33 Weeks

 Hey little guy, I can't believe we get to meet you next month!! Wow, almost 6 weeks left! Mommy is excited she has 3 working weeks left before she is done. I am so glad I get the blessing and opportunity to stay home when you are born. I am looking forward to every part of it.

 Anyway, you are growing for sure! You love my rib cage, and also found a favorite spot on the right side of my belly you love to kick. It doesn't exactly feel good and often times I'll jump and say "Ow!", even at work. You're also dropping a bit too, meaning you're putting pressure on other parts of my body, causing me some uncomfortable pain. However, despite all of it, it is worth it! I love feeling you move and kick, and especially watching my belly roll with your movements. At least I know you're where you're supposed to be!

Another favorite thing of yours? Daddy playing the guitar. Every time he starts playing, you start moving along. It's the coolest thing, really. I'll sit in the rocking chair and we'll spend a good time rocking back and forth while he practices his guitar. I think the rocking puts you to sleep, but you love his music.

You're also a night owl and I typically know when to expect you to wake up- both at night and late in the morning. It's cute how you have a schedule.

This pregnancy has been so far so good! Luckily (fingers crossed, knock on wood, etc) I haven't had any common problems like heartburn, digestive issues, or headaches. I'm glad those headaches I had during the 2nd trimester are gone! I am dealing with fatigue, currently a sinus infection, and, well, fatigue again. I actually have trouble rolling over in bed at night and make grunting noises- which your dad finds funny. I have to physically move you too since you seem to bundle up on whatever side I'm sleeping on. It's like exercising- I have to deep breathe instead of holding my breath while I attempt to switch sides. Your dad also typically knows when I've dropped something because he could hear me in the other room making noises to bend down and pick things up. Today I had to have him help me thread a part of my shoelace because it hurt too much to bend down and focus on it. It didn't help I was wearing some snug jeans, making it even harder. I'm definitely more flexible wearing baggy pajamas. I also have to cut back on my meal size because once I eat, I can't really move much for the next hour or so. Sleep has been good for the most part, but lately I have been having dream after dream after dream and often wake up in the night. I've always been an interesting sleeper and dreamer, so I don't know if it's just me being me or me being pregnant. Or both. But I feel I haven't been sleeping as well as I'd like these past few nights. Last night was bad, but I blame the sore throat from the sinus infection.

I've also been pretty clumsy as well, which is sad. I was in the parking lot at a school site for a training day, when my shoe got caught on some tree debris on the ground- and down I went. It was one of those falls where my brain was saying, "Save yourself! Do something smooth!", but my body was like, "Eh." It was kind of slow motion, and I ended up scraping and bruising my left knee while twisting my right knee and ankle. It's amazing how scared people get when a pregnant lady falls. I just said loudly, "I'm good! I'm cool! I'm alright!" And got up like nothing happened. It wasn't a hard enough fall for me to worry about you. Besides, you were active throughout the day as usual. I need to be more careful though! It's not the first time as several weeks back I lost my balance in the school sandbox. I really can't catch myself these days.

I also read I should be getting Braxton Hicks contractions, but I guess not all women get them. Or it just isn't my time. Yesterday, I had something going on and I wasn't sure if it was a contraction or just my stomach reacting after I ate a meal. It happened after breakfast and again after lunch. It was a cramp I felt from my back and around the sides of my belly- a little painful, too. Again, I wasn't sure what that was, but since it wasn't consistent, I decided it wasn't anything to worry about.

Anyway, I'm excited about my baby shower next week in Bakersfield. It's time for you to get more spoiled! Also, since there were so many baby boys born into our ward last year, we've been getting some pretty nice things from friends in the ward. You have clothes, toys, books, and other neat things already set up in the nursery. We are definitely prepared for you! And we love you so much!!!

New outfit from the primary!

New outfit from a co-worker ("Off to Grandma's")!

Some of the items from a friend in the ward

30 Weeks

Hey, little guy! We are 30 weeks now! I can't believe I get to meet you in less than 10 weeks (hopefully). We are so excited!

Everything has been going great- you're moving a lot, as usual, and I've been feeling pretty good. Mommy got to enjoy another prenatal massage at a local massage and wellness center and it was wonderful. Hit all the right spots! I've gained about 30 lbs now, and hopefully it will stay that way and not increase anymore! I've been trying to workout more, even if I can't bend down like I used to. Sleeping has been interesting as well, especially trying to get comfortable. But honestly, it hasn't been all that bad just yet. We'll see when you keep growing. You're fully developed now, so it's the growing part that needs to be done. 

