Week 38 and a 1/2

(I had to include one where I'm wearing a maternity outfit instead of the boring black and white regular outfit!)

How far along:  38 1/2 weeks

Best Moment of the Week:  Last week I had a great baby shower brunch with local friends from K's playgroups.  It was so much fun and we got all kinds of awesome gifts for our new little guy.  It was a completely different shower than I've ever had before.  The food was all maple themed because of the start of maple syrup season here and every present we received was made from organic, all natural products.  Several gifts were even wrapped in cloth instead of paper!  Very cool!  

Movement:  He’s slowing down a little now probably because he’s out of room.  He still stretches and moves quite a bit, but it’s not as sudden and jerky.     

Food Craving: Now that I’ve been on iron for a few weeks my ice cravings are gone.  No big cravings at the moment, although today we went out to brunch with some great friends at a Victorian Inn and had some of the best food I’ve had in my life!!!  K ate his fill too, eating as much or more than I did!  He surprises us like that at times. 

What I'm looking forward to: There are soooo many changes taking place right now.  Life is so crazy!!  At the moment I am just ready to meet this little guy and be done with pregnancy.  I love being pregnant, but the last month is soooo hard!  My list of complaints are: not being able to sleep well, back aches, not being able to bend over easily, etc., etc.  But who likes to hear all of the complaints?  On a positive note, people are even more friendly (if that’s possible in our state which I swear has the largest grouping of the friendliest people on earth!) when you’re huge with child.  I get help all the time—from the grocery store to the airlines to the doctor’s offices.  I will miss the special treatment once pregnancy is over.  ;-)

Weekly Wisdom:  A parent's love is whole no matter how many times divided.  ~Robert Brault

Big Brother:  Have I mentioned what a great helper he is lately???  Wow!  This week it seemed we had a doctor’s appt everyday trying to get everything in before I go into labor (K’s 2 year checkup, dermatology appt.’s, OB, and a couple others—our insurance is going to love us!).  Well, K made friends with everyone at every single appt.  From the nurses and doctors all the way to the other patients in the waiting room.  At one point he had 4 different people all playing cars with him.  It was a huge relief because it’s much harder for me to get on the floor and play with him myself at this point. 

Also this week at church, he took a spill and got a nasty rug burn that runs the whole length of his nose.  It looks absolutely terrible and will likely still be there for our first family pictures when our new little one arrives.  I feel so bad for him every time I look at him.  Poor little guy!  He was really tough though and handled it well.  He did catch a glimpse of himself in the mirror while we were brushing his teeth and stared for a long while at his road rash.  I don’t think he liked what he saw either. :-(  It was really cute to see him look so puzzled though!    

Weight:  Several people have asked about how much weight I’ve gained this pregnancy.  I've found that pregnancy affects every woman’s body differently and I’ve had friends that have gained 100 pounds and others that have gained 5 pounds and the shock of it all is that even those that have gained 100 pounds have had it all come back off after the baby comes.  Soooo…with that said, I’ve had a personal goal with each pregnancy to gain in the neighborhood of 20 pounds because for me it seems that weight doesn’t just pour back off of me when I want it to like it seems to for other people.  With K I gained 19 pounds and with this pregnancy I have gained 20 so far, but he’s not here yet, so who knows what the final number will be…  Honestly I don’t think my body could handle much more than that (see my list of complaints above).  

Hopefully my next post will be pictures of our new little guy... :-)  

The Belly Progress 35 1/2 Weeks

How far along:  35 1/2 weeks (Almost there!!  If he comes on K's schedule, I'll start labor in 2 weeks!)

Best Moment of the Week:  A special Valentine’s date with the best guy in the world!!

Doctor:  Started seeing the doctor weekly now and he says that everything is looking great!  I’m excited that this time around they will admit me as soon as I have regular, consistent contractions instead of waiting until I’m a 4 to admit me.  With K, 5 days of labor was not fun! 

Movement:  All the time and usually both sides of my stomach at the same time which looks weird if you’re watching my stomach.  This little guy loves to stretch and move. Good thing because K will need an active playmate!   

Food Craving: Ice and even snow!  I must be slightly anemic because I can’t stop eating the stuff.  My husband has been lecturing me about how bad it is on my teeth.  In my own defense, I have a great recipe that I think is easier on my teeth:  

1 cup of ice + 1 cup of water.  

Let stand for 10-20 minutes and then enjoy the soft crumbly ice.  

