How far along?

39 weeks!

How big is the peanut? 
The size of a pumpkin! Baby has most likely reached his birth weight now.  

Total weight gain/loss?

I gained 1.8 lbs this week (mostly in cupcakes), bringing my weight to 159.4. Officially gained more than 30 lbs! 

Maternity clothes?

I have been wearing my maternity leggings a lot this week, and loose dresses!

Sleep? 
Still waking up through out the night. My hips are starting to hurt, so I can't sleep on one side for too long. 

Best moment this week?

My mother in law got married on Saturday! A lot of my husbands family lives out of town, so it was nice to see everyone, and spend some time with family before the baby comes.

Symptoms?
-Lower back pain
-My feet are a bit swollen, and I wake up in the night with my hands swollen too. My wedding rings still fit in the morning, so the swelling isn't too bad.
-Still getting some nausea.
-Tired! Bring on the naps!

Food cravings?

Gnocchi! My favourite Italian dish.

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy :)

Labour signs?

None! I had my OB appointment last Friday, and when he checked my cervix, I was still 0 cm dilated. I am hoping I will have started to dilate when he checks me at my next appointment on Tuesday!

Belly button in or out?

As popped out as it is going to get.

What I miss?

Red wine, especially with all the pasta cravings I have been having!

What I am looking forward to?
My hubby gets 8 weeks off work when the baby comes, and with Fall being our favourite season, we are excited to spend this time together as a family of 4 (have to include our fur baby, Bear). We are excited for trips to the farmers market, going for walks in the crisp Fall air, and starting new traditions with our little guy.

Milestones?

We only have 1 week left! This pregnancy has flown by, and I can't believe we get to meet him so soon! Our lives are about to change forever! Baby boy is fully developed and ready to come any day now!

Bump?

Still getting bigger!

38 weeks

How far along?

38 weeks!

How big is the peanut? 
The size of a Swiss Chard. Baby weighs about 7 lbs now and is 20" long (give or take) 

Total weight gain/loss?

I gained 1.2 lbs this week, bringing my weight to 157.6. So far I have gained 29 lbs this pregnancy!

Maternity clothes?

If I could just not wear clothes, that would be great!

Sleep? 
I am waking up a lot more through out the night.

Best moment this week?

I had my last day of work on Saturday. When I got in that morning, there was a mini surprise going away party for me! I was in shock! Everyone was there, and said something sweet to me! I felt so appreciated and loved! It was a great way to end my last day of work.

Symptoms?
-Lower back pain
-Nausea!!!
-Still getting mild menstrual cramps here and there

Food cravings?

Pizza, and Fruit (peaches and strawberries)

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy :)

Labour signs?

None yet. He seems pretty cozy in there!

Belly button in or out?

As popped out as it is going to get.

What I miss?

Red wine

What I am looking forward to?
Meeting this baby boy! I am pretty much ready now! Hospital bag is packed, house has been completely decluttered and organized, and the freezer is stocked (thanks to my mom)! Now I am just resting and waiting! Too bad you can't bank sleep hours!

Milestones?

2 weeks until my due date! This is such a great feeling, and knowing that in a few weeks we get to meet this little guy!

Bump?

I think this baby has dropped, because my bump feels low! 

36 weeks

How far along?

36 weeks! Officially 9 months pregnant!

How big is the peanut? 
He is the size of a head of Romaine Lettuce. He can be about 20" long and weighs just under 6 lbs.

Total weight gain/loss?

I gained 0.8 lbs this week, bringing my weight to 155.6 lbs.

Maternity clothes?

Yes, and anything with stretch. Dresses are the best these days! I need breathable pieces to get me through the heat. 

Sleep? 
Still sleeping pretty good. 

Best moment this week?

I started doing baby laundry, and have organized his dresser! All his clothes look so cute folded in there. 

Symptoms?
My toes were swollen for quite a few days. The swelling has gone down a bit now, as I am doing my best to keep my feet up when I can, and eat less salt. I haven't had any swelling this entire pregnancy, so I am hoping this is the extent of it! My wedding rings are still loose on my ring finger, so luckily I haven't had any swelling in my hands.
I have also been getting some mild menstrual-like cramps for a few days. I usually feel them in the morning and then in the evening. I am thinking these are Braxton Hicks contractions. 

