Week 38

Is she ready to come out yet?   Mom sure is ready!  We have made it to 38 weeks and our little girl could make her entrance into the world at any moment.  The doctor said she is doing great.  She is moving around and has dropped.  Now it's just a waiting game.  Brad and I feel as prepared as we can be and becoming very anxious and excited!  It's crazy that December is finally here and our birth month has arrived.  It's becoming more real as we put up our Christmas tree and the lights outside of our house. The goal this week, is to get X-mas shopping done before she arrives so Brad isn't left to do it all.  Poor guy! Here we are at 38 weeks and boy I don't think I can't expand anymore!

*Maternity Clothes: Yes, but even those are getting snug.  

*Sleep: Not getting much of it these days with the discomfort and frequent potty breaks. 

*Stretch Marks: They have made a presents and I am not thrilled!

*Best Moments of the week: Putting the X-Mas tree and lights up knowing she's coming soon!

*Miss Anything: Sleeping, my old body, being able to tie my shoes comfortably, and walking without  

   feeling like I have to pee every 30 minutes. 

*Food Cravings: Ice cream, candy, and anything sweet

*Anything making you queasy or sick: Yes, when I over eat. 

*Have you started to show yet: Yes, its hard to miss.  

*Gender: It's a Girl! 

*Belly Button in or out: in, but becoming more and more flat. 

*Wedding Rings on or off: Off, and not thrilled. 

*Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, unless I am very uncomfortable

*Looking forward to:  Our baby girl's arrival! 

*How's the hubs: He's wonderful and very patient with me! He is become more excited and keeps telling me, "you know, we are going to be a family of three soon!"  I think its finally setting in.  We are going to put the carseat in the car this weekend so its ready! 

Brad & Ashley

Week 37

Baby R is now full term!  We made it! She still has some maturing and plumping up to do but she could arrive at any time.  Brad and I are looking forward to meeting her and seeing her for the first time.  I am now going to the doctor weekly to get a check up.  So far everything is going great!  I am measuring exactly how I should and she said the baby is probably close to 7 lbs.    Hopefully she doesn't get much bigger than that!  She has also dropped and is putting more pressure on my bladder and other places which is very uncomfortable.  The doctor said she can feel the baby's head and it has gotten much lower than it was last week.  I have also begun to dilate which was great news.   Even though it doesn't really tell us when she is coming but it's good to know that my body is getting itself ready and doing exactly what it should be doing. Braxton Hicks contractions have become noticeable and happening almost daily, usually in the evening.  I could go into labor any day now which is exciting and scary all at the same time.   I remember when we just found out we were pregnant and it seemed like the end was so far away and now its here!  And boy do I look pregnant!  I can't  believe how big my stomach has gotten.  Now every time I go out, people always ask, how far along are you? and boy, you have to be getting close! or how much longer do you have?  I must really look like the end is near.   Here I am at 37 weeks:

*Maternity Clothes: Yes, but even those are getting snug.  

*Sleep: The body pillow is a life saver, but its more challenging than ever to get comfortable. 

*Stretch Marks: They have made a presents and I am not thrilled!

*Best Moments of the week: Hearing her heartbeat and finding out my body is preparing for labor!

*Miss Anything: Sleeping, my old body, being able to tie my shoes comfortably, and walking without  

   feeling like I have to pee every 30 minutes. 

*Food Cravings: Ice cream, candy, and anything sweet

*Anything making you queasy or sick: Yes, when I over eat. 

*Have you started to show yet: Yes, its hard to miss.  

*Gender: It's a Girl! 

*Belly Button in or out: in, but becoming more and more flat. 

*Wedding Rings on or off: Off, and not thrilled. 

*Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, unless I am very uncomfortable

*Looking forward to:  Meeting our little one. It's almost December!

*How's the hubs: He's getting more and more exciting now that her arrival is near, as well as, becoming more and more patient with my frequent potty breaks.  His office threw him a surprise baby shower this past week and he enjoyed opening all of the amazing gifts his coworkers got her. He even got a daddy survival kit that included goggles and a nose plug as well as kleenex's to wipe her and his tears away. So cute! 

