37-38 Weeks

Merry Christmas to us! And Connor! We have been spoiled
yet again for Christmas by both my family and Brad's family. My mom and sister bought Connor a lot of really cute clothes! His closet is about full with of the clothes he has! Mom bought Connor a monogrammed pillow that I had been wanting and searching everywhere for. It's perfect! Brad and I have been wanting a really good DSLR camera for years, and now that we have Connor on the way it was the best time to put it on our Christmas list. So, on Christmas Eve, Brad's parents surprised us with a Canon Rebel T3i and his grandmother got us an extended lens and case! For Connor, "Santa" brought him a Pack N Play and Baby monitor! Those were the last 2 big items on our registry so finally feel like we have everything we need for Connor's arrival...I think? Guess we will find out in a few more weeks!  Can't believe Christmas has already come and gone and now we are about to be in January! Not much longer for Connor's arrival.

Due to it being Christmas week, my doctor's appointment kind of got split in the middle of weeks 37 and 38. Not much has changed since my last appointment, though. Still 1 cm dilated. Having some contractions (braxton hicks) but they are still off and on. Swelling is about the same..primarily in my hands and worst in the mornings. I can barely make a fist in the mornings with my left hand. Crazy. I have to soak my legs and feet at night because of restless leg kicking in. Seems like they just won't relax until I soak them in hot water for a few minutes! Once I soak them, I can go sound to sleep and sleep throughout most of the night with the exception of getting up once or twice to use the restroom. My back is feeling better for the most part as well. Overall, I really feel great for being 38 weeks pregnant. I kept hearing that the last month of pregnancy was terrible, but it hasn't been for me. I still have a lot of my energy and have definitely been "nesting" throughout the house. Brad never knows how the house is going to look when he gets home from work :) I can always tell when I over do it though, because my back will start getting achy and stiff feeling and feet start hurting. Brad has been very good about massaging my feet and back throughout the entire pregnancy. Even when he is tired and been on his feet all day, he will come home and rub mine. He is great! And I can't wait to see him as a father to Connor.

I go back to the doctor this Friday, Jan 4, and then again Jan 8. Connor's due date is Jan 9. I'm hoping he will come on his on by the 9th but if he doesn't we will induce. That's the plan as of now anyway :)

36 Weeks

36 weeks and 1 cm dilated! Whoo hoo! Connor is still very active with a heart rate of 170 BPM. It's kind of funny seeing Dr. Sessum's face every time she checks his heart rate. She can't believe how much he moves. He is obviously going to take after his daddy for having so much energy! :) He has dropped even more into the birth canal she said, too. I'm trying not to get my hopes up since I still have a few more weeks to go, but I sure am getting anxious about meeting Connor! I go back next week so we will see how he is doing then.

My braxton hicks contractions are still present but mainly in the afternoons. Still not too bad yet. My feet and hands are swelling some. I tend to prop my feet up and take my shoes off at work a lot without even realizing it. Ha! My left hand has been giving me trouble this week with achyness in the mornings and difficulty making a fist and squeezing anything. Last night I woke up around midnight with my entire left arm achy and numb. The achyness started from my arm pit down my tricep and elbow then to my wrist and hand. The numbness was primarily at my wrist and thumb, index, and middle fingers. I could not even bend my wrist for the pain it caused. I knew it was my median nerve being compressed but didn't know why? After about an hour of stretching and moving my arm around, the feeling came back and I was finally able to get back to sleep. I told Cindy at work when I got there and she said I was probably developing carpal tunnel due to the swelling and compressing of the median nerve. Great. My index finger still doesn't feel right. It's really tight and achy. So now I have a splint to sleep in and exercises to do for the my left arm. Hopefully this will disappear once I deliver! 4 more weeks to go! :)

35 Weeks

35 weeks pregnant..wow! Can't believe it is getting so close! We are so ready to meet Connor! We have pretty much gotten his nursery ready..at least all of the necessities anyway. There are a few other things I want to do but if I don't get to them it will okay too. Brad is planning to install the car seat this week so that the car will be ready. I have my hospital packed and Connor's bag packed. I absolutely love the little outfit I have for him to come home in!

