Week 32 Update

This week has not been the greatest.  Jordan got sick from his hospital, passed it to me, and then I spread it to a few of my co-workers.  Blah!!  I never realized how horrible it is to be pregnant and sick. I had to call out this weekend because I was feeling so awful.  Major congestion and phlegm, coughing,  and extreme tiredness.  I was so worried about how being sick would affect Jonah.  Jordan was amazing while I was sick - he took care of me and the house, and he gave me a healing blessing which was so comforting.  I'm so grateful that he holds the priesthood and uses it!  

One great thing about this week was that me and Jordan were able to Skype with my brother Jordan who finished his mission in Argentina!  My mom went to pick him up and they're traveling all around his mission now.  It was great, and although we couldn't talk for long, it was so good to see him!

STATS

This week our sweet Jonah has more hair on his head (with color!).  His bones are getting stronger and hardening.  He is gaining more fat so his body temperature is more regulated and is shedding the lanugo.  

How far along: 32 weeks and 3 days!  I'm in the eighth month...time flies so fast. 

How big is baby: About the size of a squash.  At our last appointment, he weighed approximately 4 pounds!  He is approximately 17 inches long.  

Total weight gain: Whew...since I haven't posted my weight in a while I'm a little embarrassed.  However I'm determined to document so my pregnant brain doesn't forget these things :)  I've gained a total of almost 25 pounds exactly!  So I weigh 155.

Maternity clothes: They're the only thing I wear.  I'm most comfortable in my yoga pants or pajama pants.  I like dressing up but dealing with all the layers of clothing is a pain!  I'm really excited to go get some spring clothes though at Motherhood Maternity this week.  They've got some cute pastel colored pants that I love!

Stretch marks: My best efforts are holding up for the most part.  I recently bought a new oil by Mama Mio and it smells amazing (like oranges).  I do have one new stretch mark on my right thigh, but that's ok.

Sleep: Since I've been sick, it's been pretty dang horrible.  Who am I kidding though - it's not like I've gotten a good nights sleep recently!  Something about carrying more weight and being hot in the middle of the night ruins that, haha!  I'm looking forward to the days when I'm old and can sleep again - because I know that's not going to happen while I have kids in the house.

Best moment this week: I finally picked out a good pediatrician!  His name is Jeffrey Hanzel and he actually works in a clinic Jordan had a rotation at his first year in medical school!  He even remembered Jordan.  He has LOTS of experience, and although his office isn't the prettiest, he knows what he's doing.  He will start seeing Jonah a few days after birth and then regularly for well-baby visits/immunizations.

Movement: Like crazy!  I posted a few videos on Facebook of Jonah kicking (blogger won't upload them for some reason).  I can feel him more now than I did when he was smaller.  I think it's because he is so cramped, that every move he makes I can feel.  I absolutely love watching my belly move when he's wiggling around!  It is so funny and strange to watch!  He immediately calms down though whenever Jordan or I are talking, which I think is so sweet.  He's listening to us!  

Food cravings: None really, just vague cravings for smoothies.  Just trying to eat healthy-ish and drink plenty of water.  Especially since I've been sick.  I did make a spur of the moment purchase while in Target when I saw Cadbury mini eggs on sale and thought, "I must buy those!  Such a good deal!"  They were delicious, needless to say.  And Jonah enjoyed them too ;)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!  Thank goodness. 

Gender: Sweet baby boy!

Labor Signs: None, but I do get Braxton Hicks whenever I'm walking too fast.  I estimate that walking will be a good way to help labor for me.  

Symptoms: Oh my goodness - RIB PAIN!!  It's so bad.  And it's really just this one spot on my left rib a few inches below the sternum.  Applying pressure helps a little, and laying down helps the most.  Also left mid back pain.  My kidney's are fine though, so it's not that.  It's just baby Jonah growing and needing more room.  My nose is constantly congested, and being sick has made that even worse.  I didn't realize how horrible it is to be sick when pregnant.  I also had some major shortness of breath because of the congestion these past few days, but not to a worrisome point.  I have a difficult time eating a full meal now because of my squished stomach, so I really just snack throughout the day when I'm at home or eat every few hours when I'm at work.

Belly Button in or out? In!  I'm so surprised at this.  I have this paranoia that my belly button will hurt when/if it pokes out, so it makes me glad.  It is really stretched though.  I've been putting plenty of body oil around it so it can stretch :)

Wedding rings on or off? On!  I haven't had hardly any edema.  I think it's because I'm drinking plenty of fluids and moving around.

Happy or Moody most of the time: I'm getting past the moody stage, and I feel like I've really learned some ways to deal with that.  So I'm mostly happy.

Things I miss: Sleeping on my stomach.  Not having constant rib/back pain.  Being able to eat a large delicious meal!  

Looking forward to: Getting maternity photos done!  Amelia Johnson in my branch (an AMAZING photographer) is going to be doing them in the beginning of April.  Also looking forward to coming to Utah at the end of this month!!!

