39 Weeks

Happy October!!!!

This little girl will be here THIS month! 

39 weeks. I can't believe that there's just ONE week until my due date! I'm beyond ready to meet this little girl. Each week that I get closer to my due date, just gets harder and harder on me. Pregnancy is an amazing thing, and besides being really sick for months. I have really enjoyed it. It is defiantly a blessing being able to carry a child and I have defiantly tried my best not to complain about to much. But these last few weeks are bringing on their own set of challenges. Not only do I feel stretched to the max, but she seems pretty comfortable in there and her kicks and punches are sometimes pretty painful which only adds to all the other pains I feel. I hope you're comfy because I had a pretty eventful day yesterday....


I went back and forth about whether or not I'd share this. But I decided I would since this is my pregnancy journey and being a first time mom, I really don't know what to expect! 
Wednesday morning I woke up feeling pretty crappy. I felt sick to my stomach and had back pains along with what felt like period cramps that started to come and go. But I had a chiropractor appointment in the morning so I figured I just needed adjusted. Well afterwards I did feel better. But around the afternoon the pains came back pretty frequently and I did start to wonder what was going on. I felt more sick and really dizzy than before. For the past few weeks I have been getting Braxton hicks contractions. But they haven't really hurt or bothered me, until yesterday. They were starting to get a little more painful than before. And wouldn't stop. I know that I wasn't in true labor but I was just feeling really off. So I called my doctor and told them everything I was feeling. Also, I noticed that she wasn't moving as much as she usually does..so that was kind of a concern too. And they decided that it was best that I go to the hospital to get monitored to see what was going on. So I called Caleb and he left work early to pick me up. And we headed to the hospital. So I got hooked up to all the machines which was super fun...but as soon as they put the straps on my belly, she went crazy and starting kicking them. It was hard for them to get them in the right place because of her. Finally she calmed down and they got them on right. Obviously, I wasn't in labor. But my blood pressure was pretty high and I was having contractions that were registering but they weren't intense or had a pattern. So after about 2 hours we were sent home after my blood pressure returned to normal. I was kind of embarrassed that it was more of a false alarm, but my doctor said something that made me feel a lot better. She said that I did the right thing coming in because even though I'm a first time mom, I know myself better than anyone else and could tell I just didn't feel right. And she said that even though I'm not in labor yet, it's getting close. The baby's head is lower and things are thinning out down there. So I really hope she is going to come soon. I'm still feeling pretty crappy and having on and off pains with a lot of pressure. 

Now that was a pretty lengthy update about one day...here's the weekly one :) 

How far along? 39 Weeks

Total weight gain: 27+ I haven't gained anything this past month. Which is odd since she's gaining weight every week! 

Maternity clothes? Defiantly! I don't think I could survive without them! Also yoga pants and leggings. 

Stretch marks? Not yet! They say you can get them in the last few weeks...so I'm hoping I don't. I'm constantly putting Vitamin E oil on my stomach. But my stomach has felt super sore so I'm not sure if they'll show up or not. 

Sleep: After my crazy day one Wednesday...I got the best sleep I have in months! I actually slept for about 4.5 hours straight! I don't really feel rested, but it was so nice not waking up every hour or two. 

Best moment of this week: A few things that we've been praying for have come our way! Even though I blog, I'm still pretty private what happens in my day to day life. But I'm just feeling really blessed this week. And of course it's the week before my due date! So it's just exciting. 

Miss anything? I'm honestly so ready to have my body back. Between being super uncomfortable 24/7 now and just feeling large, I have hit the point where I'm done. I'm sure most moms at this stage will agree! 

Movement: Yes! And goodness is she one strong little girl. My entire belly is constantly sore lately, and I assume it's because of her constantly moving and jabbing her limbs everywhere she possibly can. Little one, I know there's not enough room in there but please be nice to you momma. 

Food cravings: None. I honestly don't even care for food. But I do find myself extremely thirsty and craving drinks. Probably explains why I haven't gained to much. I really can only stomach three small meals. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: As long as I avoid meat I'm okay. But I just don't have an appetite. 

Gender: A little princess! 

Labor signs: Braxton hicks contractions. And the doctor confirmed that she has dropped! So last week I defiantly wasn't just seeing things. I know "dropping" really doesn't mean labor is about to happen. But it's a good sign that she's getting into the right position! But I'm of course praying it means she'll be here soon. And also all the things I explained earlier. 

Symptoms:  Pressure! And a lot of it. I may have a small pregnancy swag going on lately. But with her head pretty down low and also pressing on my bladder, it's a bit uncomfortable to walk. These past few days I have been getting headaches. Which is something new because I haven't gotten a single headache since I've been pregnant. 