My MD appt went really well this week. She checked his position and found that his head has dropped into the birth canal and was actually able to touch his head! That is still so strange to me but so happy he is not breached. She is estimating that he weighs approx 5 pounds right now. With only 4-5 weeks to go, he could def gain a few more. I'm hoping he will not be over 8 pounds by delivery though. His heart was a rapid 170 BPM! I told my MD that he was as ready as I am for him to come into the world! :) He is so active and constantly moving from one of my stomach to the other while kicking and punching me! I think I am going to miss those little moves. I'm beginning to have Braxton Hicks contractions, but really aren't that bad..yet. I had envisioned them to be a lot worse that what they are now. I'm sure its going to get worse though. Overall, I'm still feeling really good. Starting to have a little bit of swelling in my feet and hands still able to wear my wedding rings which I have heard is pretty amazing at this stage. I haven't been to the gym lately but really am not as tired as I thought I would be. Think I'm just getting lazy :) And Brad says I'm beginning to "nest" because after work I am constantly doing something to the house. I'm getting a little anxious about his arrival so asked when the earliest my doctor would induce. She said Jan 2, which is only 1 week early, but still haven't completely made up my mind. Even though I'm ready to meet him, I feel that he needs to come when he is ready. So we will see... Everyone tells me to enjoy my sleep and peacefulness while I can because its not going to last much longer :)

34 Weeks

I had my second baby shower this weekend in Hattiesburg! It was so great! I got so many cute clothes, blankets, and stuffed animals for Connor! I also got my Timi and Leslie diaper bag and Britax stroller! Whoo hoo! Love them both! 

My co workers also gave me a baby shower this week! We had a potluck during lunch and everyone brought gifts! It was so nice! I got a lot of my bottles I had registered for, the bumbo and tray, a boppy, and lots of diapers and wipes! It was a very "functional" shower and needed everything that I got! I am so grateful for such a caring and loving work family!

I am still feeling good..no swelling or achyness at this point. Starting to get a little more tired though. And hot! I have always been so cold natured but now I feel like I stay hot! I thought being pregnant in the winter would help, but of course in Mississippi the weather is crazy and its 70-80 degrees in November and December! I'm hoping it will cool off soon. 

My 34 week MD appointment went really good. My Dr. said that everything was going really well. Connor's heart beat was 148 BPM. She was able to feel where exactly he was and thank goodness he is facing the right way for delivery! I kind of thought that he was since I always feel kicks in my ribs and sides but getting her to check made me feel much better about his positioning. Especially since it is getting so close to delivery time! I really want to be able to have a natural delivery, but if for some reason I end up needing to have a c-section that will be okay too. Whatever is going to be best for Connor will be the ultimate decision. I start going every week starting next week until delivery. This is getting more real every day! I'm so ready to meet our little Connor! 

Here are a few pics from my Hattiesburg Baby Shower

My Hostesses 

Jennifer, Me, and Mom...my face is so red from being HOT! 

Me (34 Weeks) and Whitney (22 Weeks)

Aunt Taff, Nana D, Mrs. Wanda, Whitney, Me, Jennifer, and GiGi

Amanda and Me

My diaper bag! Love it!!

My Stroller!

33 Weeks

This week was Thanksgiving! We had our family's Thanksgiving at mom's house for the first time this year and it turned out perfect. We have been going to my aunt and uncle's house in Forrest, MS for as long as I can remember for Thanksgiving, but since my uncle is sick my mom offered to have it her house. She ended up having around 26 people come which included aunts, uncles, and cousins. We had a great time with lots of good food! 

