Weekend Rewind

Another busy weekend has come and gone by. I feel like our weekends are about to slow down, as M is getting into busy season and will be working Saturdays for a while.

On to this past weekend: 

Friday we had dinner at the farm! It was rainy and cool out! Noah must have been going through a little growth spurt this weekend because he was a bit off with not sleeping well at night,but more. The day and being a little cranky. 

We came home from the farm, bathed him and we were all in bed by 10:00! I find when he gets up before 8 AM then it makes a long day for me. 

Saturday we started yard work. M cut down my favorite ornamental tree that was ruined in the ice storm, I was hopeful to save it, but that won't be happening now...but I will be getting new one!! That man is crazy with a chainsaw and needs supervision! But we got most of the trees trimmed up.

M's Mom came over to help me with some sewing projects. I have a lot I want to do, but my head is just not in it. I feel that when I start a project I need to finish a project with no interruptions when it comes to sewing or I forget where I left off and screw it up. I have no patience for it! So it was great for S to come and help me put my ideas to life! She made a bib and burp cloth, fixed the car seat cover, fixed the nursing cover I made. 

We met our new neighbours in the afternoon while cleaning up the back yard. M fixed one of our gates, but still has the rest to fix. 

We got cleaned up and then headed out shopping with friends and grabbed dinner at Moxie's. I will say Moxie's wasn't very baby friendly, but we made it work!! 

Noah didn't sleep well Saturday night, but woke Daddy up just in time to head over to setup the fireman's breakfast at 6 AM! I fed Noah and we went back to sleep for another hour and a half and then headed to help out at the breakfast as well!! 

All decked out in fire trucks to support Daddy!! 

Noah and I headed home just before noon, I finished feeding Noah and heard sirens indicating the department got a call, so we packed back up and headed down the street to the hall to help clean up while the guys were at the 3 car accident. M got home just after 1 pm. He fixed the clothesline and then headed down to the park to hit some balls. 

We headed into town after, where I broke my own rules and paid full price for a pair of shoes!! I bought Sanuks and LOVE them!! 

We grabbed groceries and dinner and then settled in for the evening. My outfit of the day:

I actually feel really comfortable in it for once. I'm still struggling with dressing myself. Crazy to think I used to enjoy that part of my day! I know I will again and hopefully soon!! If I could just cut out these cravings - they are almost worse post-partum then during the pregnancy! 

Noah had yet another rough night. When I say rough, I suppose isn't really rough, it just means he woke up when he usually sleeps through. I think weekends are too busy for him. 

But today he is all stories and smiles! 

35 Weeks

How Far Along:

35 weeks - Feb. 2- 8, 2014

 

Size Of Baby?

A coconut! How fitting, because I wish I was somewhere warm enjoying a pina colada or two! A girl can dream right?

Hearing is fully developed. If baby is a boy his testes have descended. Baby is mostly developed at this point and is just growing away inside!! 

Crazy in less than a month this little peanut could be here. 

Maternity Clothes?
Mostly lounge again! My shirts seem to be getting shorter and shorter! I did get presentable a few time this week:

 It was a struggle finding something to wear for our maternity pictures, but we got it figured out!! 

Stretch Marks?

Still just a small one, but nothing really noticeable.

 

Gender?

Team Green!

What the Doctor Had To Say:

I'm sure this will be my last week off!!! 

  

Sleep?
It's happening on a minimal basis, especially with this cold. Napping hasn't happened much because of the renovation, and having company over during the time I would nap!

I did snag a nap after our maternity shoot with the heating pad and Lux to help warm me up!

Baby Purchases This Week:

I did buy a net for the bassinet/pack and play to help keep the cats out once the baby is here. So far they haven't had any interest, but I wanted one on hand just in case! 

Baby did get a gift this week from N:

Made this Week:

Crocheted - just a few more stripes to go! I really need to buckle down and get it done! 

Mobile pieces are done, and the mobile is hung!! 

Book shelves were cut, built, painted and hung!! Sneak peek: 

This will probably be the last peek into the nursery before the BIG reveal!! Which will hopefully be next week, so I tried to distort the image a bit!! 

M has started roping the light fixture. 

I started painting the picture frames for the gallery wall. 

Cravings/Aversions?

Nacho dip! 

Donuts again!! 