Your daddy finally got to feel you really well the other day. In fact, we were inside the temple! We were in the chapel getting ready to watch his friend get sealed in the sealing room when you started moving about. Your dad placed his hand on my belly and you were attempting to push his hand off. It was kind of like a "roll" from one side to the other. You should have seen his face light up when he felt that. He had a big smile on his face and said, "that's so cool!" You kept it up for a good couple of minutes to show off what you could do. Pretty amazing! He reads to you every night now too!

Your nursery is coming along fairly well too. We bought you more superhero stuff and decorations and finally got your name sign all set up.

Here we are!

     
  The more I'm getting closer to labor, the more I get a bit nervous about it. But I know everything will be fine and you will be worth everything! I've been going over my birth plan, but we'll see how that goes. I am looking forward to holding you for the first time and eventually kissing your cute little kicky feet! Love you, little guy!

28 Weeks

   Little Kicker,

     We are now a week into our third trimester! It's amazing how time is going by so quickly! You are still moving and kicking like crazy and I love every bit of it (even when it wakes me).

      We also had a checkup with Dr. Rao on Wednesday and everything came back great, as usual. He said you're where you should be and growing very well and strong. I can never get enough of listening to that sweet beating heart of yours.

      I also decided to stay for the third trimester 1-hour glucose test while I was there, and everything came back normal. The normal range is 70-129, and my level was 71, so we're definitely good in that department. Whew! As for everything else, it was discovered I have anemia.  Luckily it's mild and nothing serious, but I still need to keep an eye on it. Guess it's time to look into those iron-rich foods!

    As for the headaches, they have dramatically decreased. Thank goodness! I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but I used to drink a glass of milk with my breakfast every morning and the migraine would kick in about half an hour to an hour later. I decided to not drink milk one morning and no migraine! So I kept this up and have been feeling better. Really strange, don't you think? But mommy still takes her vitamins daily!

   The other night, I placed my phone on my bare belly and turned on some piano music. Suddenly, my phone was moving about and being kicked. Your dad did a double take and asked if it was really you! Haha. You like it when I practice piano and play piano music on Pandora since you seem to move a lot to it. Your dad is also practicing his guitar skills everyday so he'll get to play to you one day!

     As for your nursery, it's coming along! I've been working on hanging up your name with some blocks I painted and a cute little board for them. They're not attached to the board just yet, we're going to figure that out. I figured I'd leave the "construction" part up to your dad, and getting the right tools to attach the letters and hang the frame on the wall since it has no hanging options (crafting store). So it still needs some work!

   A friend in our new ward also found this adorable foot stool at a collections store down the street who happens to be closing out and showed me a picture at church. So, I drove over there yesterday and bought it! It's so cute. I have to clean it well though since I'm sure at one point those blocks will be in your mouth :) .

  We are having so much fun preparing for you!  Love you, little guy!!

26 Weeks

Alex,

The third trimester is almost here! Just a few more days! I can't believe how fast this second one has flown by. I've gained about 25 lbs so far, and my doctor told me I only have about 10-15 more to gain to stay in the healthy range. I'm a bit nervous about that though because I haven't been counting my calories lately or exercising as much. I have to get on the ball!

You've been much more active these days. You've even managed to get my ribs these past couple of days, which surprised me because I was expecting that to happen a bit later. I've had to stand up and stretch to get comfortable. Sleeping has been a little more difficult too. See, I'm a back sleeper. It's been really hard to stay on my side the entire night because my leg eventually starts to ache and so does the rest of my body, including my back. Often times I'll wake up in the night and find myself on my back, so I force myself to roll over to my side.

I've also been waking up every single morning these past couple of weeks with a bad headache that can last for hours. I e-mailed the doctor who said it's normal and to take Tylenol when needed. Sometimes it doesn't work, sometimes it kind of works. I'm starting to wonder if it has anything to do with the way I'm sleeping at night? Oh, well.

Your dad's alarm clock wakes you up every morning as well. As soon as it buzzes, you start kicking and punching up a storm until things calm down a bit. Your dad rolled over and apologized to you this morning because he heard me say, "It's okay, Alex, it's just his alarm."

Speaking of your dad, you kick every time you hear his voice now, whether he's talking to you or not. It's so adorable how you're beginning to recognize him. He's also been able to feel you now AND he's been able to hear your heartbeat simply by resting his head on my belly. So neat! We are so, extremely excited to meet you!

Your nursery is coming along! Still some work to do, but we received our new chair! I also made you a superhero blanket, and your dad started hanging some of your action figures last night. We still have the wall stickers to put up, as well as your name. We bought you a few more books, too. 

So far so good!

Daddy setting up our chair!

And the result! Soo comfy! There's a glimpse of your blanket.

Gary's co-worker was kind enough to  pass this on to us!

  His co-worker was even kind enough to give us a Graco Pack N Play too! Yay for stuff!

 Oh, and we totally couldn't help ourselves...