Food cravings?

Peanut butter cookies!!

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy :)

Labour signs?

None

Belly button in or out?

Still half popped out. You can definitely see it through all my clothes now. 

What I miss?

Being able to roll over in bed so effortlessly. It takes everything in me just to move positions at night. I will also be happy to have my giant pregnancy pillow out of the bed. It takes up so much space and is a big divider between the hubby and I, but for now, it is the only thing that keeps me from rolling onto my back.

What I am looking forward to?

Finishing my nursery reveal blog post! It should be up within the next few days! :) 

Milestones?

It is officially baby boy's due date month!! I can't believe it is August already! Realistically he could be a September baby, as my due date is Aug 31st, but he could also make his grand entrance this month! We are so ready and excited!

Bump?

I almost forget what it feels like not to have this bump!

35 weeks

How far along?

35 weeks! Only 5 weeks left!

How big is the peanut? 

The size of a Canary Melon. He is still around 19" long and can weigh up to 5.8 lbs. 

Total weight gain/loss?

I actually lost 0.2 lbs this week, bringing my weight down to 154.8 lbs.

Maternity clothes?

Yup!

Sleep? 
Nothing much has changed here. Still sleeping well.

Best moment this week?

I checked some more things off my to-do list! My mom and I went baby shopping on Monday. I have been really enjoying running baby errands with her. She is so excited to be a grandma, and I love having her there to pick things out with me.

Symptoms?
I have been so irritated lately. The littlest thing will have me irrationally upset! These hormones have taken my feelings to the next level! I am quite proud with how well I have been able to control myself though!

Food cravings?

Peanut butter banana toast! 

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy :)

Labour signs?

None

Belly button in or out?

Still half popped out. I have a pretty deep scar in my belly button from my salpingectomy surgery, so I don't think that part of my belly button is going to come out. Just the area around it seems to be popping out. 

What I miss?

My non maternity wardrobe. It will be nice to have more outfit options again.

What I am looking forward to?

I have two weeks left of work. I am excited for some time off before the baby gets here, to relax, sleep and start mentally preparing myself for the big changes that are coming in hot!

Milestones?

Baby boy's hearing is now fully developed and he responds best to high-pitched noises! He is also putting on some fat and pounds over the next 5 weeks!

Bump?

The bump life is very real these days. I am actually surprised my bump isn't bigger. I always imagined myself being HUGE at 8-9 months pregnant, although I did have someone say to me "you must be carrying triplets!" Like really?! My bump is no where near triplet status. It's funny how people think they can say whatever they want to a pregnant person. Not cool!

My hearts desire

    

Our sweet boy...our miracle baby. If you read my "We're Pregnant" story then you know why I call this baby my miracle. Waiting 16 months for our rainbow baby was a true test of patience. The one thing I wanted most, wasn't happening, and there was nothing I could do (and you bet I tried!). I had to learn to live in the moment and not dwell on things that would have been. God is the only one in control, and I had to have complete faith in Him, that one day, whether it be naturally or not, He would gift us the deepest desire of my heart. 

Looking at these photos brings tears to my eyes as I see the overwhelming joy and gratitude I feel. This baby bump represents so much for me! It is something I waited, prayed, and hoped for. Being pregnant is a very surreal feeling, and this whole journey has been an incredible experience. Feeling all the jabs, kicks, hiccups, and big movements makes all the morning sickness, fatigue, aches and heartburn all worth it! Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing, although challenging at times, each week we pass, and each milestone we reach, is a reminder of how astounding our God is, and how amazing our bodies really are! I mean, I am growing a tiny human, how incredible is that? I feel so blessed to have this opportunity, and I can't believe I get to be his Mama!

In a few short weeks, we get to meet this baby boy. We can't wait to experience things in this world all over again through him. My love for our son is nothing I have ever felt before, and the love I have for my husband is growing deeper and stronger each day! 

Thanks Christy Swanberg for capturing these beautiful images. These are photos I will cherish forever.

"I knew you before I formed you in your mothers womb. Before you were born I set you apart" Jeremiah 1:5 

34 weeks

How far along?