   

Movement?
After coming down with a cold, I heard a teaspoon of honey helps sooth your throat? So I tried it and man did the baby go crazy!!! Constant kicking for over 20 minutes!! Won't be doing that again before bed!!

Baby also went a little crazy during our maternity shoot in the snow!

Feeling?

I'm coming down with a cold!! I have a scratchy sore throat :( Hopefully it doesn't last long. Other than that I am feeling great!
Took my first longer trek during our maternity shoot during a snow storm, which wasn't as bad as I thought on my ankle. I did find myself somewhat short of breath at time, but trekking through knee deep snow can do that on a good day right?
I feel like I am starting to slow down, it did take me longer than usual getting groceries. I find I don't walk as fast with baby soo low!

Starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with the renovation mess! I feel like it's taking over. M keeps telling me it will be done before I know it.

Highlights:

Our maternity shoot!! Despite the crazy weather, I am sure it will all be worth it when we see how the pics turned out!!

This weeks focus has really been on the bathroom and getting as much of it done as we can. 

I sterilized all my pump parts, a few bottles, and pacifiers. So we are ready to go in that department. 

Diaper bag is officially packed and ready to go. 

I started making freezer meals, chili and lasagna were made this past weekend. I would like to make up some cookie dough and some potatoe casseroles. 

Belly Button?

In, but unrecognizable. Hard to believe my belly button could be soo small. It's not out yet, but it feels soo different to me! 

 

Wedding Rings?

Off. And I forgot to put them back on for our maternity pics!! Fail!! 

Best Moment of the Week?
Probably our maternity pics!! I am happy to have had the chance to document this amazing time we have had with this pregnancy! I love that we were also able to incorporate the dogs into the shoot as well!! 

I don't have a sneak peak at this point to share, but you can bet I will share one when we get it!! 

Crazy Pregnancy Moment:

Donuts... must have donuts! I have actually given in to these cravings more that I should admit! Double chocolate donuts to be exact. I was a bit disappointed when I went and got more on Friday and they gave me an extra donut of M's, instead of double chocolate! Okay I was more than a bit disappointed, but I let it slide! 

Bump Pic:

Front View:

25 weeks (taken minutes before fracturing my ankle!)

15 weeks:

Looking Forward To:

The bathroom Reno being done, so my nesting self can clean the house!!!
Seeing how our maternity pics turned out!!

      

34 Weeks

How Far Along:

34 weeks - January 26 - Feb 1, 2014

 

Size Of Baby?

I am pretty sure baby has already been compared to a squash... Some apps refer to the baby as a cantaloupe. Crazy to think I might have a 6 pounder in my belly, knowing my baby is measuring ahead.

Baby is capable of urinating up to a pint a day! No wonder I am running to the bathroom soo often! (if it only worked that way). Baby's protective coat (vernix) is getting thicker as the baby begins to shed more hair. Baby is also practicing breathing more and more as the lungs get stronger!

Maternity Clothes?
It is getting harder and harder to find non-maternity options in my closet.

I will be honest when I say after looking at the new spring fashion at old navy, I'm excited to get back into regular clothes after this baby. That fashion line just might motivate me a little more to bounce back into shape!! Love the nautical looks coming, even for the baby!! 

I will be honest, I relied on lounge clothes for the most part this week!! 

Stretch Marks?

Still just a small one, but nothing really noticeable.

 

Gender?

Team Green!

What the Doctor Had To Say:

He is happy with how my blood pressure is responding!! No protein in my urine. I get a week off next week and will go back on the 12th, will see the anesethiologist, have another ultrasound (to make sure the new dosage isn't effecting the baby) and then follow up with him. Our goal is to make it to the first week of March (39 weeks) assuming we don't have anymore bumps in the road and if the baby hasn't come on his/her own by then, he will induce us at that point. So we just have to make it to March 1st!! 

He did confirm that the baby has dropped and that is why I am feeling more pressure, as well as more B&H contractions. He also did some blood work to check my thyroid levels. 

  

Sleep?
I'm sure this is not about to get any better, but only worse. I am waking more often to either turn, use the bathroom, or my ankle will wake me.

A new all time high for bathroom breaks during the overnight hours - 5! Ya I'm sure I only slept maybe 3 hours that night between contractions, pressure and bathroom breaks.