Next Appointment: March 21, 2013. 

The Second Trimester and Beyond

On December 20, I had an OB appointment.  The doctor asked if I wanted to know what the sex was and of course I said yes (even though Jordan wasn't able to make it to that appointment)!  So he began the ultrasound and then went over the genital area...and it was pretty obvious!  I just sat there looking at it, and Dr. Mead said, "So...what do you think that is?"  I began laughing because it was a boy!!  Here we had been, expecting a girl, because of the previous appointment, and we were having a boy!  I am SO excited.  I tried calling Jordan but ended up having to tell him when he got home from school that day.  He couldn't believe it either.  We were SO excited to tell our families on Christmas!  

We attended a breastfeeding basics class that evening.  I learned so much!  Needless to say, although it was informational, Jordan decidedly told me he doesn't like classes.  So we have found other methods to educate ourselves, like reading, watching movies, and discussing what we've learned together.  I'm also really excited because there is a lactation center that is owned by the company I work for, and I get big discounts there for renting a pump :)  

We were able to fly out to Utah on Christmas Eve.  I stayed for four days and Jordan stayed for a little over a week (lucky ducky!).  I made sure to wear compression stockings, drink tons of water, and get up and walk frequently on our flights.  We had such a great time with our families!  Christmas morning was spent with Jordan's family and eating delicious waffles.  Below are the superhero shirts we made for the boys.  

We then drove to the Cuthbert grandparents and spent the afternoon and evening there.  My favorite part of the trip was announcing to our families the sex of the baby.  I had bought some adorable onesies and wrapped them along with dinner mints that said "It's a Boy!"  I can't put the videos on here, but you can see them on my Facebook.  Jordan (brother) was able to skype us from Argentina for his last Christmas on the mission!  It was amazing seeing him, even though his face was green from the camera, haha.  The next day I was able to see my friends from Westminster!  It was so great.  The last day I was there we saw Les Mis with my family and had a Christmas party with the Lassigs.  It was so fun!  Apparently Buppi has a "gift" of being able to guess the sex of a baby by looking into the pregnant woman's eyes.  I made him guess and he was wrong, but that's ok :)  

On the last day of our vacation, Jordan was finally able to feel our sweet boy kick from the outside!  I'd been able to feel him for over a month, so I was glad Jordan finally got to feel it.  Other things that got better around 20-21 weeks were my acne (my skin was actually clear!) and my energy, which finally came back.  It was great to feel energized!  

On January 31, I had the anatomy scan which is basically a 20-25 minute long ultrasound going over every tiny part of the baby's body.  He looked so healthy!  All extremities, fingers, toes, and organs were in place!  

When Jordan came home from Utah it was apparent he got really sick while he was there...and it ended up being the flu.  :(  On the bright side, however, he got the flu during Christmas break so he could rest and recover without worrying about school.  His cough lasted about 2 weeks though.  So, lesson learned - make getting the flu shot a priority!  I got it and didn't get sick, thankfully.  

Jordan and I registered at what seemed like a ton of places - Franklin Goose, Pottery Barn Kids, Amazon, and Babies R Us.  I found a great website that compiles everything you've registered for in one place though, which is awesome!  It's called babyli.st.

We had the chance to tour the birth center at my hospital, St. Mary's in Richmond.  I already had high expectations because of the status of my hospital (Favorite Place to Have a Baby - 10 years in a row!) but was so so happy with the tour!  The labor suites are huge, and 2 of the rooms had jacuzzis.  I really hope one is available when I go into labor!  After delivery they have what is called "Magic Hour" where they basically leave you alone for an entire hour to get to know your baby.  They highly encourage breastfeeding and have tons of lactation consultants.  Lots of the staff is certified, which is great!  On the mother-infant unit, the nurse is your nurse and your baby's nurse as well!  This is HUGE and so different from any other hospital I've seen/worked at.  Usually your baby has a separate nurse in the nursery, so this is great for continuity of care and letting your baby stay in your room as much as you want.  I am SO excited to give birth at my hospital!  Plus it has a level 3 NICU, which is good if anything goes awry.  

I toured the day-care center at my work as well.  I was very impressed with that as well - clean, bright, happy kids, plenty of care-givers, and on the campus of my work.  I got on the waiting list in November and was told the list was 11-12 months long...so we will see when I get in.  My other day care plans just fell through, so I hope it turns out!  I called them recently and they said that they just increased the amount of infants they accept, so hopefully the list moves a little quicker.  There are currently 6 moms ahead of me.  

Around 24 weeks, my appetite picked up immensely for a few days!  I could not stop eating, and even had to eat in the middle of the night sometimes!  It was crazy! About the same time, I started actually seeing baby Jonah kick from the outside.  Talk about a bizarre feeling - like there's an alien inside you!  It makes me laugh so hard though to see him kick.  Sometimes he will just go crazy in there and be flipping around and my belly quivers.  So funny!