Mmmmmm.  Makes my mouth water just thinking of it.  Although the other night I did have one of my bizarre pregnancy dreams in which all my teeth fell out on one side because of chewing ice, so today I’m planning to pick up a bottle of iron since that’s a lot cheaper than fixing a broken tooth (or a whole mouth). 

What I'm looking forward to: Getting this baby out!  I’ve been sooooo uncomfortable lately.  Sleep at night is restless at best: waking at least 10 times to pee and tossing and turning to try and get comfortable.  Oh how I miss stomach sleeping!!  And my back has been screaming at me for all the strain.  

Weekly Wisdom:  A ship under sail and a big-bellied woman, are the handsomest two things that can be seen common.

~Benjamin Franklin
He obviously was not ever pregnant! ;-)

Big Brother:  Started K in a toddler gym class this week.  He LOVES it.  He played on the balance beams, trampoline, and swung on the rings.  It was so much fun to watch his eagerness.

We also started potty training this weekend.  We’re trying the 3 day potty training method and so far he’s done pretty well except that he doesn’t like to go poop in the potty, so we’re trying to figure out what to do with that.  He seems really proud of himself for peeing in it though!

The Name Game:  After months and months of trying different names, I think we may have found one that we love.  We just came up with the middle name this weekend and have to see if we still love it in a few more days, but it’s looking promising…

A Few Pregnancy Pics

Here are a few pregnancy pictures from this past week (33 weeks).  Honestly I'm starting to feel really uncomfortable now and wonder how I'll make it 6 1/2 more weeks...  We have been extremely busy the last 10 days with our little vacation, but have been having tons of fun.  I saw Kai off on the airplane this morning and will join him again next weekend :-(  It's going to be hard to be apart from him for almost a week, but I couldn't resist a little more warm weather and sunshine.  K loved the airport and watching the planes land and take off.  He screams "Pair Plane!!! Pair Plane!!!"  every time he sees one.  On our first plane ride of the trip, Airforce One landed at our airport and we were able to see the President board and then take off.  Very cool.  I don't know if K will remember it later or not, but we have pictures to remind him.  I'll try to post those another day...

K pointing out Mommy's baby...

 K showing me "his baby" in his tummy.  He always makes me smile!  

  

Our little beach bum.  

The Belly at 30 Weeks

How far along:  30 weeks (Oops!  I got ahead of myself last week.  I’m actually just over 30 weeks now.) 

Best Moment of the Week: Planning for our vacation in a couple of weeks.  Although everything has been overshadowed by the unexpected passing of my grandpa last week.  I’m working on a post regarding that, but I’ve been busy going through old pictures and mentally sorting through all the memories.  He was a great grandpa and will be greatly missed.  :-(  

Movement:  Honestly, it feels like he’s walking across my stomach all the time.  The weirdest feeling is when he moves his hands and feet at the same time and my stomach gets tickled all over from the inside.  I can’t wait to meet this little active guy!   

Food Craving: Healthy stuff!  After the holidays I don’t want to see any more junk!  Our fridge is stocked with fresh fruit and veggies.  Tonight we had veggie pitas with homemade cucumber dressing, chickpea and roasted veggie salad, and fruit salad.  Also had some Martinelli’s to drink in our pretty wine glasses. 

What I'm looking forward to: Family vacation soon!

Weekly Wisdom:  "You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment. ~ "Things That It Took Me 50 Years to Learn""

Author: Dave Barry

Big Brother:  LOVES trains!!  Even though we don’t have a TV, I’ve been letting K watch a few online Netflix movies of Thomas the Train once in a while.  It’s so cute to watch him get soooo excited about it.  He yells, “Choo Choo Train!!  Choo Choo Train!!”  I have no doubt he’ll introduce his baby brother to trains as soon as he arrives. 

The Name Game:  I think we have the first name picked, but now we’re trying to decide on the middle name…

Biggest Fear:  How do you divide your love between 2 kids??  I've been so nervous over making sure both kids know they are equally loved without loving either of them less, but I have no idea how I'm going to do that...

26 Weeks and the Belly

How far along:  26 weeks   

Best Moment of the Week: Today!  Spent the day as a family and took K to see Santa.  He didn’t do very well this year though.  He screamed and ran away from him.  So, we all sat on Santa’s lap in order to get a decent picture ;-)  Also paid for a full day’s admission into the enormous bounce house exhibit in the mall for K—to which he also was not interested.  Note to self—schedule a long nap before attempting new things.  Still, even though K was not excited to try new things today, he absolutely adores Kai and I being with him together all day.  It always makes me smile to see him so happy. 