Belly button in or out? It seems to be out/flat

Wedding rings on or off? Off...I have a different ring that I'll wear out. Oh how I can't wait to wear my rings again! 

Happy or moody most of the time: I'm seriously a basket full of emotions lately. Anything makes me teary eyed! I'm super moody too. My poor husband seems to get all of it. And I know it's not his fault, but for some reason him sleeping at night just really makes me mad! Ok, I know the reason. Because I'm awake and he's happily sleeping! 

Looking forward to: To meeting this little girl! Seriously little lady, you can come like now ^_^ 

<3  

DIY Headband Holder

Ever since I found out I was having a girl, I knew I wanted to be crafty because there are so many little crafts for baby girl's nurseries that I just adore! Ever since I spotted headband holders on Pinterest. I HAD to make it. Now a little fact about me that you probably don't know. I'm not crafty. At all. I try but I just have little patience. Especially being a person who likes things to look perfect...and I don't meet my own standards. It's usually a disaster when I try to make something. I'm surrounded by so many crafty people that you'd think I'd catch on.

Well being 9 months pregnant sure has brought out a side in me that I feel the need to try new things. Well more like I'm determined to do certain things. This weekend I decided that I was going to tackle my first craft project all by myself. Not even a hint of self doubt entered my mind. Gosh...pregnant woman can be pretty scary sometimes. 

So on Saturday I set out to buy the few things I needed. Plus a million other errands I needed to run. It's so amazing what you can accomplish with little energy, but the feeling of you HAVE to do things. 

I followed these directions. There are quite a few different variations and you can pretty much add whatever flair you want to the holder. But I decided to just keep it simple until I knew what I was doing. 

At my baby shower, there was a headband making station set up. So everyone made her a headband. That gave me even more motivation to make a holder because I didn't want to just put them in drawer! 

*Bare with me, crafting directions are a little out of my comfort zone. But I'm learning! 

Everything you'll need: 

• 1 Oatmeal Can
• Hot glue gun
• Mod Podge and brush
• Candlestick
• Fabric
• Scissors 

I removed the label off the can. You can paint it if your fabric is thin. But I had quite a lot of fabric that I just doubled mine instead. 

Lay the fabric out with the right side down, and place the can centered. Make sure you line up your fabric if you are using one with a print. 

• Make sure you glue the fabric to the can so it holds it in place. Using hot glue...I made the mistake of using the mod podge for this and it didn't work out to well. Just a piece of advice!

• The next steps I forget to take pictures of. Just because for me, was a complete mess until I figured it out.

• You want to hot glue down the fabric on the top on bottom. Then add mod podge over top to make sure they stay. (I decided to use mod podge instead of hot glue at first...hey I'm learning here!)

• Then you'll want to cover the lid as well. Make sure when cutting out a circle for it, you make the circle bigger then the lid so you have enough to glue down.

 

• After the middle is mostly dry. You will want to hot glue the candle stick to the bottom. Be careful since the cardboard can be a little flimsy, you don't want to press to hard or it could go through the can.                                  

• Once you add the base, your lid should be dry to be able to put it on top. 

The finished product!! 

Seriously, this was super easy once I figured out I was the one making mistakes. But now that I know what to do. I could probably make another one in no time at all. 

Some people will glue the top on. But tiny headbands aren't going to fit around the can so I'm using the instead for storage for smaller headbands. 

Cheers! <3 

What's in My Hospital Bag

I have FINALLY finished packing my hospital bag. It's only taking me a few weeks. I think I started it about a month ago. But I've been so indecisive on what to bring. So I finally decided that if I happen to need anything, our hospital is super close to our house and stores. So no need to sweat the small details. 

I seriously love this Thirty-One duffel bag. My mother-in-law is a Thirty-One consulted and she gave us this bag as a gift. Of course it had to have our last name on it! 

ANYWAYS here is what I am bringing with us. There is also things that I didn't take pictures of but I'll note them down below. Just like with our baby's hospital bag, I may have overpacked and won't use half the stuff I bring. But I'll know for next time. And I'll defiantly write a post about what we ended up using and what we didn't need. 

 Pictured Above: Breast Pads, Pads, Nipple Balm, & Spray bottle.

I did learn that my hospital provides breast pads, and they give me a recovery goodie bag that will have pads and stuff. But I bought these before I knew, so I'll take them just because. 

Pictured Above: Shampoo & Conditioner, q-tips(mainly for hubby because he HAS to use them everyday) Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, body wash, deodorant, lip balm, and face wash. 