Friday night I had some waking contractions that were pretty intense and lasted longer than any I have had yet.

Baby Purchases This Week:

Mama-roo came in this week! We have one happy Daddy. I think we will call ours the Dadda-roo.

Dowel for the mobile and a tension rod for the wardrobe. 

Wipes! I realized I hadn't bought any when I went to pack the diaper bag! 

Picture frames for the gallery wall. I still have to paint them though!

Made this Week:

Not really made, but some nursery progress: 

- wall shelves are hung

- paint is touched up

- rod is in the wardrobe so I can hang things now. 

- curtain tie backs are up

-laundry is all put away 

Crocheting 

Got some sewing done!! 

Made a change pad for the diaper bag: 

2 change pad sheets for the pack and play: 

Made a few burp clothes to get me by until the baby is here and I can gender specify my options.

Worked on the mobile by sewing on embellishments and eye balls. It is pretty annoying to do, but I will be happy when it's done! Then we just have to cut and paint the dowel. 

My dad has offered to take over the growth board. I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out!! 

Cravings/Aversions?

Orange juice is now starting to give me heartburn. I'm not sure what I will drink in the morning now!

Apple pie - yum! 

Cheesies!! 

   

Movement?
Baby has been super active lately, especially in the morning and evening. 

Feeling?

Overall pretty good!! It feels crazy to have all this baby stuff all around the house now, but we are trying to get the pets acquainted with all the baby stuff and to teach the cats it is not for them! So far, so good!

I feel like the baby has dropped this week! My belly looks different now too and reflux is letting up a bit, although now I am getting more heartburn - which is still better than reflux! 

The Home Depot lady told me she hopes I don't have to walk around for too long this low. I told her hopefully a month and she wished me luck with that. 

 

I am tiring a little easier and have worked hard at napping during the day. I'm sure it's because I'm not sleeping over night very well. 

Highlights:
I built the pack and play. That was rather frustrating, but now that it is up, it is not coming down! It will also give me a place to store some diapers!

Seeing more progress in the nursery! Little touches are starting to go up and I could seriously just sit up there. My new happy place. 

Belly Button?

In

 

Wedding Rings?

Off. With seeing my feet swell and knowing my risks for pre-eclampsia, I am just going to play it safe and keep them off! I do miss them though!

Best Moment of the Week?

Seeing the nursery come together!! The littlest things are just making the room all that more special. Like seeing my grandmas teddy bear on a shelf, just warms my heart.

Crazy Pregnancy Moment:

Mike telling me that he is shutting off the water in the house because he was working on plumbing in the bathroom and to go pee while I can. So I did. An hour and a half later I had to pee again, but didn't want to interrupt him, so I waited 30 more minutes and finally asked him how much longer. He laughed at me and told me he actually didn't end up shutting it off... I was less than impressed!! With the baby sitting soo low, there is a lot more pressure down there if you know what I mean. 

  

Bump Pic:

24: 

Looking Forward To:

The bathroom reno being done!! Not that we are that close to it being finished, but knowing it's coming is pretty exciting, along with all the small nursery projects on the go. 

     

Pink Blush Maternity Review and Give Away

When I first became pregnant, I was definitely worried about the dreaded maternity clothing, but I will admit, it has come a long way, with a lot of trendy and cute options. I was first introduced to Pink Blush Maternity on Zulily, however I was afraid to order, because let's face it, you never know about sizing. After seeing a few other give-aways other bloggers were holding and people reviewing their clothing line, I decided I better try it out because their clothing is super cute!

So I ordered 3 things first:

I just absolutely loved this one:

And 2 shirts for Christmas:

And in all honesty they are all shirts I could wear again without being pregnant! They were actually long enough, which for me on a non-pregnant day is important, but even more important being pregnant because no one wants a shirt that doesn't cover their belly and lets face it shirts only get shorter when you are pregnant (like the one I am wearing today! - I will spare you the image).

Pink Blush then went above and beyond and offered a product review of my choosing. It was soo hard to choose, because as I mentioned before I like soo many of their items!!!

So I chose a striped cardigan, an option that will work for nursing post-partum. Which is another thing I love about Pink Blush! They have nursing friendly wear for after you have the baby

This sweater is nice and lightweight, yet I love the colors and as I mentioned above, I think it will be a great option for after I have the baby as well. It is long enough I could wear it with leggings even.

