two weeks!  So fun to see our friends and family and the coast.  

Miss Anything? Just being comfortable. 

Movement: The only time he stops is when I'm working out. 

Food cravings:  Ice cream and cookies

Gender Prediction: Boy!

Labor Signs: A few braxton hicks and feeling my joints loosening up. 

Symptoms: Back aches, cramps, and vericose veins. 

 Belly Button in or out? out

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy of course! Can't wait to meet this little guy!

Looking forward to: Just getting back into the weekly routine again.  My Tuesday dinner with Raquel and Aariane, Dr.'s appt to see how Christian is doing, Ali starts summer camp, and we have two birthday parties to attend this weekend! Busy but fun! 

 32 weeks!

 Love these girls!

 Ali and Caleb :)

 Kennedy School was awesome!

So great to see Mari!