Inching toward the final days of pregnancy ...

How far along? 38 weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes please.
Stretch marks? Nope! wooo!
Sleep: Really good lately so I have no complaints there.
Best moment this week: Nothing in particular, just enjoying these last couple weeks.
Movement: He is going to be a strong boy, that's all I can say.
Food cravings: Nothing in particular, but I have been loving this giant apple pie my mom bought, with vanilla ice cream.
Gender: Boy
Pregnancy symptoms: The pregnant lady waddle and a really sore tail bone.

Labor Signs: Been having some different contractions so hopefully it's a sign of progress.

Belly Button in or out? Growing further and further outward every day...and looks like a starfish!

What I miss: Sitting comfortably anywhere besides on an exercise ball.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing the look on Brian's face when he meets his son for the first time.

Weekly Wisdom: Patience is a virtue!

Milestones: We've hit the final week of pregnancy. How do I know? Well...the doctor is concerned about the size of my belly and wants to induce me on Thursday (July 8) if the little man doesn't make his appearance on his own before then. So I am off to try every natural inducing method out there, because I DO NOT want to get Pitocin, but understand that sometimes these things are necessary for a healthy delivery. So send all your thoughts and prayers to my belly that you can spare. Hopefully our little guy gets the hint and makes his debut very soon.

38 weeks ...

The last bits of vernix caseosa (the white goo keeping baby's skin moist) and lanugo (downy hair) are slowly shedding into your amniotic fluid. Baby's head is about the same circumference as his abdomen, and his head could be covered in an inch or so of hair.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? If he's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he's 9 months old.

That little seed has grown into a watermelon!

This week brings two beautiful words: full-term. Now, whenever baby's born, he's likely to thrive. Also thriving? Your nesting instincts, which are behind those sudden urges to bake, clean, or embroider a onesie.

At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

We made it full term! 37 weeks and counting ...

How far along? 37 weeks

Maternity clothes? Very neccessary!
Stretch marks? Nope and I think I'm in the clear of getting any! (:::knock on wood:::)
Sleep: Not going so well these days. My hips get so sore if I stay in one position for too long.
Best moment this week: Hitting the "full term" mark. Definitely.
Movement: He's trying real hard to make more space in there, and sometimes I think he might bust out the side.
Food cravings: Nothing in particular.
Gender: Boy
Pregnancy symptoms: Um...being fat. Does that count?

Labor Signs: Definitely feeling more contractions and pressure in my hips. Don't know if it means anything.

Belly Button in or out? It has become the outie of all outie belly buttons!

What I miss: Being comfortable doing anything! Even walking is getting hard to do.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the labor show on the road! I'm just ready for it to start so I know the end is in sight!

Milestones: Reaching 37 weeks. Now the waiting game begins!

My own private "tour" of Labor and Delivery

As you all know, things have been going very well for me throughout this pregnancy. No major complaints by any means, and we are definitely getting ready to finally meet this little man. My doctor has been impressed my my steady weight gain and strong heartbeat from the babe all along.

I went in for my weekly visit last week, was happy to see I hadn't gained any weight since the last appointment and my blood pressure was a whopping 90/60. Then we get to checking out the baby ... belly growth is right on track but his heart rate was a little low. He has been a predictable one, holding stead at 130 bpm all along, but this time, he was registering right around 118. I guess anything below 120 is a reason to take a closer look, so my doctor decided to hook me up to the fetal monitor for about 15 minutes see if anything looked strange.

I am happy to report that his heart beat must have just been in a low part because it was up and strong, varying between 120 and 150 (which I guess the constant fluctuation is a good sign of a healthy and happy baby). But while I was hooked up to the machine, which also monitors uterine contractions, my doctor noticed I was contracting about every 2-3 minutes.

This caused a little concern for her since I was only 35 weeks, so she sent me across the street to Labor and Delivery for further monitoring and a possible shot of Terbutaline to stop the contractions. Being the independent person that I am, I didn't want anyone coming to sit with me at the hospital, but I did call and let them know what was going on. Of course my sister shows up 15 minutes later with her nurse-knowledge flowing, checking my charts and chatting with my nurse to get all the details.

My body hadn't started dilating or anything yet, so she wasn't too worried about me going into labor but better safe than sorry. While in L&D, I was contracting frequently, so they gave me a shot and lots of water, which slowed them to every 4-7 minutes. So they shot me up again (can I tell you how painful these shots are? guess I should just embrace it and get ready for pain much worse.). This finally stopped the contractions and I was sent home a couple hours later.

