Happy Due Date!

 Well today is your official due date and you're 5 days old! This week has been the most challenging and rewarding week of my life! Your Daddy and I are so in love with you and we can't wait to spend the rest of forever loving you, teaching you, watching you grow, helping you, supporting you, and being the best parents we can be to you. 

I'll love you forever

I'll like you for always

As long as I'm living

My baby you'll be.

- Robert Munsch

39 weeks

How far along? 39 weeks today

How big is baby? the size of a watermelon

Weight gain? 26 lbs is the official total weight gain

Maternity clothes? Of course!

Sleep? Not great this week, which probably has to do with the fact that we switched sides of the bed (and being 38+ weeks pregnant)

Movement? Doesn't matter if I'm standing, walking, lying down, or sitting, she is all over the place! 

Cravings? Cold ice water! Especially crunching on the ice... I can't get enough! I know it drives my co-workers and Brad crazy! And I got a big Cherry Coke at Newk's today! Delicious!

Looking forward to this week? Having a baby!! I can't believe it!

Other? 1)Brad and I worked hard in the nursery last night and today and it looks great! Can't wait to take a few pictures when the lighting is better! 

2) I worked my last shift on Thursday! 

3) Brad and I switched sides of the bed this week and set up the pack n play on my side, but we might end up just putting her directly in her crib instead! 

4)I had my pre-op appointment at the hospital yesterday where they took my history, got my blood work, and I spoke with the anesthesiologist. I'm wearing my blood bracelet all weekend since they typed and crossed me yesterday; I hope that means they won't have to do any blood work on Monday!

 

My last "official" bump picture!! Wow!

38 weeks

How far along? 38 weeks (2 weeks or less!)

How big is baby? the size of a pumpkin

Weight gain? about +25 lbs

Maternity clothes? Everyday!! And at night I've even taken to wearing Brad's OR scrubs from the hospital because the tie waist is super comfortable!

Sleep? Pretty okay this week!

Movement? Doesn't matter if I'm standing, walking, lying down, or sitting, she is all over the place! And she moved a ton during my NST yesterday!

Cravings? Cold ice water! Especially crunching on the ice... I can't get enough! I know it drives my co-workers and Brad crazy!

Looking forward to this week? Next week could definitely be a big week for us! I have another appointment on Monday and we'll have more answers then! 

I worked 3-7PM today, so I wanted to get my weekly picture in my uniform!
I guess today could potentially have been my last day of work!

And a Christmas edition!

37 weeks

How far along? 37 weeks (3 weeks say what?!)

How big is baby? the size of a winter melon (every weekly sizing from The Bump from here on out says 6-9lbs and 18-21in)

Weight gain? I'd rather not talk about it... 

Maternity clothes? Everyday!! 

Sleep? Pretty okay this week!

Movement? Doesn't matter if I'm standing, walking, lying down, or sitting, she is all over the place!

Cravings? Cold ice water! Especially crunching on the ice... I can't get enough! I know it drives my co-workers and Brad crazy!

Looking forward to this week? I'm looking forward to a time when this so-called "nesting instinct" kicks in! I just feel so laid about about everything and have a sort of "she'll come when she comes and we'll just go with the flow" attitude. Which is kind of nice because I'm definitely not stressed, but I'd like to have some things ready- specifically pack a hospital bag for Sadie and me (Brad said he will just be coming back and forth since we live ~4 minutes from the hospital) and wash her newborn clothes and some 3 month things. We have everything that we need for a newborn, it's just not exactly organized! 

Other? Brad did install one of the carseat bases in the backseat of his truck this afternoon! And he set up the video monitor! Sadie's dresser is backordered until mid-January 2014... ugh! So it's hard to get certain things organized!

36 weeks

How far along? 36 weeks

How big is baby? the size of a honeydew melon

Weight gain? +22 lbs

Maternity clothes? Everyday!! 

Sleep? Probably the worst week of sleep so far (especially last night). 

Movement? Doesn't matter if I'm standing, walking, lying down, or sitting, she is all over the place!

Cravings? Cold ice water! Especially crunching on the ice... I can't get enough! Oh and ginger ale, specifically at work. But I did buy cranberry ginger ale at the store this week; it's one of my holiday-time indulgences!

Looking forward to this week? I can't believe that I'm already to the weekly appointment schedule! My next appointment is Tuesday!

Other? I typically don't feel her move once I go to sleep, but this week it seems like 4AM is her time. I think I've consistently woken up very uncomfortable (almost painfully uncomfortable) every morning at 4. But I thankfully can go back to sleep after I readjust my position!