The necessities. I read that showering after giving birth is amazing. And I wanted to be able to shower with my own products. All found at Target. 

 Pictured Above: Towels and washcloths. 

Because hospitals weird me out, I want to bring my own towels and washcloths. Plus mine are super soft. Also I LOVE Norwex body cloths, I use them for my face and they remove eye makeup so well. Defiantly needed. 

Pictured Above: Super soft robe- Found at Target.

I plan to wear this robe after labor and delivery. I figured I'll want something soft and comfortable, but cute for when we have visitors. And I also do not want to spend the entire time in a hospital gown. 

Pictured Above: Yes this is my makeup bag.

Yes I plan to wear makeup

and yes I probably sound crazy. 

Pictured Above: Ipad, Macbook Air, & Charger

I have specific apps on my iPad that I plan on helping me relax during labor. And I'm bringing my Mac for the same reason. *Not pictured-Our phones of course! 

Pictured Above: Pillow and blanket

These are mainly for my hubby, so he will have some things to keep him comfortable for our overnight stay. 

Not Pictured

1. Clothes for my husband

2. My outfit that I'm wearing to go home in

3. Underwear( Because who wants to see that?) 

4. Flip Flops to shower in

This is what I've decided to bring. And our bags are all packed up and waiting for the big day! 

Cheers! <3 

38 Weeks

38 weeks
2 weeks to go
14 days!!!!

Happy 1st day of Fall!! I love fall. Just the season is so pretty with the changing leaves, all of the pumpkin and fall flavors, and of course we will have a fall baby! So much excitement for this time of year. 

I don't know how much bigger this girl is going to get, but my insides literally feel like there's no room left. And I really hope she comes soon. But I do know that being a first time mom that it's very common to go past the due date. And she will come on her own time. 


Monday night was my last night teaching dance until she's here. I love teaching, but when you are off balance and have a bowling ball infant of you. It just isn't fun. Plus I can't move like I normally would and well, you get the idea. I can't wait to go back to the studio though! And bring her with me of course. 

Lately I've been feeling pretty heavy and huge. So at dance I decided to take a picture and compare. 

The picture on the left was just 3 weeks ago. And the one on the right was Monday. There's a difference but not what I expected! I feel like I LOOK smaller and my belly is just pointing out more. It's so crazy how much your body changes during pregnancy.

How far along? 38 Weeks

Total weight gain: 27+

Maternity clothes? Defiantly! I don't think I could survive without them! 

Stretch marks? Not yet! They say you can get them in the last few weeks...so I'm hoping I don't. I'm constantly putting Vitamin E oil on my stomach. But my stomach has felt super sore so I'm not sure if they'll show up these last few weeks. 

Sleep: I don't even know that word means anymore. 

Best moment of this week: Caleb and I spent the day together in Gettysburg. Just shopping and wondering around. Since it's going to be a long time before we will just have us time. I know we will make time for us, but it'll just be different. We won't be able to wake up one morning and be like spur of the moment we are taking a day trip. 

Miss anything? SLEEP! Seriously...I can't even sleep for two straight hours. And don't even dare to tell me to get used to it at this point because I probably will just look at you like you're crazy. 

Movement: Yes! And I've noticed that she moves more when her daddy is around. During the day if he's working, she's pretty calm. But as soon as he gets home she has a party. It's honestly so adorable. 

Food cravings: None. I honestly don't even care for food. But I do find myself extremely thirsty and craving drinks. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: As long as I avoid meat I'm okay. 

Gender: A sweet baby girl! 

Labor signs: Braxton hicks contractions. I have been feeling some minor cramping. But I don't really think they're signs. I'm sure this girl is going to come when we least expect it. 

Symptoms:  Achy back...I even have gone to the chiropractor but it only helps a little bit. Super stuffy and runny nose. I sound like I'm sick all the time. And I have to pee ALL the time now. 

Belly button in or out? It seems to be out/flat

Wedding rings on or off? Off...I have a different ring that I'll wear out. But I'm so scared that my fingers will randomly swell and I won't be able to get my wedding & engagement ring off...

Happy or moody most of the time: I'm seriously a basket full of emotions lately. Anything makes me teary eyed! 

Looking forward to: To meeting this little girl! Seriously little lady, you can come like now ^_^ 

<3  

Third Trimester Must Haves

As I'm almost done being pregnant(wow that felt weird to type) I decided to make a list of third trimester must haves. Just like this one I did for the second trimester. The third trimester can be the ultimate challenge out of all the trimesters. With the aches and pains, lack of sleep, huge belly, and the urge to pee ALL THE TIME. But you have to remember, you're in the final home stretch and soon it will all be a distant memory when you're holding your sweet little baby. 

