37 and 38 Weeks

Well, I must say: I.am.done.

I have random hours of timeablecontractions and then they taper off. At about 36.5 weeks, I was checked for the first time and was a whopping 1 cm, 30% effaced, and she was at -1 station. I was super disappointed. Then that whole week, my sciatic nerve pain got even worse and I wondered if she was dropping lower into my pelvis, and that's what was causing it. So at my last appt I asked her to check me again - which she did so reluctantly (because this particular office doesn't like checking every week due to the risk of infection.) Anyway, my theory was wrong and I hadn't progressed at all. 

However it was getting to the point that I couldn't even walk normally. I mopped the floor the other day and really couldn't walk the rest of the day because of the pain. 

So after a few friends suggested it, I went to the chiropractor for the first time in my life yesterday. She adjusted my lower back and after she did so, she told me to move around to see how it felt. I sat down in a chair in the room, and then stood back up. When I did, I didn't have any pain when I stood back up, which was the first time that had happened in over a week!! I woke up a bit sore today, but took Tylenol and iced my back per her suggestions and I feel so much better this afternoon. It's not 100% better but it's definitely an improvement. I was even able to lift my legs to get dressed this morning with no pain!! That hasn't happened in weeks. I have another appointment on Thursday and am hoping for even more improvement. 

I was supposed to have my 38 week appointment on thsirday also but I called and canceled it today because we have crazy flooding everywhere from Hurricane Matthew that came through over the weekend and I don't even know if there's a way to get between here and Greenville that isn't flooded. So I'll just wait for my appt next week. She said they wouldn't check me this week anyway. 

I have red raspberry leaf tea coming in the mail tomorrow. You're supposed to start that way earlier than 38 weeks to help tone your uterus but better late than never, right?

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36 Weeks

Week 35 got away from me and I didn't get a belly pic! Week 36 was taken on the right day though. I've had multiple people tell me I look like I've dropped and I think I feel it too. The top of my belly seems lower and I literally can't sit for a long period of time because she's resting in my lap and it hurts.

My sciatic nerve is really bad these days too. I noticed when she's head down is when it bothers me. She spent a couple weeks sideways about a month ago and I didn't have the pain then. But I'm thankful she's head down!

Today is actually 36w3d, although the pic was taken on the right day. Two nights ago I had timeable contractions for about an hour and a half, from about 11:30pm-1am. They were 10 minutes apart but then they subsided. :( I've had crampiness on and off at totally random times throughout the last couple weeks and I'm hoping I'll get good news at the dr when they check me.

I'm so tired. My rls is bad so I will take Unisom if I have to to sleep but then I'm groggy the next first half of the day, even with only taking half of the pill. I'm so ready to hold her in my arms and kiss her and tell her love her, and to share her name with everyone!!

Pregnancy Comparison #4

33 and 34 Weeks

Well, it's certainly been an eventful 2 weeks, at least in comparison to my other pregnancies. Last Sunday night, I was just sitting in the couch, and started to feel crampy, like I was on my period. It lasted for a while and I even had some contractions that would start weak, build, peak, and then die off. But nothing was timeable. To be honest, I was a bit nervous, but decided to go to bed and see if that helped, which it did. They died down after I laid down. I had an appt the following Wednesday and talked to the midwife about all of it. She said contractions are completely normal as long as you can get them to stop - which I did. I was just so nervous and surprised since I've never had anything before 38-39ish weeks with the others. I've had more cramping since then but it's totally sporadic and nothing is timeable. I'm kind of excited at the possibility that I could have a baby before my due date, but at the same time, I'm trying not to get my hopes up. At my next appt, which will be at 36w3d, they'll do the group b strep test and they'll check me then too. Maybe I'll hear more than "you're *maybe* a 1" when they check me. 

Greg and I talked about all the possibilities (at least what we could think of) for when I go into labor, and how we get the kids to the sitters, etc. Of course, I would like a fairly quick labor, but being that we have a good hour drive to the hospital, not including dropping the kids off, I'm just not sure how it's all going to play out. I really don't want to deliver her in the truck!! I had contractions for days with Gunnar before finally going to the hospital. I didn't go into my dr with them because I was being seen at the health dept and you can't just get a same day appt there. If things are similar with this one though, I will at least make a dr appt to have them check me and see how things are progressing instead of just waiting for contractions to get super intense and go straight to the hospital. 