Brad & Ashley

Week 34/35

I can't believe there is only 5 weeks to go until we get to meet our baby girl!  Everything is going very well with the pregnancy.  My doctor says she is growing, heartbeat sounds great, and mom is also healthy too.  Next week with be the start of my weekly visits and my first "checks" to see if there is any activity down there, so it will be interesting to see how those go.  I have begun to feel the famous Braxton Hicks contractions which are very noticeable but are not occurring all the time.  As far as our little girl, she is hiccuping all the time, moving around, and sending me to the bathroom all the time!   The nursery is close to being finished and I will have pictures soon.  Brad and I have gone and bought all the essentials left on the registry that we think we will need.   Our last step is to start packing a bag for the hospital for both myself and the little one so that we are ready to go.


Here is a picture of me at 34 almost 35 weeks.

*Maternity Clothes: Yes, although I have found some of my big sweaters that fit! 

*Sleep: The body pillow is a life saver, but its getting more difficult to sleep.

*Stretch Marks: They have made a presents and I am not thrilled!

*Best Moments of the week: Hearing her heartbeat at our checkup.

*Miss Anything: Being able to fit into my comfy sweatshirts. 

*Food Cravings: Ice cream, candy, and anything sweet

*Anything making you queasy or sick: Yes, when I over eat. 

*Have you started to show yet: Yes, its hard to miss.  

*Gender: It's a Girl! 

*Belly Button in or out: in, but becoming more and more flat. 

*Wedding Rings on or off: Off, and not thrilled. 

*Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

*Looking forward to:  My appointment next week! 

*How's the hubs: He felt her hiccups for the first time and finally realized that they can keep you awake! He also is taking his oral boards with week and very much looking forward to having those over with. 

Brad & Ashley

Week 32

I can't believe its already week 32!  Time is flying by and she will be here before we know it! With only 8 weeks to go until our due date, its time to get the nursery put together and purchase everything else that we must have when she gets here.  This past weekend, I had my last baby shower here in St. Louis. My sister in-laws, Trish and Carrie did a wonderful job on my baby shower and our little one got so many nice things!  It was such a nice experience spending time with all the ladies! 

I am also going to the doctor every two weeks and everything looks great.  Her heartbeat is perfect and the doctor said she is growing perfectly.  I will be going again this week and lets hope its all good news again.  I have been more ache these past two weeks with back pain and some slight cramps.  Another crazy pregnancy symptom I've been experience is crazy sweats and hot flashes!  It's been in the mid 50's outside and yet I feel like I must have the windows open or i'll be to hot and get all sweaty!  Oh the joys of being pregnant! 

*Maternity Clothes: Yes

*Sleep: The body pillow is a life saver, but its getting more difficult to sleep.

*Stretch Marks: Nope, thank goodness!

*Best Moments of the week: Hearing her heartbeat at our checkup.

*Miss Anything: Being able to do active things with my hubby and not sweating as much! 

*Food Cravings: Ice cream and candy

*Anything making you queasy or sick: Yes, when I over eat. 

*Have you started to show yet: Yes, its hard to miss.  

*Gender: It's a Girl! 

*Belly Button in or out: in

*Wedding Rings on or off: Off, and not thrilled. 

*Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

*Looking forward to: Meeting the little one.  It seems like she'll be here before we know it! 

*How's the hubs: He's in full hunting mode and searching for the big one! 

Brad & Ashley

Week 30

Wow! I can't believe it's week 30 and there is only 10 more weeks to go until our little girl enters the world.  It seems so surreal that were in the home stretch of pregnancy.  She is growing, kicking, turning, and tumbling everyday and mommy is sure feeling it in her tummy. Her most favorite thing to do so far is push, poke, and kick mommy's bladder which then sends her running to the bathroom!!  But, boy will it be worth it the day we get to meet her!  This is also a very special week for Brad and I. On Sunday, we will be celebrating our 1st anniversary.  Its so hard to imagine that this time last year we were getting ready to be married and planning our wedding and now we are getting ready for a new addition to the family.  We both are very much looking forward to spending the weekend together and are looking forward to many, many more anniversaries to celebrate our love of each other!  

*Maternity Clothes: Yes

*Sleep: The body pillow is a life saver!

*Stretch Marks: Nope, thank goodness!

*Best Moments of the week: Hearing her heartbeat and adding her curtains to the nursery.

*Miss Anything: Being able to do active things with my hubby. 

*Food Cravings: Ice cream

*Anything making you queasy or sick: Yes, when I over eat. 

*Have you started to show yet: Yes, its hard to miss.  

*Gender: It's a Girl! 

*Belly Button in or out: in

*Wedding Rings on or off: Off, and not thrilled. 

*Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

*Looking forward to: Celebrating my 1 year anniversary with my hubby!