34 weeks

How big is the peanut? 

The size of a Pineapple! He is about 19" long and weighs just over 5lbs. It's crazy to think he is now bigger than our dog! 

Total weight gain/loss?

I gained 0.4 lbs this week, bringing my weight to 155 lbs.

Maternity clothes?

I am the most comfortable in dresses, and leggings. 

Sleep? 
I am still sleeping pretty well! Hopefully this will continue right to the end. This mama needs as much sleep as possible before baby arrives! 

Best moment this week?

We started our Babies and Birth class at the hospital! I remember booking this class back in March thinking it was so far away, and now here we are! Our first class was great, and very informative. It's making all of this feel very real now!

Symptoms?
Back pain (here and there, depending on what I am doing), heartburn, fatigue, and emotional. 

Food cravings?

Pasta, bread and more bread! These carb cravings are out of control!

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy :)

Labour signs?

Thankfully none! I thought I was maybe leaking amniotic fluid and after talking with my OB's nurse, she recommended I go to L&D to get checked. It was such a relief to have the test come back negative, and that this fluid was from an infection. Good thing I am getting it treated now, as any type of infection can cause pre term labour, and we want this little babe to stay in there as long as possible!

Belly button in or out?

Still half popped out.

What I miss?

My energy. I still have a lot of things on my "nesting list" I want to complete, but I am just so tired! I am hoping to get some of the big things crossed off my list this weekend.

What I am looking forward to?

Meeting this little guy!

Milestones?

Baby is head down, which means he is getting ready for his big debut.

Bump?

Measuring right on track! My OB is happy with my measurements and weight gain.

My Baby Shower

My wonderful friend Laura, hosted the most beautiful and thoughtful baby shower I could ever ask for. I can't even begin to thank her (and our lovely mom's who helped tremendously) enough for all the time and energy put in to making this day so special for me! I am beyond grateful for all the love and support everyone has shown us! Our son is loved so much already, and it makes my heart so happy knowing he will be surrounded by many loved ones once he arrives. Here are some of the details from my baby boy's shower. 

33 weeks

How far along?

33 weeks

How big is the peanut? 

The size of a Honeydew Melon! He is about 17-18" long and can weigh up to 5 lbs now!

Total weight gain/loss?

I gained 2 lbs again this week, bringing my weight to 154.6 lbs.

Maternity clothes?

I have still been wearing my stretchy non maternity pieces and I also recently got some non maternity dresses that stretch over my bump nicely. Of course, when it comes to bottoms such as shorts and jeans, I can only wear maternity.

Sleep? 
I am waking up twice in the night to pee now, but other than that, I am sleeping well. 

Best moment this week?

My baby shower! I had the most amazing day last Sunday, and I feel so grateful for all the wonderful people in my life! I am working on a blog post that will be up very soon with all the details of my shower!

Symptoms?

Back pain-mostly the middle area. The weight of everything going on in the front is definitely putting stress on my back. I am trying to improve my posture as much as I can to help support my back, and I will be going for some prenatal massages asap!

Food cravings?

I have eaten pancakes 3 times this week, which is probably less than a lot of other yyc folks this week, right? This preggo is just going to blame it on the Stampede. 

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy :)

Labour signs?

None

Belly button in or out?

It has half popped. It is at the point where I can see it through some of my tighter clothes.

What I miss?

Red wine, and getting out of the car with out huffing and puffing. 7 weeks left baby!!

What I am looking forward to?

-Our nursery is so close to being finished!!!! I am so excited to share it with you all very soon! 

-I am also looking forward to installing the carseat in the next week. It will put my mind at ease, knowing we have the basics completed JUST incase our little man decides to make an early entrance.

-We start our Birth and Babies class next week!

Milestones?

Baby boy has a fully developed immune system! He also knows the difference between day & night, and will keep his eyes open during the day! I find this so fascinating! 

Bump?

Getting bigger everyday, and still no stretch marks! :)

32 weeks

How far along?

32 weeks

How big is the peanut? 

The size of a Butternut Squash! He is about 17" long and can weigh up to 4 lbs now!

Total weight gain/loss?

I gained 2 lbs this week, bringing my weight to 152.6 lbs.