Another thing I will mention is that shipping to Canada was affordable!! And fast!! I was a little worried I wouldn't get my first order in time for Christmas, but luckily I did!

Here are a few items they have now that I have my eye on:

Needless to say you should head over and check them out. But before you go, know that one lucky reader of mine will be walking away with a $25 gift certificate!! Be sure to enter below:

As mentioned, the winner MUST be a follower of Life As I Know It on either Bloglovin', Google Friend Connect or Facebook.

Here is how you can enter:

Mandatory entry:

Head on over to Pink Blush Maternity and leave me a comment telling me what you would choose.

Extra entries:

Facebook.com/SweetPeaMaternity - "Like" page

Pinterest.com/PinkBlushMat - "Follow" page and "Re-pin" an item
Instagram.com/PinkBlushMaternity - "Follow" page
Twitter.com/PinkBlushMat - "Follow"  page

Also, entrants who have won a giveaway from us in the past 6 months, or have hosted a giveaway in the past 6 months, are not eligible to win a gift card again.

Good luck!! I will pick a winner on Friday!!! Happy shopping!!

33 Weeks

How Far Along:

33 weeks - January 19 - 25, 2014

 

Size Of Baby?

A Durian? Can't say I have ever seen or had one of these...

Baby is sleeping about 95% of the time. The umbilical cord is providing antibodies now that will help the baby fight infections once s/he is born. Baby is gaining 1/2 a pound a week now! Baby's bones are hardening.

Less than 50 days to go!! 

  

Maternity Clothes?

Ya we didn't venture into any regular clothes this week! My maternity jeans bands are no longer folded down, they need to be pulled right up. Gotta love those fancy lines.

Stretch Marks?

Still just a small one, but nothing really noticeable.

 

Gender?

Team Green!

What the Doctor Had To Say:

Baby is doing great!!! Measuring ahead!! Placenta function is great! He did increase my blood pressure meds, I had no protein in my urine this week, so that was progress. His concerns being obviously pre-eclampsia, so he is keeping a close eye on things. Delivery at this point could be anytime between 36-39 weeks, but obviously there are too many variables to come up with a distinct plan at this point. He instructed me to watch for swelling, and other pre-eclampsia symptoms, and of course to take it easy! 

  

Sleep?
I am waking up more and more frequently, whether it be to use the bathroom, roll over or overall insomnia.

More and more bathroom breaks, as well as leg cramps and Charlie horses.

Baby Purchases This Week:

Foam for the bassinet. 

I ordered the the "You Are Loved" book collection by Nancy Tillman. I want to make sure the baby has the book On The Night You Were Born for when we are in the hospital. I also love the book Whereever You Are, My Love Will Find You. Love love love the author!!

The recliner for the nursery came in this week!! Now we can officially set up the room.

Made this Week:

M cut the foam for the bassinet - does that count? 

We weren't really home this week to accomplish many hands-on tasks. 

Cravings/Aversions?

Cannot get enough water!
Baby is loving chocolate kisses!
Still working on eating smaller meals and avoiding garlic, as the heartburn/reflux is the worst after!

   

Movement?
Baby is kicking up a storm still. Loves music.
Baby has officially found my rib cage! 

Feeling?

A lot better after seeing my doctor. A little reassurance goes a long way!! 

Braxton and Hicks contractions are becoming more and more frequent. Luckily they don't last and aren't overly painful. 

I definitely tire easy and am working really hard at taking it easy, as well as getting things ready for baby now, knowing it really could be anytime.

Charlie horses have been bad this week, but it is most likely caused my increase in blood pressure meds. 

Feet swelling.

  

Highlights:
Seeing sweet Baby V!! Baby is head down and in position, so we didn't get a picture unfortunately, but as long as baby stays put, I'm ok with it! 

Having everything we need for the baby in the house! This makes my nesting self very happy and feels like a huge accomplishment! We are still waiting for the mama-roo to come in, but I have got shipping notice!

M and I were away again in the middle of the week for his yearly drainage conference, so we were hotel staying again. We did have a formal dinner to attend:

I seriously felt large and in charge. I wasn't a fan of the dress, I would have preferred something black, although I got a lot of compliments, and M loved it and chose it (not that I had a lot of selection to choose from) I was not 100% comfortable in it. It fit fine, was just brighter than I wanted. 