*How's the hubs: He's fantastic and so sweet when I'm not feeling the best.  He sure knows how to make my headaches go away with lots of head rubs!  

Brad & Ashley

Week 27

The weeks are flying by and we have finally made it to Third Trimester! Everyday it seems more and more real that soon Brad and I will have a little baby girl enter this world.  This last week was an amazing week of the pregnancy.  My mom held my first baby shower back home in Michigan and I was able to see and spend time with my family before the little one arrived.  My mom did an amazing job with the shower.  Thanks mom! And thank you to my aunts who also brought some really good things to eat.  The little one has a great start to her wardrobe collection thanks to some stylish outfits, as well as, some much needed items that will keep her warm, her tummy full, and help her go to sleep. Below is my 27th weeks picture along with some pictures from the shower and you can sure tell we had a great time!

We measured my belly then, 

Everyone had to guess how big my belly was. 

We also played the Poopy diaper game...

*Maternity Clothes: Yes, yes, yes. 

*Sleep: The body pillow is a life saver!

*Stretch Marks: Nope, thank goodness!

*Best Moments of the week: Having my first baby shower!

*Miss Anything: Being able to paint my toes!

*Food Cravings: Root Beer and ice cream

*Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

*Have you started to show yet: Yes, its hard to miss.  

*Gender: It's a Girl! 

*Belly Button in or out: in

*Wedding Rings on or off: Off, and not thrilled. 

*Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

*Looking forward to: Going to the doctor this week and hearing the heartbeat!

*How's the hubs: He's very excited hunting season has begun! 

Brad & Ashley

Week 25

Only 103 days until we get to meet this precious little girl!  It seems like a long time but its really not!  The little one is moving around a lot and her kicks are getting even stronger.  She is about 13 1/2 inches long and weighs about a pound and half.   Her hair is growing and if we could see it, we would know what color it was.  I have a feeling its going to be brown just like her daddy and me.   She is also starting to put her baby fat.  Brad and I have the nursery furniture put together and we are waiting on the rocking chair which arrives this weekend.    We will then start arranging the furniture and begin to decorate it.  Once decorations are up, I'll post a picture.   I had a visit to the doctor last Thursday and she said everything is measuring up great and the babies heartbeat was around 140 which she said was perfect!    I have had a few stubborn pregnancy symptoms such as tingling in my fingers when sleeping and throughout the day.  Glucose test is this week, so I will let you know how it goes! I'm pretty sure I handle sugar very well with all the candy I love, but we will see.

*Maternity Clothes: Yes, and thanks to Jill I have more options! 

*Sleep: It's hard to get comfortable

*Stretch Marks: Nope, thank goodness!

*Best Moments of the week: Putting together the baby furniture with my love. 

*Miss Anything: Shopping for normal clothes. 

*Food Cravings: Root Beer and ice cream

*Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

*Have you started to show yet: Yes, its hard to miss.  

*Gender: It's a Girl! 

*Belly Button in or out: in

*Wedding Rings on or off: Off, and not thrilled. 

*Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

*Looking forward to: My baby shower next week in Michigan, seeing and spending time my family, and getting the nursery ready. 

*How's the hubs: He's been very busy with work, studying for his oral boards, and getting ready for deer season with starts in 2 weeks. He had a fun putting together the crib and dresser and watching the nursery come together. 

Brad & Ashley

Week 23

Here we are, week 23!  Things are going great.  She is about the size of a pomegranate and weighs over a pound.  She is also very, very active in the mornings and at night.  Which means she's sleeping for most of the day.   Hopefully this sleep schedule will change once she's here!  Her kicks are now strong enough that Brad can feel them and you can actually see my belly move, which can be pretty weird! The nursery is coming around. We had our new carpet installed this week, so i'm very excited to get the nursery furniture in the room and put together!  

*Maternity Clothes: Of Course

*Sleep: It's getting a little more difficult

*Stretch Marks: Nope, thank goodness!

*Best Moments of the week: Getting the new carpet for her room!

*Miss Anything: Not much this week. 

*Food Cravings: Not many, still loving fruit!

*Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

*Have you started to show yet: Yes, its hard to miss.  

*Gender: It's a Girl! 

*Belly Button in or out: in

*Wedding Rings on or off: Off, and not thrilled. 

*Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

*Looking forward to: My Dr. appt. next week.  I love listening to her heartbeat!

*How's the hubs: He's a stud!  He's so hardworking and caring.  I can also say he loves how my body is changing and how my belly is growing. 