Maternity clothes?

Yes!  

Sleep?

The hubby bought a window fan for our bedroom, which has helped with the hot sweats. I am still waking up to pee at night, and to move positions. 

Best moment this week?

We did maternity photos yesterday morning with one of my favourite photographers! I absolutely love her, and I have known her for quite some time, so it was a pleasure to have her photograph us! I can't wait to see them!

Symptoms?

Lots of heartburn. Drinking water is even giving me heartburn these days.

Food cravings?

Avocado toast

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy :)

Labour signs?

None

Belly button in or out?

In

What I miss?

Red wine

What I am looking forward to?

My Baby Shower on Sunday!

Milestones?

We only have 8 weeks left people!!!! Where has the time gone?! I had my OB appointment the other day, myself and baby are doing very well! I have no swelling, my blood pressure is perfect, my belly is measuring right on track and baby boy's heartbeat is strong! I can't thank God enough for this sweet miracle!

Bump?

Yes, and I love it! It is getting in the way of painting my toes, and shaving my legs. Not ideal when we are going through a heat wave, and all I want to wear is shorts, and flip flops. 

31 weeks

How far along?

31 weeks!

How big is the peanut? 

The size of Asparagus. He is about 17" long and can weigh up to 3.8 lbs.

Total weight gain/loss?

I gained 2.8 lbs this week, bringing my weight to 150.6 lbs! I think eating dessert everyday has contributed to this almost 3 lb weight gain this week! 

Maternity clothes?

Yes!  

Sleep?

I am still waking up in the night with hot sweats! Rolling over is becoming quite the task, so I do find myself waking up often to change positions.

Best moment this week?

This past Sunday, my bestie and our Mom's got together for brunch at our favourite spot, The Ranche in fish creek park! I am still dreaming about the berry stuffed french toast-so good! We discussed my baby shower which is coming up so soon! She is putting so much work and planning into my shower, I feel so blessed to have her!

Symptoms?

Shortness of breath, exhaustion, heartburn, and I have to pee ALL the time! This third trimester is no joke!

Food cravings?

Strawberries and chocolate.

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy.

Labour signs?

None

Belly button in or out?

In 

What I miss?

My mobility. I just don't get around as easily as I used to. I could also go for a big glass of wine right about now!

What I am looking forward to?

We are off to BC tomorrow for Canada Day weekend! The hubby and I also have next week off work, so we are planning on getting lots of the nursery projects done!

Milestones?

Baby's 5 senses are now working. We are also in the single digit countdown! 9 weeks left, baby boy!! :)

Bump?

Quite big now! I feel like I have really grown in the last week!

29 weeks

How far along?

29 weeks

How big is the peanut? 

The size of an Acorn Squash. He is 16" long and weighs about 2.5-3 lbs.

Total weight gain/loss?

I gained 1 pound this week, bringing my weight to 146.4 lbs.

Maternity clothes?

Pretty much the only thing I am wearing these days, with the exception of some stretchier non maternity pieces I can still wear. 

Sleep?

Pretty good, but I am still waking up SUPER tired! I feel like I need to nap a few times a day, just to make it through.

Best moment this week?

We got to hear baby boy's heartbeat again at my 28 week check up. I also passed my first glucose test, so I don't need to do the second one-YAY!!

Symptoms?

Heartburn, and fatigue. Maybe it is from being so busy lately, but I don't feel rested. I am hoping this isn't the third trimester fatigue already. I was hoping I wouldn't loose my energy so soon. :(

Food cravings?

Cereal. I could eat a whole box every night if I let myself. 

Food aversions?

Nothing

Gender?

Baby boy

Labour signs?

None

Belly button in or out?

In

What I miss?

I have been wanting to sleep on my stomach again the last few nights.

What I am looking forward to?

I am finally done refinishing the crib we purchased. This was a very big task, but it has turned out SO GOOD!! I did the last coat of wax on the final two pieces this past Sunday, so I am letting it cure for a week before we put it together this weekend. I am so excited to have the crib set up in the nursery!

Milestones?

Only one more week until we hit 30 weeks! Baby has grown so much, and his movements are getting more frequent and pronounced! 

Bump?

Yup, and still no stretch marks.