We changed the nursery furniture around. Everything is washed, and in the process of finding a home! I also started packing the diaper bag, just need wipes (which I haven't bought yet) and burp clothes which I need to make still! 

Belly Button?

In, but it is getting flatter and flatter. I still don't think it will pop.

 

Wedding Rings?

I took them off on Thursday. After noticing my feet swelling, which could have just been from the long day before on my feet, I would have been upset to wake up and have hand swelling and have to get my rings cut off! Better safe than sorry. They may reappear, as they were still loose, but for now, until this resolves they will remain off! 

Best Moment of the Week?

Seeing sweet Baby V takes the win this week. Crazy to think we will be meeting soo soon!! I can't wait to find out what the baby is! The closer we get, the more I wonder. Crazy how much I love this little peanut already!! 

Crazy Pregnancy Moment:

The house key that wouldn't work.
I am pretty sure a combination of baby brain and not being able to leave the house for a month caused this one. But now that I am able to leave the house, I was having issues with my keys and was unable to lock the door. I told M my key was broken. Everyone else's key worked, just not mine! M finally took the time to check it and discovered I was using the front door key to try to unlock the side door. He then reminded me that I was missing part of my key chain that has the right key on it, along with the other house keys. I was soo confused. Then he found the keys, and quickly I remembered! Luckily my keys are all together now!!

  

Bump Pic:

23 Weeks 

(You may recognize this same shirt as posted above, just 10 weeks later) 

13 weeks: 

3 weeks:

Looking Forward To:

   Getting a few more projects done for the nursery. Its all really starting to come together!!  

32 Weeks

How Far Along:

32 weeks - January 12 - 18, 2014

 

Size Of Baby?

Squash! Can't say I am a fan of squash!!

Baby is practicing sucking, swallowing and breathing! Baby is capable of sucking his/her thumb now. Baby's skin is becoming soft and smooth.

Less than 2 months to go! I keep forgetting February is short month too!!

  

Maternity Clothes?

My baby shower attire: 

  Mondays outfit:

Tuesday's Day of shopping attire: 

Another non-maternity shirt that fits better as maternity! 

Stretch Marks?

Still just a small one, but nothing really noticeable.

 

Gender?

Team Green!

What the Doctor Had To Say:

No appointment this week. Just tracking my blood pressure at home. I did end up calling my OB about my blood pressure, thinking my meds needed to be increased, but he was on holidays and the on call dr wanted me to be triaged first. So I sat in triage for 4 hours hooked up to monitors, my blood pressure was 140/98 and they found a trace of protein in my urine. So I ended up having blood work, which luckily came back all clear. Baby passed the non-stress test, a few contractions were noted, but just Braxton and hicks. They wouldn't increase my meds, told me not to travel this weekend, but gave me no rules to follow. They told me my blood pressure is unstable and refused to treat it! I was sure bed rest was headed my way with the way the nurse was talking. 

Needless to say my stress levels with this whole situation has increased. I had been keeping a calm approach towards the whole thing and by the time I was driving home, I was upset and in tears over it all. It finally took its toll and it probably wouldn't have, if I was dealing with my OB, whom I trust. Tuesday can't come soon enough, so I can get this taken care of properly!
  

Sleep?
   Marginally better, but still waking frequently with discomfort, although I'm still not sure what the cause is, my ankle, leg cramps or the need to roll.

Baby Purchases This Week:

The rest of the babys hats came in the mail: 

More information to come on these beauties!! 

Hit up the Babies R Us sale:

The bath tun, mommy hooks, carseat cover, bath products, drying rack, healthcare kit, mirror, scratch mittens, snot sucker, mattress wedge.

(And costco for those sleepers) 

We decided to go on our babymoon after all, with strict intentions to relax, along with a few stops of course to get the baby essentials: 

Which included our stroller, our pack and play, bouncer, change pad, change pad covers, bassinet and pack and play sheets, swaddle blankets, baby monitor, newborn sleepers, hooded towels, breast pump bottles, bottle nipples, the bummsie, 2 pillows (they match the nursery perfect and will work great for the rocker), bottle warmer and sterilizer, sound machine and wash clothes! We are set!! Let the washing and organizing begin! 