If you got through the first trimester, you can get through the third! 


These are things that I have found helpful for me in these last few months.   



Third Trimester Must Haves

1. Vitamin E Oil- I have noticed that my belly is the most itchy thing ever in the last trimester, which obviously makes sense because that's when it stretches the most. Along with it being itchy, it'll feel super sore, almost bruised and putting lotion on just makes it worse. The oil is nice because it just glides on. I use this morning and night. And sometimes throughout the day if it's bothering me. Currently I don't have any stretch marks! Hopefully that continues. 

2. Yoga Pants and Comfy Shirts- When I'm at home, I live in comfortable pants and shirts. You have a growing belly that is uncomfortable most of the time, so it's a good idea to invest in comfortable but cute clothes. Plus you will want them after the baby is here.

3. Flip Flops- If you're lucky like me, and get to be pregnant during the summer, shoes will become pretty hot and uncomfortable. Also since swelling happens during these last months you will want shoes that don't squeeze your feet. Also, have you ever tried to tie shoes while being 8-9 months pregnant? It's almost impossible and it's better to just go with shoes that slip on. 

4. Raspberry Leaf Tea- There is a lot of information about the benefits of drinking this tea in  your third trimester. First of all, NO it does NOT bring on labor...it seriously bothers me so much when people say it does. It tones and prepares your uterus for delivery and can help shorten labor. Now for some it doesn't work, which is fine. Of course I haven't found out if it works for me or not. If it does, great, if it doesn't, great. At least I tried! 

5. Tums- Horrible heartburn...need I say more? 

6. Cheese Sticks- Or any healthy snack. Because when you have a growing baby taking up all of the room, there's not much space for your stomach. And eating big meals just doesn't sound as appealing. It's best to stock up and healthy snacks! My favorite is cheese sticks because they have calcium and protein. 

7. Kleenex- I carry tissues with me everywhere because my nose is constantly running. Between allergies and pregnancy related symptoms I don't have much of a break. Most pregnant woman complain of stuffy & runny noses in their third trimester. So it's best to have these handy. 

8. Cute Water Bottle- I have such an unquenchable thirst, I feel like I can't drink enough. Apparently it's normal this late in pregnancy. So I got a cute water bottle since I would be using it 24/7. Plus it's super important to stay hydrated. 

9. A Treat- You've dealt with morning sickness, fatigued, embarrassing symptoms, and etc. You deserve to treat yourself. My treat of choice would be Starbucks. I crave their iced coffees ALL the time. I tried making them at home, but it's just not the same. My little girl is addicted to Starbucks...and she isn't even born yet! I don't have one everyday, but probably once a week. 

37 Weeks

I really can't believe that I'm going to type this but...

I'm FULL TERM!! 
Once you reach 37 weeks you're considered full term. Oh my goodness. I'm incredibly anxious, excited, nervous, happy, ecstatic, and etc. I'm so full of emotions that one minute I'm more than ready for her to be here and then the next I freak out and not ready at all. But I really can't wait for her to finally be here. Time has flown by, but yet it seems like forever. 

I have no clue when she will come. Most likely I'll go over 40 weeks because typically first time moms do. I would love for her to be here sooner. But it's defiantly not up to me! I feel like these next few weeks are kind of bittersweet. Being 9 months pregnant is hard. There are days where I feel like I can be pregnant and not complain. But then I have super hard days where everything hurts, I feel so sick, and everything makes me want to cry. Not to mention a belly that is big and makes doing simple things a chore lately. But I know in just a few weeks, she'll be here and all the discomforts will be a distant memory. 

How far along? 37 Weeks

Total weight gain: 27+

Maternity clothes? Defiantly! I don't think I could survive without them! 

Stretch marks? Not yet! They say you can get them in the last few weeks...so I'm hoping I don't. I'm constantly putting Vitamin E oil on my stomach.

Sleep: HA! I wish. It's been getting worse. Between waking up to pee. And now being completely uncomfortable. It's impossible. 

Best moment of this week: We had our hospital tour, and it just made everything seem even more real. I even got emotional while we were there and had to fight back tears. The reality that we will be meeting our daughter very soon is just an overwhelming and unreal feeling. We also learned that our hospital has a brand new maternity wing that's opening October 1st. So most likely we will be in a new part!

Miss anything? Being comfortable, and I'd love to just not have to pee so much. Seriously. 