I'm still feeling pretty good. Working out is slacking off some because of the time change and holidays. I'm beginning to get a lot more tired after work and just want to come home and sit on the couch! Connor is continuously growing as my belly is getting bigger and bigger. His movements are getting much stronger as well and sometimes keeps me up at night because every time I move, he moves. I am anxious to know just how big he really is! I go back to my MD next Tuesday for my 34 week appointment so hopefully she can give me an idea of his size. 

Pregnancy Highlights: 

How Far Along: 33 weeks

Size of Baby: The size of head of a pineapple, 19-22 inches and 4.9 lbs

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained ~25-26 pounds. I go to the doctor next week so will know for sure then. 

Maternity Clothes: Bought a robe and house shoes today. Trying to get my hospital bag together so we will be prepared when the time comes!  

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Connor's movement is much stronger now that he is getting bigger!

Sleep: Sleep is beginning to vary. Some nights I sleep really good with no pain, other nights I wake up and can't get back to sleep because my mind starts racing about what all I need to do! 

Cravings/Aversions: Pretty much eating whatever I want now. No specific cravings. 

Emotions: Excited that we are getting so close to meeting Connor!  

What I Miss: My energy and drive for the gym. 

Symptoms: Mid back and low back pain are getting better but still there. Heart burn and indigestion come and go inconsistently. 

What I'm Looking Forward To: Baby showers coming up this weekend!

32 Weeks

Baby Connor is growing like crazy! At my last week's MD appt, My doctor told me that everything is going so good and that he is right on target in size. His heart rate was 135 BPM so it has slowed down a little bit because he has grown. It has been averaging around 145 BPM. I asked her about being induced because that seems to be a question I get asked a lot! She said that she would like to see me go to 39-40 weeks since I have done so well without any problems so we are going to look at her January on call schedule and go from there. Crazy to think that we only have 8 weeks to go! I am still feeling great overall. No swelling, minimal fatigue (which I contribute to this time change!), and no nausea. My back has it's good days and bad, but for the most part is not that bad. I'm still doing spin class, walking, and elliptical. Have slacked off on the power class here lately.

This weekend Brad and I went out to his parent's boat house at Big Bay and Brad played photographer :) I wanted to go out there to check out spots for our maternity session in a few weeks, but ended up taking a lot of pictures ourselves. He did so good! We are trying to decide now if we want our professional pictures to be taken at Big Bay or another place so the pictures will be different. Here are a few pics from our day.

Pregnancy Highlights: 

How Far Along: 32 weeks

Size of Baby: The size of honeydew, 19 inches, 4.5 pounds 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 25 pounds. Was hoping not to go over the 30 pound mark but it looks like Connor is in control now :)

Maternity Clothes: Haven't bought anything new in a while. With only 8 weeks to go, I'm really trying to hold off on buying them as long as I can!   

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Connor is so active all day long! I love feeling him move :) Such a neat feeling.

Sleep: Sleeping a lot better with a lot less back pain. Keeping my fingers crossed it will continue to stay this way. 

Cravings/Aversions: None. Kind of feel full all of the time at this point. Food just doesn't sound that good. 

Emotions: Anxious, excited, overwhelmed....just ready for him to get here!  

What I Miss: Nothing really. 

Symptoms: Mid back and low back pain are getting better but still there. Heart burn and indigestion come and go inconsistently. 

What I'm Looking Forward To: Meeting Connor :)

31 Weeks

We had a busy weekend! Jennifer and mom came to Hattiesburg to help me with the nursery! I got my furniture in a few weeks ago and finished painting it this week before they got to my house. They loved it! And I think it turned out pretty good, too! The rest of my bedding came in so Jennifer brought that this weekend as well. So now the bedding is complete! Brad and I made a big frame with Connor's name on it that is going to be hung over the crib. We still have to put hooks on it and hang it since it is kind of heavy. I bought my curtains that are going to be hung on the one blue wall in the room once Brad finishes painting. Hopefully this will get done this coming up week! We got lots of organization completed this weekend. We found drawer organizers for the baby changing dresser to help organize the wipes, diapers, bibs, burp clothes, etc. Jen and I found a way to organize the closet by size thanks to Pinterest! We bought wooden letter "O"'s and modge podged them with scrapbook paper then numbered them by 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months! They turned out so cute! Jennifer hung some of my frames on my wall that I still have to finish painting but at least now I know where they are going! So after shopping all day Saturday and Sunday and working all night Saturday and Sunday afternoon on the room I finally feel like the nursery is coming together! Needless to say, we were all exhausted by Sunday night! They were both such a big help this weekend with helping me to gather unique ideas, organize, and hang frames. We really don't have much left to do on the nursery and it will be complete! I'm holding off on posting pictures of the nursery until it is completely finished so be patient! They are coming soon! Thank you Jen and mom for all of your help!!! I love you both very much!