Movement:  A lot of rolling!  I feel a butt or foot stick out all the time and I love it!  

Food Craving: Christmas cookies!!  I made some yesterday and decorated them today.  Such fun times with K!  Finally after years of trying and failing, I actually made a great batch!!!  Martha is a genius--again!     

What I'm looking forward to: Kai’s mom coming to visit next week and Christmas of course!  Also, I’m almost into my 3^rd trimester—whoa!  Where did the time go??

Weekly Wisdom:  A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.
-- Author Unknown

Big Brother:  My favorite thing he does lately is when he comes up, pats my belly, and says, “Baby!!” in a singsong voice. 

His favorite thing to do is read, read, read!  He loves books lately, which makes me soooo happy because up until a few months ago he showed very little interest.  Being a teacher before having K I know how important reading is for kids, but he wouldn’t sit still for stories.  I worried a little about it, but didn’t push it.  I figured when he was ready he would let us know.  Now he brings us book after book to read to him and absolutely loves story time--especially if the book includes an airplane or a digger!

Nursery: The second convertible crib has been purchased and we are thinking about the bedding options.  I love the bedding set we have for K and since they will be eventually sharing rooms, I looked for more of the same bedding, but since Babies R Us seems to retire every collection after a year or two, I can’t find it anywhere L  So…we’re still considering several things.  I might buy baby K some neutral bedding that would match the colors of the already loved aeronautical theme or we may go with something completely different…

The 23 Week Belly

How far along:  23 weeks   (I'm starting to get the feeling of having a beach ball in my belly when I bend over!)

Best Moment of the Week: Putting up our Christmas tree on Sunday!  Yes, it's way too early, but I really couldn’t wait and after a little begging and pleading, I convinced Kai to bring in the decoration boxes :-D  

BTW, we get another peek at our little guy tomorrow!!  I can hardly wait!  Maybe this time I’ll get around to scanning in the u/s pictures to share them.  I miss LLUMC and how they put them on a cd for us.  It made it so much easier to share online.  Oh well, enough complaining, I will definitely try to make it a priority ;-) 

Movement:  All the time!    

Food Craving: Nothing too out of the ordinary.  Lots of citrus still.   

What I'm looking forward to: My mom coming to visit, maternity clothes shopping this weekend, Black Friday, and seeing our little guy tomorrow! 

Weekly Wisdom:  Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be.
-- Carrie Fisher

Big Brother:  He’s becoming so helpful!  He has been “helping” me cook in the kitchen and loves it.  He’s also pretty independent.  If I take something away from him that he’s not supposed to have and set it on the kitchen counter, he’ll push a chair over, climb up, and retrieve it.  I tried not to laugh the first time he pulled that stunt, but it was hard.  Now I’m getting more creative. 

Our biggest battle right now is that he’s been trying to skip nap time every day for the last couple of weeks.  I gave in and figured he was done with naps, but the dr. said that he needed it and I needed to let him cry it out.  It’s agonizing to hear him cry it out, but I know he needs it.  He was a perfect napper until a few weeks ago.  So now I'm praying for strength and am very happy that the baby monitor has a volume control.  

Nursery: We’re going to pick out a few things this weekend…  

The Belly--21 1/2 weeks

Do you see the growing bump??  Here's last time's progress.  I think I'm definitely bigger this time around.  

How far along:  21 1/2 weeks   

Best Moment of the Week: Finding out that after our big scare, everything is okay with our little guy.  Saw the doctor twice last week and got the gold star both times :-)  We have an ultrasound scheduled again next week, so we’ll get another peek and verify either the 85% or 15%.  Woo hoo!

Also, we had a great date this weekend.  We went and saw the TSO, which was a lot different than what we expected, but we still had a good time.  We ate some great food, visited a new state, and started the Christmas season in our home.  Yes, the Christmas tunes are now playing regularly.  I’ll wait to decorate a little longer though. 

Movement:  This little guy is a strong kicker just like his older brother!  He kicks K incessantly when he’s sitting on my lap for story time.  I think feeling the baby move is probably my favorite part of pregnancy.    

Food Craving: Korean and Mexican food together also known as Kogi.  It’s way better than it sounds!!