I can't remember if I've mentioned this up until this point - but this girl is CRAZY! Out of any of my babies, even my 10lb8ozer, she is so painful in her movements! At least once a day, I jump because she hurts me with one of her adjustments in there. I was hoping for a snuggler, but based on that, I'm not sure I'm getting one!!

Well, it's certainly been an eventful 2 weeks, at least in comparison to my other pregnancies. Last Sunday night, I was just sitting in the couch, and started to feel crampy, like I was on my period. It lasted for a while and I even had some contractions that would start weak, build, peak, and then die off. But nothing was timeable. To be honest, I was a bit nervous, but decided to go to bed and see if that helped, which it did. They died down after I laid down. I had an appt the following Wednesday and talked to the midwife about all of it. She said contractions are completely normal as long as you can get them to stop - which I did. I was just so nervous and surprised since I've never had anything before 38-39ish weeks with the others. I've had more cramping since then but it's totally sporadic and nothing is timeable. I'm kind of excited at the possibility that I could have a baby before my due date, but at the same time, I'm trying not to get my hopes up. At my next appt, which will be at 36w3d, they'll do the group b strep test and they'll check me then too. Maybe I'll hear more than "you're *maybe* a 1" when they check me. I'm still measuring great though. At my last appt at 33 weeks, I measured 32cm, so I'm really planning on an 8lb-ish baby should I go full term. Here's the belly pics!

31 and 32 Weeks

I can't believe how fast these weeks are going! I can't keep up with blogging through them!!

In the 31st week I felt decent. No sciatic nerve pain and no pressure between my legs, and I'm totally convinced that it's because baby was turned sideways. I'm pretty confident she turned back to head down a few days back because all of the sudden my nerve has been bothering me and I feel the pressure from the weight of her between my legs.

I am so tired. RLS is here most nights which makes it almost impossible to fall asleep. I've taken Benadryl a couple times in the last week or so and it makes it slightly less miserable. Aside from that though, I feel decent for being 32 weeks along. I've been THMing about 75% of the time and I can definitely tell the benefits of it. When I eat off plan, my rings get tighter and I just have no energy. I'm so thankful for the way THM is presented that made me feel like it was possible for me to eat whole foods and helped me fully understand it.

Here's the belly pics!

Pregnancy Comparison #3

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29 and 30 Weeks

What?! 30 weeks already? I can't believe it! Baby girl is low and I can feel the pressure from it quite regularly, especially when I get up in the morning. Sciatic pain is on and off and it's totally at random.

I had an appointment yesterday and I only gained 1.8 lbs in the last 3 weeks so that was really good! I've really been trying so much harder to stay on plan. My uterus also measured at 30 cm so that was perfect too. 

Overall, things are looking really good!

27 and 28 Weeks

So Greg and I were sitting in Sunday school, and for the first time the entire pregnancy, I felt baby girl up high on my belly. Then at my dr appointment  the next day, the midwife felt around on my belly really well, and felt down low and said she was head down. So I guess I'm starting to feel her precious feet kicking me up high now! Also at the appointment, the midwife put the Doppler on my belly to hear her heartbeat, and then held her in place on the opposite end with her other hand and baby was moving all around! She had been totally still until the midwife held her in place. She did NOT like that! I think we have a feisty one on our hands!! The midwife and I talked about Hunter's birth size and my current weight gain - which at that appointment, just before 27 weeks, was 20 lbs. she said with the weight I started at, ideally I really shouldn't gain more than 5 more pounds. That has motivated me to stay on plan more than before. I didn't gain anything that whole week last week after the appointment, but this week we were in Michigan. I ate better than I do on normal Michigan trips but not 100%. I think I am up a couple pounds but it should level out when we get back home and I'm in my normal routine again. Here's the 28 week pic - taken at my in-laws with horrible lighting and crazy hair apparently! Lol

Also new this week - horrible sciatic nerve pain!! I almost wonder if, now that she's flipped, she's laying wrong on my nerve. It's not constant, but when i do have it, it is so painful. I will be walking and then literally bent over in pain because it shoots from my lower back down my leg. I'm really hoping this doesn't last the whole 12 weeks I have left!

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26 Weeks

Just this week, I have started to feel baby girl above my belly button. She has been moving way low in my abdomen but all the sudden I'm feeling her high too, and sometimes it's simultaneous, so as if my growing belly wasn't indication enough, I can definitely tell she's getting bigger :)

I can't seem to stay on plan with THM. I'm great in the morning and afternoon, but totally lose it around dinner time. I really need to get it under control though because I'm hoping for another "tiny" 8 pounder, not a 10.5 pounder like big brother was!!