Made this Week:
Crocheted away 

Started working on the baby mobile: 

These are all stuffed now, just need to embellish them with fabric details for eyes/ears/wings and then buy some dowel and paint them white and hang the animals from it and voila baby mobile will be done!!  

Cravings/Aversions?

Cannot get enough water! It is all I want at this stage, along with milk with dinner!

Cheesecake Factory Chocolate Cake found its way back to our hotel and we sure did enjoy that too!! 

   

Movement?
  Baby was super shy at my baby shower - of course, but when I got home it was all action. I think baby must be able to sense different environments by sound because as soon as I got in my car to go, baby was kicking.

Baby was also reassuring me, kicking all the way to the hospital on Thursday, and while we were there!! It did help putting my mind at ease! 

Feeling?

Still pretty good for the lack of sleep I am able to get. I am beginning to get more leg cramps in the night, but nothing intolerable.

I actually had enough energy for a full day of baby shopping on Tuesday. I felt soo proud of myself! Although doctors orders have restricted my outings to "taking it easy".

Stressed about this blood pressure/pre-eclampsia scare. I know I will feel better when I talk to my OB, but in the mean time, I feel like I'm just sitting and trying not to worry, but reality is that it's on my mind non-stop and I'm worried.

While on our babymoon, the jacuzzi tub did it's job and relaxed me completely, along with some naps and just a sense of accomplishment of getting all our baby stuff. All baby purchases needed before baby were made!! I am glad we went despite the doctors medically advising against it, but I'm sure it was for the reason of leaving the country. I felt safe knowing that I was close to Canada if I had to get back. 

  

Highlights:
My baby shower! It really was awesome being showered with my closest friends and my side of the family's presence. We are very blessed to have such an amazing support group filled with wonderful ladies and I am sure a lot of advice! Baby V was spoiled to say the least, but received a lot of awesome gifts.

Speaking of gifts, Alison sent us this sweet and thoughtful gift!! Thank you soo much!!! 

Can't wait to see Baby V in that adorable hat her mom made!! 

 We did decide to head to the states, knowing that if anything should happen, we were not far from Canada, and could just head home. Luckily I felt great all weekend, probably better than I would have sitting and stirring at home. It was nice to get away with M one last time. We found lots of time to relax and managed to only goto the stores we needed to goto, to which I had most items set aside at already, knowing shopping the whole store was against doctors orders. 

Belly Button?

In, but it is getting flatter and flatter. 

 

Wedding Rings?

On, but with this pre-eclampsia scare, I think I will take them off soon!! Once again, I will see what my OB is thinking.

Best Moment of the Week?

Baby shower wins. Although going away with M is a close 2nd for our baby moon, despite not being able to go far, just getting away together for the weekend was nice! It is also a good feeling knowing  we have everything we need for baby now! A huge weight off my shoulders!

Crazy Pregnancy Moment:

The "I think I might pee my pants" debacle. Sure enough the baby is breech and therefore bounces on my bladder as if it is a trampoline often, sending me to the bathroom frequently. Monday was no acception. We were getting ready to go to our friends house and of course I had to pee, so I did. Then right before we left (5 min later) I thought I had to pee again, but no luck. Baby was playing games with me! So we get in the car and are driving and that's when it dawned on me, this is why pregnant  women pee their pants. They get sick of running back and forth just to not pee. Well while in the car, I announced to Mike that I might just pee my pants and that I was in fact NOT joking! It was bad! Every 2 minutes my bladder felt like it might explode. Mikes response was "at least we have leather seats". The pressure was insane! Baby continued dancing away on it. I didn't end up peeing my pants, but when we made it to our friends, I went pee and (tmi) was only able to pee the smallest amount!! I would have swore my bladder was super full!! 

  

Bump Pic:

Excuse the rough appearance of this weeks bump pic! It was taken right after we got home from the states. Yes I think my face has gotten a little rounder... I'm trying to ignore that fact... And these comfy jeans make my legs look wider, as they are a more relaxed fit! 

22 weeks:

Looking Forward To:

   Seeing the baby next week at our next ultrasound. I guess there is one perk to have blood pressure issues! I also cannot wait to see my OB and hopefully get some answers regarding this blood pressure scare!