What I'm looking forward to: My mom is coming for Thanksgiving in a week and a half!  I can hardly wait to see her!  We’re also planning to buy a few big things this year on Black Friday, so I’m gearing up for that (hoping we can get a few baby deals too).  I LOVE Black Friday!!  Though this year will be much colder!

Weekly Wisdom:  A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.

-- Author Unknown

Big Brother:  I just have to share a super cute thing that K does all the time lately--SING!!  When we do our nightly routine of singing before bedtime, he has been singing along and doing the hand motions.  And when we're listening to music, or even when he's just playing, he'll belt out the tunes!   It's the cutest thing ever!!  

Nursery: We’ve been debating having the boys share a room or just giving them separate rooms.  Also in the debate is whether to get another crib or give K a big boy bed now.  I go back and forth about both of these things almost every week.  If you have any words of wisdom on either of these issues, please feel free to share!  

The Belly Update--20 Weeks

How far along:  20 weeks (5 months!) 

Baby Size:  He’s about 10 inches long now—crown to feet.  I'm at that awkward stage where it looks like I'm putting on weight, but you can't tell for sure that I'm pregnant.  Not yet in maternity clothes, but the jeans are starting to get tight so it probably won't be too much longer.  I may pull out my Bella Band soon...

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing our little guy on ultrasound!!!

Movement:  All the time!  This little guy hardly sleeps…hmmm hope it’s not a sign of things to come. 

Food Craving: Grapefruit!  Seems like I can’t get enough lately.

What I'm looking forward to: We’re heading to a Halloween parade tomorrow night that everyone here says is the best ever.  They also promise that K will not be scared because it’s not a scary parade, so we’re willing to give it a try.   

Also Kai is taking me to a Trans Siberian Orchestra concert next weekend to kick off the holiday season!!  I am sooooo excited!   

Weekly Wisdom:  “Having a baby is like getting a tattoo on your face. You really need to be certain it’s what you want before you commit.”
--Taken from Eat, Pray, Love (which I’m reading right now)

Big Brother:  K just might understand that there is a baby growing in my tummy.  Lately he has been coming up, rubbing my belly, saying “baby”, and then giving me a big hug.  It’s one of the sweetest things! 

He will be an astronaut for Halloween on Sunday.  His little outfit is pretty cute.  I wish that I could have found a cool astronaut helmet, but he probably wouldn’t have kept it on anyway, so I have to settle for a hat.  Pictures to follow later.  

The Belly Update--17 Weeks

How far along:  17 weeks

Next week we could find out the gender, but I will be out of town, so we’ll be finding out in 2 WEEKS!!!!   I can hardly wait!  The suspense is killing me!!

Best Moment of the Week: Had my monthly checkup yesterday and heard the little one’s heartbeat!  It was 160 again, so…???  Also found a new hair stylist and am very happy.  After over 10 years of Aveda salons, they’re all I trust.  I did a search on their webpage, had 3 options and am very happy with the one I chose.  No more mom hair.  Okay, maybe still a little because I’m trying to let it grow out again.   Oh and we got our family pictures done this morning.  I'll post some as soon as I get them!  Busy week!

Movement: Tons!!!  Especially at night!  The kicks and rollings are getting stronger and more frequent.  Another active little one!  Kai could feel the baby a lot this week too.  It's so fun to have him be more a part of this now!

Food Craving: None.  I'm perfect and never have cravings.  Okay, major confession...I was getting my prenatal vitamin prescription filled and saw Skittles on sale.  I hardly ever eat these (honestly it's been years), but I had a seriously strong craving all of the sudden so I bought 2 packs, and enjoyed them both.  Yikes!  Can’t do that very often!  Although I have this to say about that:  Why purple ones???  Personally I love the reds and can't get enough, but I had to leave all the purple's in the pack because they made me sick.  Okay, so maybe it was the fact that I ate 2 packs of Skittles that made me sick.  If you love purples, we'd get along great.  I'll trade you purples for your reds :-)  

What I'm looking forward to: Heading to MI to be with Kai’s mom as she’s recovering.  Looking forward to seeing her and spending some quality time.  Also looking forward to seeing some friends and family while I’m there. 