Movement: Yes! She is such a mover. All day long I feel her squirming around. Even when they're painful I still don't mind. I'm realizing that I defiantly am going to miss feeling her in my belly. 

Food cravings: Nope. I have not had an appetite at all...Even when I get hungry I just don't care for anything. And when I'm eating something I'll feel pretty nauseous. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: It seems like having no appetite and being queasy are here to stay. I have lost my appetite so much that I have turned down my beloved breakfast foods, pizza, and pasta...I just can't eat much. I will feel hungry, but just not in the mood to eat. I didn't know that was a third trimester thing. 

Gender: A sweet baby girl! 

Labor signs: Braxton hicks contractions that have started to become a little more frequent and kind of painful. I have been having lower back pain, that comes and goes. And feeling a lot more pressure. Not sure if those are signs or not! But its defiantly things I haven't felt before. 

Symptoms:  Achy back, hips and ribs, pressure down there when walking, runny nose..like constantly. Horrible heartburn...as in acid comes up my throat. Disgusting.  

Belly button in or out? It seems to be out.... 

Wedding rings on or off? Off...I have a different ring that I'll wear out. But I'm so scared that my fingers will randomly swell and I won't be able to get my wedding & engagement ring off...

Happy or moody most of the time: I defiantly have mood swings...But it really depends on the day and how I'm feeling. 

Looking forward to: Uhhhh this little girl will be here NEXT month!!!!!!!!!!! I'm SO anxious to meet her that I just want her here now! 

<3  

36 Weeks

36 weeks...only 4 to go...say what?! 
Little miss is the size of a honeydew and for some reason that just sounds adorable. She's currently packing on the body fat and all of her organs are fully functioning!
And I'm in my last full month of being pregnant...
Can I just explain how unreal that feels. Like I'm pretty sure we just announced I was pregnant...last month. 

I am SO ready for her to be here. 

They say the last month of pregnancy is the longest. But I really feel like it's going to fly by as my excitement only builds that I will soon be holding her in my arms <3 











How far along? 36 Weeks

Total weight gain: 25+ I finally paid attention at the doctors. But I haven't gained any weight for about 3 weeks now. They said my weight gain would be little to none at this point. So no concerns there! 

Maternity clothes? Defiantly! Mainly all of my tops are maternity because they just flatter a bump better. If I'm home I've been living in yoga pants and leggings. 

Stretch marks? Not yet! Still applying Vitamin E oil and Palmer's Stretch mark lotion every morning and night. I do have a little red mark where my belly button ring used to be. I'm not sure if it's a stretch mark or not. But I don't really consider it since it looks like a dot. 

Sleep: HA! I wish. It's been getting worse. Between waking up to pee. And now being completely uncomfortable. It's impossible. 

Best moment of this week: Finding out that she FINALLY moved head down! At our last ultrasound a few weeks ago, we learned that she was head up..and still was last week. Well sometime between last week and today she moved head down and into position! Praise God because this was something that was seriously starting to concern me. I know, I know, babies can flip even when labor starts. But it's a huge relief knowing she's turned. Now she just needs to stay that way! 

Miss anything? Being comfortable, not being so hot all the time, and getting a full nights sleep (which I know isn't in my future anytime soon) OH! and sleeping on my belly. I have always been a stomach sleeper, so I can't wait for that. 

Movement: Yes! She is one active little girl. Not to mention that her movements have been getting more strong which is pretty painful at times. And her little feet are in my ribs...it is really painful and I'm pretty sure she's going to bruise them. Guess she's going to be a little dancer with her strong legs ^_^ 

Food cravings: Nothing really this week. I still prefer ice cream, but I wouldn't say I'm craving it. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: I've been getting nauseous again...I think it's because I switched my prenatal vitamins...I should learn to just stick with what works. 

Gender: A sweet baby girl! 

Labor signs: Braxton hicks contractions that have started to become a little more frequent and kind of painful. But it's all a good sign that my body is preparing itself for labor and delivery. 

Symptoms:  Super stuffy nose and just feeling really off. Aching back almost all day. And completely exhausted. 

Belly button in or out? It's still an innie-outie but more on the flat side. But it pops out when she's laying right there or pushing it out. 

Wedding rings on or off? Off...I have a different ring that I'll wear out. But I'm so scared that my fingers will randomly swell and I won't be able to get my wedding & engagement ring off...

Happy or moody most of the time: Lately I've been kind of more moody...but that's because I'm SO uncomfortable and tired. Can you blame me?! 

Looking forward to: Uhhhh this little girl will be here NEXT month!!!!!!!!!!!

<3