I'm glad that they were able to stop them, and completely blame the early contractions on stress. The little visit there made me realize it could happen any day and that we really need to prepare ourselves for this life-altering event thats about to happen. I'm just glad he has stayed put for another week and if any contractions start now ... there's no turning back as my doctor will let nature take its course!

35 weeks down 35(ish) days to go!

How far along? 35 weeks

Maternity clothes? Of course ... and finally starting my post-pregnancy wardrobe of nursing tanks and bras.
Stretch marks? Still none!
Sleep: Just in the last week I have begun to have to use the bathroom throughout the night so sleep is a little interrupted. Other than that, I could sure use more!
Best moment this week: Spending the weekend with 20 girls at Suncadia. It was a great final getaway and as little sleep as I got, it was a refreshing, stress-relieving couple of days.
Movement: Plenty of movement, just more jabs and wiggling than major kicks. And he gets the hiccups ALL the time!
Food cravings: Just food in general.
Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: I've been having regular BH contractions, and my hips are starting to feel cramped so I'm thinking he is making his move downward.

Belly Button in or out? Very out

What I miss: Sleeping through the night.
What I am looking forward to: My baby shower and our great friends Dan and Alexis coming into town! We haven't seen them in years. It's going to be a great weekend!

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every day, and don't let other's get you down.

Milestones: Finally feeling like we are "ready" for our little guy to make his arrival. I think Brian and I are settling in the groove of our life up here and can't wait to meet and love on our baby.

34 weeks and growing

Your baby is the size of a honeydew! He can recognize and react to simple songs ... time to start practicing your lullabies! In fact, he will recognize frequently sung tunes after birth and probably find them soothing. Less cute news: He now urinates about one pint per day. Get the diapers ready!

His fat layers — which he'll need to regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

It's all getting too real ...

So yesterday, Brian and my good friends Nate and Brenna Carlile's baby boy was born. This makes everything feel oh-so-real because Brenna's due date was two days before me! She delivered early, and from the sounds of it the little man is doing great.

But still ... that gave me one of those "holy crap I'm having a baby" moments. I mean ... I know I'm pregnant and going to have an "outside" baby one of these days, but her and I had gone through all the same things at the same time, so now that their boy is here I feel like I should get prepared because it's not out of the question for me to go into labor at any time.

I have prepared a birth plan (if nothing else but to help me grasp what type of experience I hope to have during labor and Brian to understand as well) and I really need to pack my hospital bag. Now I just need our little guy to stay put ... at least through the weekend since I will be at a cabin 2 hours from home with 20 crazy girls at a bachelorette party. The good thing is, two of them are nurses and one actually works in labor and delivery, so if something crazy does happen I will have a couple qualified helpers.

Here's hoping little man Hall stays comfy in my belly for a couple weeks longer ... even though he is TOTALLY running out of room.

33 weeks down ... only a few more to go!

How far along? 33 weeks

Maternity clothes? They are definitely needed, but I can still find pieces of regular clothes, especially dresses, that still fit. Brian bought me the cutest and comfy outfit from Victorias Secret so that adds to my collection
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: I think I have the position down, as I have been sleeping much better lately...extra pillow under my head and one under my belly.
Best moment this week: Probably feeling him hiccup a lot. I'm taking it as a sign that his lungs are developing well and he is becoming more of a "real" baby!
Movement: This little guy is definitely getting stronger, but more cramped in there. It's fun to try to determine which body part he is jabbing me with throughout the day.
Food cravings: Trying to keep my food choices more healthy, but with the abundance of Krispy Kreme donuts around lately, it's hard to not eat one (or the whole dozen).
Gender: Boy
Pregnancy symptoms: Same 'ol same.

Labor Signs: Our little man is head-down and ready to go, so now it's just letting him get bigger and stronger before he makes his appearance.

Belly Button in or out? Ugh...out!

What I miss: Just the usual ... nothing new.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery finished!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't let the fear of the unknown overwhelm you!

Milestones: Besides our little man getting into position, it's just so great to know that even if I went into labor any time soon, there is a 95% chance he would be just fine! Oh...and how can I forget...our biggest milestone this past week is Brian and I successfully putting together our changing table/dresser without strangling eachother!

8 months down ...

You are now 33 weeks and into your 8th month. Your baby is the size of a melon!

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

Things are heating up inside as well: Baby may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and his brain is developing like crazy. Pretty soon, he'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Also, his bones are hardening, and he's started to keep his eyes open when he's awake.