Isn't this seriously the cutest thing ever??! Your first official outfit.

And here we are! 

 Anyway, we love you so stinkin' much! Just a few more months to go!

24 Weeks

Baby Boy,

You are so cute!! You definitely have developed a sleep-and-wake pattern, so I typically know when to expect to feel those kicks and punches. I can actually see my stomach move this time, which is so cool. You finally started kicking for your dad last night, but he didn't really feel too much. Of course they weren't the big kicks you like to do, but you tried! Next time, for sure.

This week we bought your new crib, received your bassinet which has been in the family for years and years, and moved into your first home! Whew! We also bought you your first glider/rocker, and new toys. Your dad and I are looking forward to decorating this place!

Still needs some decorating!

It was definitely a stressful week for us, especially over last weekend. We lost our perfectly sweet, almost 6-year old cat named Dexter to unexpected heart disease. We were crushed. I was in tears while he was being euthanized and you made sure to give me comfort by kicking and punching me as much as possible while it was happening. It was a reminder that life still goes on and now I have bigger responsibilities coming up. Despite the grief I've been going through, you have been a big comfort and blessing. We had always planned for you and Dexter to grow up together as we were sure he had more years, but things definitely change. I know Lila's mothering instincts will be there and you two will be great friends! Thank you for being so sweet!

Your dad also loves to talk to you every night now. He chats with you and you just have the time of your life in there listening to him. It's really cute, it is. He is just so excited! He told me he loves walking by the nursery and seeing your crib, and every now and then I find him just standing in there and observing everything. You became the center of our universe the moment we knew you existed.

Anyway, we love you, Alex! Can't wait to meet you!

Week 22

Alex,

You are one active boy!! My goodness I just love feeling your kicks. You seem to be pretty alive at night, but maybe that's because I'm relaxed and laying down. I still feel you throughout the day though- and you have some pretty wicked kicks! You'll be on a kicking rampage, yet the moment your dad places his hand on my belly, all goes silent. He'll hopefully get you next time ;)

As for me, I've been feeling great! I've been exercising more and trying to manage my weight. Remember when I couldn't eat at all and my appetite was meh? Well, from week 16 to week 19, I gained 8 lbs! My doctor saw the numbers and told me to back off the sodium. He's right though- my appetite has come back and all I crave are foods that are high in sodium and fat. But now I've been able to drop a couple of those pounds and maintain it for now. I've been riding the stationary bike everyday as well as do strength training through a prenatal workout video I found. It's a tough one! It's a 45 minute workout with a warm up and cool down. Then they have another 15 minute segment right after of circuit training that involves your dad being my anchor and resistance. Holy moly! Your dad was actually smiling and said, "This is fun!" as I was drenched in sweat and out of breath. I was sore the next day- but totally worth it!

A nurse called out of the blue the other day and told me you have an echogenic focus on your left ventricle, which is a small bright spot found on your heart. It's thought to represent mineralization, or small deposits of calcium, in the muscle of your heart. Though it's on the heart, it doesn't have any association with heart problems, but is sometimes found in chromosomal abnormalities. While my worry jumped up the moment she mentioned it, she assured me it was common and likely nothing to worry about. She then scheduled me an appointment with a genetic consultant, who went over a pedigree family history chart, my blood tests results, and close up pictures of the ultrasound. From there, she said based off of my lab results, and ultrasound photos, the chances of there being chromosomal issues is 1 in 52,000. She even said she didn't recommend an amniocentesis because the risk of issues is so incredibly low for me. She said the EF is so very common and typically clears up after your birth or in the 3rd trimester. It was definitely neat seeing how detailed the ultrasound was though! I was able to see all four chambers of your heart, the details of your kidneys and other organs, and lots of cute shots of your face, limbs, hands, toes, and fingers. SO CUTE! The doctor kept mentioning how healthy and strong you look and said everything looks absolutely perfect! So absolutely no need to worry. Whew! You are definitely a strong boy in there!

Anyway, here we are! This is mommy after an exhausting day with a difficult client. And don't mind the chubby cat (Lila) and spots on the mirror!

20 Week Ultrasound

 I was so happy to see you again yesterday evening! It was also awesome your dad got off work early since it was New Year's Eve, so he was able to see you too! You were most definitely confirmed a boy. I was going to post the super obvious picture, but your dad wasn't down with showing your stuff off on the internet, haha. Oh, well! You'll probably thank him later.

You were so cute as you were actually napping in there and fully participating with everything. We also caught you drinking/sucking your lips in action. That was so neat! It was amazing- watching you on screen like a movie and realizing you were actually inside of me as it was happening. Completely surreal, but I loved it. So, here you are! 

Look at those legs!

Cutest little foot!

  We are just so happy and again, we can't wait until we finally meet you!