Weekly Wisdom: Pregnant women! They had that weird frisson, an aura of magic that combined awkwardly with an earthy sense of duty. Mundane, because they were nothing unique on the suburban streets; ethereal because their attention was ever somewhere else. Whatever you said was trivial. And they had that preciousness which they imposed wherever they went, compelling attention, constantly reminding you that they carried the future inside, its contours already drawn, but veiled, private, an inner secret.
-- Ruth Morgan

The Belly--Week 16

How far along:  16 weeks (4 months!!) 

Baby Size:  Supposedly it’s the size of an avocado.  I’m saying it’s one BIG avocado because I feel larger everyday!

Best Moment of the Week: Boston in the Fall!  LOVE that place! 

Movement:  I’ve been busy this week with family here, so I haven’t been as in tune as I would like to be.  Still feeling the flutters, but when I’m running around I don’t notice them as much.

Food Craving: Had fresh apple cider, fresh apples, and fresh apple cider donuts.  Yummmm! Definitely a fall favorite. 

What I'm looking forward to: A lazy week.  Had family here for 2 weeks (such fun times!) and I’m planning to head back soon to be with Kai’s mom as she recovers from surgery.  I have to do this trip alone and I’m not looking forward to the long drive or being a “single” mom for the time I’m away (as I’ve said before:  Kai is a great dad and helps so much with K), but I'm looking forward to helping her through this tough time.  So this week will be as relaxed and normal as I can make it apart from my OB appt, hair appt, and family pictures. 

Weekly Wisdom:  Life is always a rich and steady time when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch.
-- E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

Big Brother:  K got to know Grandma and Papa a lot more this week!!  His new favorite word is “Papa” which he says all the time.  They will be missed.  

The Belly Progress

How far along:  14 Weeks

Best Moment of the Week: Our trip to NYC!  We had so much fun and I completely am in love with that city (I am in love with several other cities too). 

Food Craving: Over the weekend while in NYC, I had an intense craving for Japanese food.  Thankfully Kai succumbed and we ate at a little Japanese restaurant on Saturday night.  I had udon noodle soup, miso soup, and veggie sushi.  It was divine!!

What I'm looking forward to:  Kai’s brother flies in tonight and will be here for a week!  We’re all looking forward to seeing him again.  I’ll be preparing his very belated birthday present: a complete turkey dinner using a to-die-for recipe I found last year before Thanksgiving.  He really only wanted a Thanksgiving meal for his birthday (which was way back in April and found us is Madagascar, then graduation as soon as we got back, then his hospitalization, and our moving…)  Yeah, it’s been a crazy few months!! So I’m getting a little practice before Thanksgiving this year and I just might share the recipe on my blog in a few days…

Movement:  I think I may have felt the new little one.  I know it’s early, but I felt K early too and Kai felt K regularly a couple of weeks after I first felt him.  So, I will have to wait and see if the flutters continue and strengthen and then I’ll know for sure. 

Biggest Pain of the Week:  My tailbone!  Sometimes I end up walking like an old lady for a few brief moments because of the sharp pain.  I’m pretty sure it’s just the shifting, pulling, and stretching that comes with pregnancy. 

Weekly Wisdom: There are three reasons for breast-feeding: the milk is always at the right temperature; it comes in attractive containers; and the cat can't get it. 
-- Irena Chalmers

Yes, I’m still b/f and plan to keep it up until the next one arrives.  There are so many great reasons for it.  If you want to know more check out:  http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html

The Belly Pictures Begin

How far along: 13 Weeks

This week brings me officially out of the first trimester and into the “honeymoon” period of the 2 ^nd trimester! Wahoo!

Best Moment of the Week: Kasen has been sleeping longer lately and graced me several 3 hour naps and 11 hour nights! It’s starting to make me think I may be able to do this mom-of-two thing in a few more months.

Movement: Not yet. It’s still a little early.

Food Craving: Still all healthy...luckily. Although a friend had us over for dinner on Monday and made an amazing quiche that I’ve been craving ever since!

What I'm looking forward to: We are headed to New York City today for continuing ed. We will be taking a long weekend and back on Sunday!!

Comparison: To see pictures from my last pregnancy click here to compare. Yup, I'm already bigger, sadly.

I borrowed this format from a blog I love: http://heatherhelvey.blogspot.com/

Final Belly Picture

Yesterday I was officially 40 weeks, so here is my last belly picture post. Kasen was 8 days old and as cute as ever. I'm happy to be done with the bi weekly pictures of my belly progress, but it was fun to watch the progression. Click here to see the whole progression from start to finish.

40 Weeks