I was able to get another prenatal massage around 24 weeks as well and it was so relaxing.  I seriously fall asleep getting massages.  I remember that I asked her to focus on my hips and thighs, because they were SO sore.  All the extra weight was starting to take its toll!  

We already have the majority of the furniture for Jonah's room.  We got the dresser off Craigslist, the crib from Target, and the bookshelf from IKEA.  Jordan's mom was sweet to send us a rug that matches the colors we've picked out for the room (dark blue and bright green).  The walls are light gray and the furniture is black.  It's slowly coming together!  The last real piece of furniture I need is a glider.  I was walking around Target one day and a random lady asked me if I had gotten my stroller yet.  I hadn't and she told me to go look at the City Micro's they had on major sale.  These are a way nice brand of stroller and they were 75% off!  I had a 5% off coupon as well, so I got this brand new stroller for 80% off.  I was SO pleased with myself.  Haha!

Starting around 27 weeks (third trimester) my OB increased my appointments to every 2 weeks!  Time is ticking!  Every appointment we have just makes us more excited.  It's been great too because Jordan was on his Psych rotation so he had more time and has been able to come to every appointment.  Our baby boy is so healthy.  On February 7 the doctor did a 4D ultrasound (basically a 3D movie).  It was INCREDIBLE!!!  It was so clear and we could see our son's face!  He was rubbing his eyes and opening and closing his mouth.  It made both of us so excited to meet him!  I also had my glucose tolerance test that day and drank the orange drink...which I can honestly say wasn't that bad!  Is that gross or what?  Haha.  I passed, thankfully, so I can eat all the sugar I want.  Just kidding!

Valentine's Day was so fun!  I got Jordan a box of chocolates from Godiva.  Jordan had worked the entire day and night before, so he had been at the hospital for a whopping total of 30 HOURS!  He was  so sweet at made me chocolate covered strawberries and got me a dozen roses!  He is the best hubby ever.  We watched LOTR and ate Chipotle.  :)  

February 15-18 we went to NYC for a babymoon!  It was amazing!  It was Jordan's first time to NYC and we had such a great time.  The drive up was momentous for being insanely expensive ($60 in tolls!!?!?) and frustrations from how crazy drivers are in New York.  We finally got to our hotel around 1 AM.  We stayed at a Best Western in Brooklyn that was across the street from the subway (great hotel by the way!).  The first day we went on a river cruise of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, went to the World Trade Center memorial, ate at Katz's Delicatessen, went to the Empire State Building, and then got some authentic NY pizza down the street from our hotel while watching a movie on my computer.  The second day we slept in and then went to the Museum of Modern Art, ate at the Original Soup Man, walked through Central Park and by the NYC temple, went to the Metropolitan Art Museum, ate at a mexican food place similar to Chipotle, and then went to the Nintendo store and Times Square.  We braved the weather for sure - it was freezing the second day!  Thankfully we brought heavy coats and long socks so we didn't die of frostbite.  One of our favorite things was using the subway system - so efficient!  My legs got extra strong after walking about 3 miles per day and taking about 10 flights of stairs every time you wanted to use the subway too.  

Jordan's birthday this year was so great!  It was a relaxing Sunday.  I made lots of good food: waffles for breakfast, roast for dinner, and Chocolate Wasted cake via Pinterest and it did not disappoint!  We had friends over to share cake and had a great time.  I love you Jordan and can't believe you're 27...getting old!  ;)

March 7 (about 31 weeks) we had another appointment.  Jonah is measuring approximately 4 pounds!  He was practicing breathing like crazy and wiggling around a ton.  We also saw his sweet face and it looked like he has the chubbiest cheeks ever!!  As Jordan says, "A fat baby is a happy baby."  We just don't want him too fat.  He does have to get out at some point, haha!  At this point, the main pains I've been experiencing are left rib pain and some sciatica.  I can deal with the sciatica but the rib pain is killer.  His little body is just pressed up against my rib and it feels like it's going to pop!  My doctor didn't reassure me when I told him this - he said some women have broken ribs during pregnancy because of the pressure.  Great.  I pulled a groin muscle a few days ago as well (from walking?!) and it's gotten a little better.  I waddle like no other and it is so awkward looking and feeling!  I also get very minor contractions when I walk too fast, so I need to remind myself to take it easy and slow it down.  We did get some great news though from my OB.  Since Jordan is in his OB rotation right now, he will get experience delivering babies.  Well, we asked...and Jordan is going to deliver our baby with the doctor!!!  Ahh, so so exciting!  (Below 30 and 31 weeks)

Overall, despite my complaints, I LOVE being pregnant.  The thought that there is this life inside me that I helped create is incredible and humbling.  I already love this sweet boy so much and can't imagine him not being here.  He is so much a part of our life already.