Oh and this is a funny story: Last night Brad, Abby, Greg, and I had dinner at Chipotle and then went to walk around the mall. We stopped in Brookstone and both female employees asked me the exact same questions on 2 separate occasions: "when are you due? is it a boy or girl? what is her name? and are you excited?" After I answered "girl," one of them said, "oh I could tell you are having a girl because you're wearing a pink shirt." After that I just had to get out of there (and buy other colored shirts!). 

35 weeks

How far along? 35 weeks yesterday (only 5 more weeks, wow!)

How big is baby? the size of a coconut 

Weight gain? +20 lbs

Maternity clothes? Everyday!! 

Sleep? Not so good this week. She's so high that I am getting more uncomfortable.

Movement? She moves all the time!

Cravings? ice (can't stop crunching it!), canned jellied cranberry sauce (the weird thing about this list is that, for me, the stranger of the two is crunching ice!)

Looking forward to this week? I have my 35/36 week appointment tomorrow! Not too excited about the GBS swab, but always thrilled to hear her heartbeat! And tonight is Brad's last night shift (for now)!

Other? I feel like she's changed positions this week. Or else grown a lot because she is feeling more up under my ribs than ever before- on both sides!

35 weeks down/ 35 days to go! (well 34 today haha)

34 weeks

How far along? 34 weeks yesterday 

How big is baby? the size of a butternut squash

Weight gain? +20 lbs

Maternity clothes? Everyday!! 

Sleep? Not too bad (yay!)

Best moment this week? So much movement this week! And spending time in Gatlinburg this weekend with Brad's family! 

Looking forward to this week? This week will be pretty low key since Brad is on nights :( just planning on working and getting some rest!

after dinner in Gatlinburg last night!

33 weeks

How far along? 33 weeks yesterday 

How big is baby? the size of a durian fruit (??) 

Weight gain? +18 lbs

Maternity clothes? Everyday!! 

Sleep? Not too bad (yay!)

Movement? She moves all the time! 

Best moment this week? Having my mom here this weekend and having a wonderful shower hosted by sweet friends here in Winston yesterday!

Looking forward to this week? I have my 34 week appointment tomorrow! And on Friday, Tommy, Shelia and I will be heading to Gatlinburg for the weekend to celebrate Nanny and Papaw's 50 wedding anniversary!

Other? Mom and I spent several hours going through and organizing all the sweet baby things Brad and I have received at our showers! With everything in gift bags, it was hard to remember what exactly we have, so getting it all out and categorized really helped me feel less stressed about it! Oh and I read this on the internet a couple of weeks ago: the difference between 32 and 33 weeks of pregnancy is that at 32 weeks you think, "oh I have 6 weeks left- plenty of time" and at 33 weeks you think, "um in 4 weeks, I'll be considered term." WHOA!

yesterday, before my shower!

32 weeks

How far along? 32 weeks yesterday 

How big is baby? the size of a squash (not like a yellow squash though) or jicama (Mexican yam, according to Baby Center)... not good comparisons this week! Approximately 3.5 lbs and 16 inches.

Weight gain? +18 lbs

Maternity clothes? Definitely and loving them! I did wear some non-maternity jeans on Monday and as long as I was standing up, they were fine... not so much when sitting haha

Sleep? Maybe a little better this week

Movement? She is a squirmy worm! She is still up under my right rib cage!  

Best moment this week? Hearing her heartbeat at my appointment and enjoying time with family and friends at my baby showers this weekend!

Looking forward to this week? Mom is coming on Thursday and will be able to meet my Winston friends at my shower on Saturday!

31 weeks

How far along? 31 weeks yesterday 

How big is baby? the size of a pineapple

Weight gain? +16 lbs

Maternity clothes? Definitely and loving them! I wore my support belt to work this week and I can really tell a difference at the end of my shift!

Sleep? Maybe a little better this week

Movement? She is a squirmy worm! She is still up under my right rib cage!  

Best moment this week? Feeling her move all the time!

Looking forward to this week? My 32 week appointment tomorrow! And Brad and I are heading to Signal Mountain for 2 baby showers this weekend!

Other? Carolyn was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday for high blood pressure. After having her urine tested for 24 hours, she's been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and will be on hospital bed rest until she delivers! They'll probably induce her at 37 weeks, so hopefully 3 weeks won't be too bad for her! Her little man will be here so soon! Also, Mary from our Bible Fellowship class announced that she's pregnant with baby #2 today and is 10 weeks! And Melissa and Justin have another little bun in the oven! They told us about 5 weeks ago, but she had her first appointment on Friday and she's about 11 weeks!

30 weeks

How far along? 30 weeks yesterday 

How big is baby? the size of a cucumber (according to The Bump) or large cabbage (from BabyCenter). Probably around 3 pounds (which is why I added BabyCenter's comparison this week since, really, what kind of cucumber is 3 lbs!?)

