Counting Down the Days

We just reached 36 weeks and things are definitely becoming more REAL.  I have been having some pretty intense back contractions for the past week and a half.  So intense that is has woke me up in the middle of the night.  I am a little less than 1 cm dilated but Doc has warned us to be prepared for anytime for this bambino to make its debut.  I can no longer say Little One because apparently we have a chunk.  At our ultrasound yesterday we were told that baby is already weighing around 6.6 pounds and that if I go the full 40 then we are probably looking at an 8 pounder.  I guess baby has taken all my weight gain, which is officially 21 pounds so far.  We did get a glimpse at some chubby cheeks and a pudgy nose...adorable!  The rest is hard to make out because Baby's arms were covering most of the face.

A couple of weeks ago I had my baby shower.  It couldn't have turned out better, except that Martha and Nicole weren't able to join. :(  Overall, mostly everyone showed up and I got some great essential baby gifts. It was really a nice time.  And my mom and sister, Bridgette, came in from Alabama!

At 33 weeks, my sis Nicole took some wonderful maternity pics for Marshall and I.  They really turned out great! Here are a few.  

Less Than 10 Weeks Remaining

We didn't have a computer for a couple of weeks because we were relocating our "office."  Now things are back up and running so on with the blog.

We've got the crib together.  Now just waiting for someone to put in it, even though that probably won't happen for about 3 months after Baby is born.   We will be practicing co-sleeping for a little while thanks to a friend who let us borrow an Arm's Reach Co-sleeper bassinet.

Here is a pic of our refurbished dresser that once was a poo green but now cream and black.

This is the fabric that I chose to have made into a blanket and Boppy pillow cover.  I love how it turned out even though I was originally planning for yellow and white. I actually love the yellow and cream instead.

Latest self -portrait taken a 31 1/2 weeks.  Now up 18 pounds total.  Still getting compliments on how well I'm carrying and being told that I look 6 months is not bad either.

I just made it to 32 to weeks which puts us at approximately 8 weeks until we get to meet our little one.  Living quarters are definitely starting to get cramped.  I went to the doctor on Monday and was advised to take it easy due to the fact that I have had a few contractions.  With most I can't even tell but I have had a few that have been painful enough for me to yell "ouch!" However, I thought the pain was coming from the baby moving the wrong way.  The doc informed me that that was just how I was perceiving it.  She witnessed a contraction while she was measuring me on Monday.  She said she can tell just by looking.  But she says I'm clear for takeoff after 34 weeks, but watch Baby be a late one.

Baby bump pic at 29 weeks. Weight gain is now up to 15 pounds.  Packing it on now!

Since my last blog, I have also had a milestone birthday...the BIG 30! Not only did I turn 30 years old that week. I also turned 30 weeks pregnant.  It was quite an emotional week to say the least.  Luckily, I had a wonderful birthday dinner with some awesome friends.  

Heading into the 3rd Trimester

Starting on Thursday I will have officially reached the 3rd trimester and nerves are starting to kick in.  Trying to prepare for everything lead to me creating quite the to-do list.  Currently working on the baby registry and purchasing items for Little One's room.  Got a heck of a deal last month when we stumbled upon a non-profit organization's garage sale.  We were able to find an unopened My Little Lamb cradle and swing for $7.50.  Yes, you read that correctly...$7.50!  We have also purchased the stroller and car seat, the crib has just arrived, and we got a dresser today from a vintage store called Modern Salvage.  I am looking forward to giving this baby a little makeover.  Nothing like some paint to refresh someone's old piece of furniture.

This past week I also had to take another glucose tolerance test, which is in no way fun, and I should be getting back the results within the next couple of days.  Moreover, I have signed up for my first class which will take place February 9th and my baby shower is scheduled to occur February 23rd.  Oh, and let's not forget that my 30th birthday is coming up very soon as well.  It is going to be a hectic, exhausting, exciting three months as we wait for the arrival of our newest family member.

Picture of my 25 week bump.  Up 11 pounds total. Gained 8 this month. :)

New Year's Eve picture before heading out to a 1984 party downtown. 26 week bump.

Trying to get some sun on this beautiful winter's day.  27 week bump.

My Belly has Become a Punching Bag

We are at week 22 and Baby loves to kick and throw punches.  Marshall was even able to get a good feel.  It was a great feeling to see his face light up the first time he felt the movement.  I started feeling Baby around week 17 but it was only rare and would happen a couple of times every week, but now this is a daily occurrence.  Baby is most active in the mornings and in the evenings.

Here is a 22 week self-portrait...

At week 20, we went in for our gender reveal and anatomy check-up ultrasound.  For us, we left the gender a secret.  So not only did we have to cover our eyes once, but we had to do it TWICE! Once for the technician and then again for the doctor.  You would think that by now they would have a better system.  It was very difficult to know that they were looking at it at that very moment and I had to just sit with my eyes covered.  Marshall and I both remained strong and were able to fulfill our wants of keep Baby Duffin's gender a secret until the big day.

We were able to get a few minutes of video of the ultrasound where you can actually see Baby's mouth making chewing movements and even sticking out its tongue...so cute!  They even gave us a head shot in 3D which is really awesome. In the second photo you can see Baby resting its hand on its head with its mouth open a bit.

As of 20 weeks I have only gained 3 pounds.  I was concerned with this but my doctor reassured me that the baby is exactly where it needs to be (11 ounces) and that I will probably start gaining more within the next month on in to the third trimester.  

Here is a 20 week belly shot...

And month 4 it is!

Nothing really new to report.  Not really sure if I've felt baby move yet. I thought I might have felt a couple of bumps but nothing definite.  Can't wait to be able to recognize the little one dancing around in-utero. Had a doctors appointment last Friday but it wasn't too exciting.  Do always love being able to hear the heartbeat though.  The last two times it has been 150 bpm.  Our next big appointment in which they will do the ultrasound will take place on November 15th.  As of now, the gender will still remain a secret. :)

Week 17 baby bump pic! So far I've only gained 2 pounds.  I definitely feel bigger than I look.  But the pants are getting tighter and pretty soon I will have to move up to a bigger size.  

Second Trimester Begins!

I am now 13 weeks along and have officially made it to the second trimester.  I am starting to feel less nauseous and am regaining my appetite.  I am so happy about this because constant nausea really wears a person down.  Hopefully, this improvement will continue...that is until the next symptom comes along.  

Here is a pic of my 13 week baby bump. :)

Last week we went in for a first trimester screening in which they check baby for growth and the possibility of certain chromosomal disorders.  Luckily, we received excellent news as our little bundle fell into the "low risk" category.  We also got some great images from the ultrasound. Baby is about 2 inches long in these photos.  

 

Dear Granny and Nannie,...

I sent my grandmothers a card with an ultrasound picture attached inside as a way to announce our pregnancy.  My mom is about to burst because she hasn't been able to say anything.  The cards were sent out on Friday so they should get them by the middle of next week which will put us at about 11 weeks along.  I wish I could see the look on their faces when they open the card.