24 and 25 Weeks

Well, I still haven't taken any Unisom like the last weekly blog said! I'm so excited about that. Each day felt better and better and now I feel (for the most part) that glorious second trimester "normal."

The scale went up super fast in the last month (9 lbs in the last 4 weeks...what?!) so I've started Trim Healthy Mamaing again. I'm still just 17 lbs up total but I don't want to gain 55 lbs again and have another 10lb 8oz child. I'm not 100% on plan but definitely way better. I've started mixing 1/2 to 2/3 unsweet tea in my lemonade when I just have to have it. So hopefully the scale looks better at my next appt. I definitely feel better!!

Every pregnancy, I seem to pull a muscle in my groin that doesn't heal until after delivery. That has happened this pregnancy and has been here for at least a few weeks, so that's no fun. 

No 25 week picture because it's already Saturday and I kept forgetting. :(

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Pregnancy Comparison #2

Well, it's clear that I carry my girls the same!
The ivory and blue shirts are the same - just a different color. I can't find the ivory one since I've pulled out maternity clothes. I remember wearing the purple one because the ivory one didn't quite fit me, and I have to agree with that with this pregnancy too. My belly is so high with my girls that it just doesn't sit right.

22 and 23 Weeks

Again, a busy two weeks!

Last week we were in Jacksonville, FL. While we were in a blacklist mini putt putt golf place, I told Greg he needed to take my weekly belly pic and he decided the time to take the photo was right then. I forgot to have him take another one so that's all I have. :)

I can tell baby girl is definitely getting bigger. She has found my bladder to kick and her kicks in general have gotten so strong! Although she STILL hasn't let daddy feel her movements!

Braxton hicks have gotten so strong too. I actually talked to the dr about them because they've worried me a time or two. She said its normal for each pregnancy's BH to get stronger and stronger. Ive just been trying to stay hydrated so I know dehydration isn't the issue.

I have been addicted to lemonade lately. I can't get enough!! I have been getting Panera Bread's lately but just yesterday I decided to make my own using bottled lemon juice. The whole family loves it and now I can't keep it in the fridge.

Just today, I tried not taking unisom. This morning was touch and go as far as queasiness but thankfully I didn't actually vomit. I think I may be in the clear FINALLY! So excited for that.

Here are the two belly pics.

Lots of Weeks

Oh my goodness where has time been going?!

It has been a few weeks since I blogged - but we have still been taking pics!!

The kids - all three of them - got to feel baby girl during my 21st week. They were so excited and so was I! Greg still has yet to feel her though because you have to put your hand there at the right time. When he has tried, she's a stinker and stops moving or doesn't move strong enough for him to feel. Just in the last week though I feel like she's found her limbs for sure. Her movements are so much stronger this week compared to how they have been! Also, she's found my bladder in the last few days and has started kicking it! Not crazy about that. 

Not really a ton of stuff to update on. I think that's about it for now! Here's the belly pics. 
19 Weeks 

20 Weeks

21 Weeks

Pregnancy Comparison #1

It's that time again! ;)

I'm actually shocked I still have this dress. I bought it for Easter when I was like 15 or 16.

I didn't actually even wear it today. I just slipped it on for the picture. I'm not really comfortable with the way it fits me. Anyway, here's the photo :) Click on it for a larger view.

Gender Reveal Party

The gender reveal party was super fun! Greg and I found out at the ultrasound like we had with every other baby, and we just didn't tell anyone untill the party that evening. I recommend scheduling your party asap after your ultrasound! I didn't even like waiting the 8 hours to tell people - I can't imagine waiting days! This is us right before the ultrasound. 9 years ago for my ultrasound with Hunter, my friends Maryn and Jenny accompanied me since Greg was in Iraq. I had originally planned for all of us to wear pink, and then the night before the ultrasound, I felt like I'd be a terrible mom if we all wore pink and it ended up being a boy. So I switched to a neutral green, Maryn switched to blue, and Jenny stayed in pink. And so, the tradition was born. Every anatomy ultrasound since then, Greg has worn blue and I have worn pink (or purple.) Baby girl's ultrasound was no different, and our shirt colors also accurately showed what gender we were both SURE the baby was.