Weight gain? +16 lbs

Maternity clothes? Definitely and loving them! I just have the one pair of jeans and a few skirts which have been working beautifully. I did (finally) purchase a support belt this week and wore it for the first time on our walk this evening! I hope it helps with some of my discomfort by the end of my work day!

Sleep? According to Brad, I have been sleeping pretty badly and I definitely have been for the past 2 nights :(

Movement? She is a squirmy worm! She is mostly right up under my right rib cage! Up until this week, I've not been able to feel her on my left side at all. But when I'm lying on my left side, I can feel her over there now! 

Best moment this week? Realizing that she will be here before we know it and we'll have a daughter! Wow!!

Other? Brad cleaned out the nursery closet today! We packed up a few things, moved some things around, and tossed a few things! Two and a half months might seem like a while, but I have a feeling that they'll go by quickly, especially with everything we have going on in the next 10 weeks!

29 weeks

How far along? 29 weeks yesterday 

How big is baby? the size of an acorn squash

Weight gain? +16 lbs

Maternity clothes? Definitely! But a lot of my "pre-pregnancy" stuff is totally usable too, so utilizing it while I still can!

Sleep? Sleep is slowing becoming more uncomfortable :(

Food cravings/aversions? Not anything this week! 

Movement? This week she was moving like crazy and all the time... day, night, when I was moving, when I was sitting! Love it all!

Best moment this week? All the movement!

Other? My belly button really hasn't changed in a few weeks... still an inny for now! 

28 weeks

How far along? 28 weeks today 

How big is baby? the size of an eggplant

Weight gain? +16 lbs

Maternity clothes? Loving these maternity jeans! Today was a nice, cool day, so I'm sporting them in today's picture!

Sleep? Sleep is slowing becoming more uncomfortable :(

Food cravings/aversions? Not anything this week! 

Baby's sex? Sadie Austin is our sweet little girl!

Best moment this week? Passing my 1-hour glucose screen and hearing that wonderful heartbeat on the doppler!

Looking forward to? We're hopefully going to go ahead and start working on Sadie's nursery! First thing- cleaning out the closet, yikes! I'm not really worried about it because she's not going to be in there for a couple of months after she arrives, but it will be fun to get started!

Other? We ate dinner at the Jacksons' tonight and their little man's nursery is really coming together! It made me feel like we're way behind with Sadie's nursery (we haven't cleaned out the closet or anything), but Carolyn reminded me that she's already had a couple of showers and received most of the things from those. And they had already set up his crib and dresser for her mom to make the crib skirt (and Kyle built a changing station for the top of the dresser!). Oh and people at work seem to think that I'm really big! Doesn't really hurt my feelings because I'm supposed to be getting big, but I think it's interesting!

  

Oh and last Sunday, we went "public" on Facebook with this picture:

"So Brad and I have been keeping a FB secret for the past 6 months! We're expecting a little girl in December! We can't wait to welcome Sadie Austin into our family!"

216 "likes", 59 comments, and several wall posts and comments on my profile picture (I didn't think anyone would really notice my bump in my new profile picture, but a couple of people did which prompted my FB announcement) 

So blessed with such wonderful support from cyber friends!

27 weeks

How far along? 27 weeks today 

How big is baby? the size of a rutabaga (I think during these weeks when she is growing, but not too much week by week, The Bump gets a little weird with their fruit/veggie comparisons)

Weight gain? +11 lbs

Maternity clothes? Wore my maternity jeans at the beach on two nights this week!

Sleep? Sleep is slowing becoming more uncomfortable :(

Food cravings/aversions? Trying to control my sweet tooth, but the Flamin' Hot Cheetos that were calling my name at the store yesterday aren't much better! 

Baby's sex? Sadie Austin is our sweet little girl!

Best moment this week? Spending a relaxing week at the beach with Brad! And getting our bathroom updated!

Looking forward to? My 28 week appointment is on Monday, which means the 1-hour glucose tolerance test! Eek! But I always look forward to my appointments! Even though they are 4 weeks apart, it always seems to go by quickly!
Other? Sadie's due date is 3 months from today! Wow!! And I'm officially in the 3rd trimester (if you go by the 40 weeks/3 theory, which I do)! 

26 weeks

How far along? 26 weeks today (at the beach, baby)

How big is baby? a head of lettuce (not much different than last week's cauliflower?)

Weight gain? +11 lbs

Maternity clothes? Loving my new work shirt! And I brought a pair of maternity jeans to the beach since it's supposed to be pretty breezy in the evenings

Sleep? Sleep is slowing becoming more uncomfortable :(

Food cravings/aversions? Last weekend I made Oreo dirt cake and Samantha brought some sweet treats (delicious lemon cookies) from Ham 'n Goodys in Knoxville and since then my sweet tooth is out of control!