Pregnancy updates ...

(Can you tell I am getting lazy with the pictures these days?)

How far along? 31 weeks

Maternity clothes? Most definitely.
Stretch marks? Although I had a minor panic attack last week when I looked back at my belly photos, thinking I saw stretchies on the under side of my belly, but hadn't noticed because I haven't seen that part of my body in weeks, I'm safe to say still no stretch marks.
Sleep: Getting worse.
Best moment this week: Getting the most fantastic anniversary present from Brian.
Movement: A whole lot!
Food cravings: I've been craving my mom's spicy bbq beans for some reason.
Gender: Boy
Pregnancy symptoms: As I type I am feeling the beginning pains of what I believe are my hips widening.

Labor Signs: Nothing new.

Belly Button in or out? Surprisingly, it hasn't popped out much more.

What I miss: Being able to easily get in and out of a bathroom stall.
What I am looking forward to: Brian finally getting to meet our new doctor. And our welcome home/baby shower party in Walla Walla this weekend ... well and seeing the Hall family of course!

Weekly Wisdom: Always make a list when going to the grocery store ... if your cravings don't get you more than you need, your forgetful mind will have you leaving without the things you came for.

Milestones: Today is our first anniversary! We celebrated and headed to the ocean this past weekend, just the two (well two and a half) of us. More to come from that trip soon.

31 weeks and he's now a BIG squash!

Baby's going through major brain and nerve development these days. His irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (He won't pick up anything from his nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up.

Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Time to start pumping some iron!

... and I don't mean lifting weights.

Last week I had my glucose tolerance test and they also test you for anemia. The good news is my blood sugar was normal so no Gestational Diabetes for me. The bad news is that I am slightly anemic. I wasn't exactly sure what the effects of anemia were on a pregnancy and fetus so I did some googling ... let's just say it's not fantastic, but not the worst thing that could happen either. I will definitely be doing all that I can to get my iron levels up in hopes to avoid any of the possibilities becoming reality.

Following doctor's orders, I am now on a daily iron supplement and am working on upping my dietary intake of iron as well. It's a good thing I love red meat, spinach, beans and seafood! If you have any great suggestions that include iron-rich ingredients ... send them my way!

30 weeks down ...

How far along? 30 weeks!

Maternity clothes? Nothing new this week.
Stretch marks? Nada ... knock on wood.
Sleep: It's so-so these nights. I can feel the weight in my belly pulling when I lay on my side.
Best moment this week: Getting the results from my glucose tolerance test ... and finding out my blood sugar levels are normal!
Movement: This boy is a mover! Its so fun, yet somewhat painful and distracting while I am working/driving/sleeping.
Food cravings: Salad. Is that weird?
Gender: A little man
Pregnancy symptoms: I've started to get some lower back pain as my belly gets bigger ... and I have been told I'm starting to waddle.

Labor Signs: BH contractions, so nothing new.

Belly Button in or out? Definitely popping out.

What I miss: Being able to fit into the majority of my wardrobe.
What I am looking forward to: Our anniversary weekend alone at a beach house in Ocean Shores this weekend. It's going to be a great time.

Milestones: We have hit the 30 week mark which makes it feel like our little guy will be here really soon.

Why hello, hormones.

I have been pretty happy-go-lucky for the most part throughout this pregnancy, but I now know that those hormones have just been hanging out in there waiting to explode. Which they did a couple nights ago. I mean, I have had one little breakdown a couple months ago, but this one had me sobbing like a baby.

Why, you might ask? I wish I knew. All I do know is one minute I was fine, the next I was storming off to the bedroom to lay in bed and cry for an hour.

Luckily, Brian being the supportive husband that he is ... and although he had no clue why I was crying and probably was thinking he married a crazy lady ... was able to calm me down (but he was smart enough to give me about 45 minutes of alone time to get the worst of it out).

I do know that I have been keeping things to myself as to not burden those around me with crazy pregnancy complaints every day, and that might be part of the problem. I have such great friends and family who are willing to listen, why not take advantage of it? If I had to pinpoint the source of my meltdown, I would say it was part fear/nerves of what is about to change in the next couple months, and part feeling like a fat moose every day. I wake up every morning and still feel like I have the body I had a year ago, and then I try to sit up and realize I have no abs, but a beach ball stuck on my belly, and it's only going to get worse before it gets better.