Brad & Ashley

Week 22

Hello Texas!  We took our first pregnancy vacation to visit my brother in Dallas, Texas.  I believe Tyler's first words when he saw us were, " Hey and Wow! Your belly is so big!" We had a blast on our trip, doing everything in true Texas style.  My brother lives in downtown Dallas and both Brad and I could not believe how new, clean, and young the downtown was.  There were building things everywhere and no matter where we went, it was safe everywhere.  Not your typical city!   We both said we could live in Dallas, if it wasn't for the HEAT!   I would say that was the only downfall, especially with being pregnant, was the heat.  We had 100+ temps everyday which made it difficult to walk to places outside, but I made due. The best part of the whole trip was getting to spend time with my brother and seeing where he worked.  My brother is a packaging engineer which not many people have heard about.  I knew he was in charge of designing containers that worked for the product that both functioned and were cost efficient, but I did not know what all that entailed.  He works for Mary Kay and he gave us a tour of the production line that he is in charge of and showed us how they make  and package the products.  So Cool!!    We also enjoyed some great Texas BBQ, that the baby really loved!  It was probably the best BBQ we all have ever had!   We began the trip with the aquarium and circus and ended the trip with a true Texas rodeo.  Below are some of our pictures from the trip along with my belly, so no belly pics this week. You'll definitely get a good idea though at how big my belly and baby have grown! By the way, she is kicking like crazy, so much that Brad was able to feel her in Texas!  It was a special moment!

Sharks!

The Circus

Best BBQ!  It just looks like it was good!  

Mary Kay Headquarters and Production Facility

We had to wear pink shoes, Safety First!

Brad, making sure he got a pic with the founder herself!

Tyler's Facility

Machines that package the lotions and perfumes by Mary Kay

The window with the open shade at the top is where were the shooter was. 

 Where JFK was assassinated. 

 The Rodeo

 What a great trip!  Thanks Tyler!  

Here's a little bit about week 22:

*Maternity Clothes: Yes

*Sleep: We have good nights and bad nights...

*Stretch Marks: Nope!

*Best Moments of the week: Brad being able to feel the baby kick! 

*Miss Anything: Shopping at the regular clothing stores!

*Food Cravings: Very indecisive

*Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore...

*Have you started to show yet: Yes, its growing and growing and growing. 

*Gender: It's a Girl! 

*Belly Button in or out: in

*Wedding Rings on or off: On and off, depending on if my finger is swollen or not. 

*Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, but moody when tired. 

*Looking forward to: Getting our new carpet installed and setting up the nursery. 

*How's the hubs: He's great!  He had a great time in Dallas and was thrilled to feel our little girl kick! 

Brad & Ashley

Week 21

It's great to be pregnant!  This week has probably been the easiest so far and hopefully it will stay that way for the next few weeks, but we'll see. We have picked out and purchased our nursery furniture and cannot wait to see it put together in the nursery. We are just waiting on the new carpet, which will get put in a little under 2 weeks from now.  I'll have a picture when it's all complete, I promise.

Last Thursday, we went in for our 20 week scan were they check her anatomy to make sure everything is there and they measure her to see if she is right on track.  It was was amazing to see all of her little parts. She is definitely a girl with 10 fingers and 10 toes. She had all 4 chambers of the heart, a cute little nose, and she even tried sucking her thumb! Brad and I were both amazed at everything you could see. Our little one is growing quickly!

Here she is:

She's trying to suck her thumb...

I thought this would be fun... Can't believe the change already...

     11 weeks                                                                                     21 weeks (WHOA!!)

*Maternity Clothes: Yes

*Sleep: We have good nights and bad nights...

*Stretch Marks: Nope!

*Best Moments of the week: See our little one at the ultrasound, registering, and buying the nursery furniture.

*Miss Anything: Feeling like my old self. 

*Food Cravings: Very indecisive

*Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore...

*Have you started to show yet: Yes, its growing and growing and growing. 

*Gender: It's a Girl! 

*Belly Button in or out: in

*Wedding Rings on or off: on, but getting snug (sad face)

*Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, but moody when tired. 

*Looking forward to: visiting my brother in Texas this weekend!

*How's the hubs: He's wonderful! I'm so lucky to have a hubs like him.  He is super excited to have a  girl on the way and I cannot wait for him to be able to feel her kick.  It's going to be a great moment!   He has also been working hard at work and gets in a much needed golf game once a week. 

Brad & Ashley