I was scheduled to have my maternity photo shoot this this week but due to bad weather they are being re-scheduled for the end of the month. Kind of happy since I really haven't prepared for the pictures! Still need to find an outfit!

Pregnancy Highlights: 

How Far Along: 31 weeks

Size of Baby: The size of head of lettuce, 18 inches, 3.2 pounds 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained ~23-24 pounds. I go to the doctor next week so will know for sure then. 

Maternity Clothes: Haven't bought anything new in a while. With only 8 weeks to go, I'm really trying to hold off on buying them as long as I can!   

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Connor is so active all day long! I love feeling him move :) Such a neat feeling.

Sleep: Sleeping a lot better with a lot less back pain. Keeping my fingers crossed it will continue to stay this way. 

Cravings/Aversions: None. Kind of feel full all of the time at this point. Food just doesn't sound that good. 

Emotions: Anxious, excited, overwhelmed....just ready for him to get here!  

What I Miss: Nothing really. 

Symptoms: Mid back and low back pain are getting better but still there. Heart burn and indigestion come and go inconsistently. 

What I'm Looking Forward To: Having the nursery finished! And hearing Connor's heart beat again at my next appointment :)

30 Weeks

I had my first baby shower for Connor this weekend! It was so much fun! It was in Meridian and primarily close friends and family. Jennifer designed the entire shower and it turned out so cute! She really put a lot of thought and hard work into making it perfect! The theme was "C is for Connor" so all of the food and decor started with a "C". My hostess' included my sister Jennifer and mom, my best friends, Lauren, Laura, and Meredith, and Cheryl, Gail, and Alice. I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life that care about me so much! The hostess' all went in together to get my infant car seat! What an awesome gift!! I also got a bouncer and swing, lots of clothes, bottles, bibs, diapers, and wipes! It was really a wonderful shower and I thank everyone for all they have done for me!

Hostesses

Mom, Me, Jennifer

Me, Rue, Leah, Rocki

Me, Lauren, Grayce Willow

BFF's Laura, Meredith, Me, Lauren

Mother in law, Daphne, and Sisteri in law , Whitney

Family Liza, Mom, Stacey, Me, Jennifer, Camelia, Cassandra

Liza, Me, Shari

Pregnancy Highlights: 

How Far Along: 30 weeks

Size of Baby: The size of head of lettuce, 18 inches, 3.2 pounds 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 23 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Scrub pants are finally getting a little snug. Still wearing them though. On the weekends, I wear my maternity tights which are so comfy! Thank goodness over sized silky shirts are in style because I have bought several of these to wear with my tights.  

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: All day long it seems like Connor is kicking and punching me!

Sleep: Sleep was a little better this week. I think I have just become exhausted though so that is helping.  Still sleep with lots of pillows around me to help support my back. 

Cravings/Aversions: Still really haven't had any crazy cravings/aversions. 

Emotions: Overwhelmed. Can't believe I'm down to the single digits now for Connor's arrival.  

What I Miss: Running. I have been doing the elliptical and power class 2-3x/wk (on a good week) but miss my running! 

Symptoms: Mid back and low back pain, heart burn, and indigestion. 

What I'm Looking Forward To: Finishing the nursery. Jennifer and mom are coming in town this weekend to help me decorate!