And the idea of having an "outside baby" is so exciting but so nervewracking at the same time. Not to mention the process I have to go through to get there.

I think I was able to vent it all out to Brian that night and am feeling a lot better, but it's scary knowing that I will probably have another freak-out or two before our little man makes his grand arrival.

29 weeks and a fat face to prove it!

(I didn't take an "official" bump photo this week so I hope this will do.)

How far along? 29 weeks

Maternity clothes? Anything long, stretchy and cotton is my friend these days.
Stretch marks? Nope, but I am developing that belly "seam" they call the Linea Nigra.
Sleep: So-so. I'm just always so afraid I am putting too much weight on my belly since it seems to prop me up while I sleep on my side.
Best moment this week: Sleeping in this weekend and spending time with mom!
Movement: Never ending! It's so funny to watch him move around. He has been all about hanging out just under my ribs these days which makes sitting very uncomfortable.
Food cravings: Cinnamon rolls and donuts!
Gender: Boy
Pregnancy symptoms: Nothing new ... besides my face rounding out to match the squash picture in the previous post!

Labor Signs: Nada

Belly Button in or out? in between?

What I miss: Drinking caffeine without a feeling of guilt. I will get half-decaf when I get a latte, and my doc said its okay, but I can't help but wonder if the little man can feel it.
What I am looking forward to: A few weekend trips we have coming up and my appointment on Friday to get to talk with my doctor more (and take the dreaded glucose tolerance test).

Weekly Wisdom: Don't sweat the small stuff.

7 months and he's a Squash!

You are seven months pregnant and your baby is now the size of a Squash.

Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is getting bigger to accommodate his growing brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester.

28 weeks and into the final trimester

How far along? 28 weeks

Maternity clothes? I can still wear a lot of my non-maternity clothes, but am definitely feeling the need to purchase more maternity clothes as everything beginning to ride up over the belly.
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: Could be better. The discomfort is setting in and I get uncomfortable more quickly.
Best moment this week: My mom's reaction when the little man kicked her hand on my belly. Too funny!
Movement: So much! I can't believe how much he moves around now, and all day long! And he is getting so strong, its beginning to hurt when he digs his little knees and elbows into my belly.
Food cravings: Everything, especially sweets ... but could use a good Thai dinner.
Gender: Boy
Pregnancy symptoms: I think the exhaustion is beginning to set in again. I get so tired after doing anything and it's making it hard to stay motivated at work during the day.

Labor Signs: Besides the occassional BH contraction, nothing.

Belly Button in or out? I think my belly button is growing a belly of its own!

What I miss: Being able to be comfortable in one position for more than five minutes. I feel like I am always shifting and moving to get comfortable.
What I am looking forward to: Snuggling up with this little man!

Weekly Wisdom: Make time for a nap on the weekends. They are even more refreshing than a whole night's sleep.

Milestones: We are officially in the third and final trimester! Only 12 weeks, give or take, to go! (holy crap!)

This is getting to be one big eggplant!

You are 28 weeks and your baby is the size of an eggplant.

Baby's lungs are mature enough that, if born right now, he has a pretty good chance of surviving (with help from medical technology). His skin is still pretty wrinkly (one byproduct of living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit.

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can open and close his eyes, which now sport lashes. This movement is more of a reflexive blink than a deliberate opening and closing.

27 weeks and growing by the day!

How far along? 27 weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes, please! I haven't bought a ton of maternity clothes, but have been finding great items that fit over this ever-growing belly.
Stretch marks? Keeping my fingers crossed that I avoid these all together.
Sleep: Sucks! I toss and turn all night, can't sleep on my back AT ALL, and when I try to sleep on my side I feel like I get front-heavy and put too much weight on my belly. I am trying out a body pillow but I toss and turn so much, it might get annoying.

Best moment this week: Meeting our new doctor and loving her! Knowing everything is falling in place for this little guy's arrival.

Movement: This boy is a dancer! He is always moving around in there.
Food cravings: FOOD! Doesn't matter what it is. I am always hungry.

Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: I might be feeling some Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing of any concern.
Belly Button in or out? This is growing by the day too.

What I miss: After our long move and packing/unpacking, I would have given anything for a nice glass of wine or an ice cold beer.

What I am looking forward to: Starting my 2-week appointments and getting so close to meeting this guy!

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every day.

Milestones: We made it back to Washington, got set up with our new doctor and new insurance, and got confirmation that our baby is growing great with a strong heartbeat. (and even though it might look like it, I haven't gained a TON of weight)