Baby's sex? Sadie Austin is our sweet little girl!

Best moment this week? Coming to the beach today! A "babymoon," if you will!

Looking forward to? Our week of relaxation at the beach and then getting our guest bathroom updated when we get home! A vacation full of relaxation and then hard work (should have switched that around!) 

25 weeks

How far along? 25 weeks today

How big is baby? the size of a head cauliflower (~14 in. and 2 lbs!) 

Weight gain? +11 pounds so far  

Maternity clothes? Mom and I bought a few maternity items at Kohl's last weekend and one of them was a navy shirt that I could wear at work. I wore it for the first time this past week and I must say it was so much more comfortable than my navy scrub top! 

Sleep? Sleeping is slowly becoming more uncomfortable

Food cravings/aversions? Been craving sweets this week! I might have eaten my daughter's weight in sour gummy worms this week at work (several of my coworkers bought bags at the gift shop).

Baby's sex? Sadie Austin is our sweet little girl!

Best moment this week? Monday night after getting home from our trip to Chattanooga, I was relaxing on the couch andI could actually see her moving my belly! Whoa! Also today, Brad, Samantha and I went to look at baby furniture at Furnitureland South. Brad and I decided on a specific crib and dresser in a white (actually, Starlight) finish!  

Looking forward to? Just continuing to feel her move and getting bigger!
Miss anything? I feel like in this past week, bending over has become increasing difficult. 
Other? My belly button is slowly disappearing! It will be flat before I know it! I had my first bout of swelling on Sunday while we were in Chattanooga. My feet were just slightly swollen when I woke up, but as the day progressed, it got worse. I put my feet up that night and again when we got home Monday evening and it was resolved by Tuesday!

22 weeks

How far along? 22 weeks today

How big is baby? the size of a papaya 

Weight gain? +6 pounds so far  

Maternity clothes? I used my belly band a couple of times this week and I found out that my jeans definitely don't fit (very uncomfortable even while using the rubber band trick on the button)  

Sleep? Still sleeping well

Food cravings/aversions? I had a strange craving for a Cherry Coke earlier this week! It tasted delightful!

Miss anything? Not this week!

Baby's sex? Sadie Austin is our sweet little girl!

Best moment this week? I'm pretty sure I felt her move on Wednesday night!! Just a few bumps on the right side of my abdomen, but they felt different than anything I've felt before!

Looking forward to? Feeling her more and more and being 100% sure that it's her!

21 weeks

How far along? 21 weeks yesterday

How big is baby? the size of a pomegranate 

Weight gain? +6 pounds so far  

Maternity clothes? I didn't wear any pregnancy specific clothing this week  

Sleep? Still sleeping well

Food cravings/aversions? loving pimento cheese sandwiches and any kind of berry

Miss anything? My face has been broken out for the past couple of weeks, so maybe clear skin?

Baby's sex? Sadie Austin is our sweet little girl!

Best moment this week? Everyday looking at my growing belly is wonderful! And my belly button is slowly disappearing haha. Brad and I also went baby furniture shopping yesterday at Furnitureland South! All the cribs we saw were pretty similar and all looked nice, it's just a matter of which finish we prefer. We did see a pink and light pink/almost cream striped rug that we both loved and we'll probably get that for Sadie's room!

Looking forward to? Hopefully feeling some movement soon! I've had a couple of times in the past week where I thought that maybe it could have been her, but I'm not sure! Can't wait to feel her for sure! 

The elastic band on this dress isn't ideal for bump pics,
but she's getting bigger in there!

20 weeks

How far along? 20 weeks yesterday

How big is baby? the size of a banana

Weight gain? +6 pounds so far 

Maternity clothes? Wore my belly band again this week, but dresses and skirts are awesome!

Sleep? Still sleeping well

Food cravings/aversions? Basically everything sounds pretty good!

Miss anything? Not this week!

Baby's sex? Sweet baby girl! And we've decided on her name: Sadie Austin!

Best moment this week? Getting to the "half-way" point in pregnancy!

Looking forward to? Everything! I feel so blessed to have gotten this far and I have so much more to look forward to! 

19 weeks

How far along? 19 weeks yesterday

How big is baby? the size of a mango

Weight gain? +4 pounds so far  

Maternity clothes? Wore my belly band a couple of days this week. Feeling like I need to get another set of scrubs though!

Sleep? Still sleeping well

Food cravings/aversions? Nothing in particular this week!

Miss anything? Not this week!

Baby's sex? Sweet baby girl!

Best moment this week? I feel like she's definitely "popped out" more this week!

Looking forward to? My 20 week (wow!!) appointment is Thursday afternoon! Can't wait to hear that sweet heartbeat!