I searched Pinterest for most of my ideas that we had at the party. And our babysitter, Tabby, was amazing and stayed with me all day to help make all the food!

 

 Of course, we had a voting board. Looks like most people were correct! :)

  

 Our favors for games were full size Hershey bars.

  

 Here was our invite I designed.

 I thought bullets as decorations were fitting and so I also turned them into a game.

I also had a jar for name suggestions.

 

We had party popcorn, cake pops, and chocolate covered pretzels. (All were covered with Wilton candy melts.)

I made the cupcake toppers with my Silhouette. The crowns were gold glitter vinyl.

 We served hot dogs, cole slaw, chips, and baked beans. We set up tables outside on the patio. The weather was absolutely perfect!

I bought letter blocks from the Dollar Tree, and had two people go against each other. They had 45 seconds to build the highest tower that they could while being blindfolded. The winners won a Hershey bar.

And finally, the reveal. I found these poppers on clearance at Michaels (score!) and I covered them in black vinyl.

 I then filled them with paper confetti with the correct color, and let the kids pop them. Here's the video of the reveal :) 

18 Weeks and Ultrasound!!!

Well, it looks like we're evening it up with our babies and going 2-2! We have another sweet little girl on our hands!!! I am SO excited. I have been totally convinced baby was a girl. I would have been shocked if they told me boy. Greg is a bit disappointed but I know as soon as he holds his second girl, it will all be ok. :)

A few weeks ago we were discussing girl names, and he brought up a particular name - not any name we've thought about for previous pregnancies. I said it was ok, but I'd have to think about it. (The same thing I said with Kylee!) Well after they told us it was a girl yesterday, at one point in the room, we had a few minutes to ourselves. I told Greg that I hadn't been sure about that name, but now that we know she's a girl, it feels perfect! And we already have the middle name picked out too. But just as with Kylee and Gunnar, we're keeping it under wraps until she's born! If you look through the pics, she definitely looks like a Wehrman with that upper lip sticking out :) And in one photo she is giving a thumbs up. There's another one of her sweet little foot. The entire ultrasound she was spread eagle and had her legs completely up by her head! There's one photo that kind of shows her leg up by her face. I hope she doesn't stay that way because it makes me think of a breech baby in that position! Current belly pic is here too, albeit one day late because of the excitement of the ultrasound and gender reveal party we had yesterday. I completely forgot to take the photo! I will blog about the party too!

17 Weeks

16 Weeks

Ok, I lied last week. I had a rough Saturday again and threw up. Maybe it's just the busy schedule we've had with soccer and stuff that I don't eat when I should because I'm busy and then I let myself get too hungry. Not sure. Hopefully this is the last throw up session though! I took my last Unisom last night so that will be the real test of if my morning sickness is gone or not.

I am officially back on the Trim Healthy Mama bandwagon this week! I have been feeling well enough to menu plan, and cook, and eat what's on the plan, which is super exciting! I really don't want to gain much weight this pregnancy since I started out higher than any of the others. As long as I'm eating foods that are nourishing my body and baby, there's no reason for me to gain the 35ish lbs. I actually haven't gain anything yet according to my scale, so so far so good.

I'm also in all maternity pants. I finally went in the attic and dug out all my wonderful, elastic wasted pants. The pony tail holder on my regular jeans just wasn't cutting it anymore!

I'm amazed at how soon aches start with each new pregnancy. My hips hurt when I'm laying down, even the hip that I'm not laying on! Crazy. Hoping my pelvic bone pains aren't too horrible closer to delivery.

Here's the latest photo:

15 Weeks

I actually feel almost normal this week! I did throw up 3 times on Saturday, but I think that should be it. I let myself get too hungry and you'd think by now that I know better!! As long as I keep food in my stomach, I'm pretty good. Still no serious dairy though. A fair amount of cottage cheese (along with fruit or something) is fine, but still no milk or yogurt.

I have noticed that aches have started already. I usually lay on my right side when I sleep and my knee and hip on that side have been aching occasionally. I know that will only get worse, unfortunately.

Overall though, I'm doing pretty good. I feel baby every day now so I'm just trying to soak up every bit of this pregnancy! I put my hand on my belly to see if I can feel anything on the outside yet, because Kylee is so anxious to feel baby but I haven't had a kick on my hand yet. It's like baby knows and is still when I try to feel! :)

Anyway, here's the weekly pic!