30 Weeks!

Originally written December 12, 2017

Sorry for the wet hair look. I knew I would be working late tonight so needed to get an early morning picture.

Size of Baby: Baby Savannah weighed in at 3 pounds 7 ounces at the Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) office yesterday, and then an hour later, our regular doctor clocked her at 4 pounds. Our regular doctor's equipment is old, so she can be a pound off in either direction. MFM has the best ultrasound equipment, so the 3 pounds 7 ounces should be pretty much right on. According to the Bump app, she is the size of a zucchini.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Holding steady at 183 this week, up 23 pounds total.

Nursery Updates: We moved all of her stuff out of the nursery and into the guest room, so that Dave will have plenty of room to put her crib together. Hopefully he gets around to that soon. It would make this momma's heart happy to see the crib with the mattress inside and the fitted sheet on there ready to go. I got a chance to go through all of the late night diapers from the shower Catherine hosted. Here were my favorites:

Maternity Clothes: Melissa gave me a ginormous bag full of maternity winter shirts. I love them. They are comfortable, good colors and will see me through the rest of this pregnancy.

Weird Moment This Week: First stretchmark. Or maybe I should call it a constellation of red dots. It appeared this morning, Tuesday, December 12. Savannah has been preferring my left lower side. I think it's where her butt is. And that's where this lovely constellation has appeared. Update on my constellation, Dr. Martin told me yesterday, it's just hormones, not an actual stretch mark :)

Also, I realized yesterday that my belly button might actually have a little flap that is protruding instead of laying flat. I didn't even know if my belly button would become flat. Now I'm thinking at the end it might be poking out!

Where is Baby: Baby is still positioned head down, with her abdomen lining up around my belly button. Yesterday her feet were under my left rib cage. But I have yet to feel her feet in my rib cage, like I've heard other women talk about.

Movement: I think yesterday was the most Savannah has moved in one day. I don't know if she knew it was doctor visit day or what. But during the entire ultrasound, she kept jumping away from the ultrasound wand and turning her head whenever we tried to see her face. Her movement continued through the rest of the evening and into the night. Feeling her move and having Dave right beside me at the same time is my favorite thing. I feel so peaceful knowing they are both right beside me.

Sleep: Eh, I've had some really awful nights this week. Some of my worst. One night I had such bad heartburn, oh it was Monday, cause I worked late and then ate deep dish pizza at 8:15pm. I won't do that again. If I haven't eaten dinner by 7, I'm not going to eat dinner. It's just not worth it with the heartburn. Last night wasn't too bad.

What I Miss: Sleep, working out as usual. But at the same time, this is my favorite part of pregnancy so far. I just love feeling her move inside of me. I love bringing her to work every day with me. I just love that she is with me wherever I go.

Cravings: It's all over the place. My taste buds change within 10 minutes. Yesterday, when we left St. Francis at 4, we decided on tacos for the night. On my 20 minute drive home, I started craving Chinese, Thai, and then back to tacos. It's nuts. But in reality, I'm not as hungry as I was before. I think all my organs are being smashed, so I just don't have that much room.

Dave and I are not cake people. But he was cleaning out our pantry over the weekend and found this personal-sized cake mix I had bought a year (or two) ago :) So we made it last night to celebrate being 30 weeks pregnant.

It was delicious, and I had my piece with Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream.

Symptoms: Organs are being smashed. I pee constantly even though only a few drops might come out. Her head is literally resting on my bladder, which we saw at the MFM office yesterday. So it makes total sense why. That also explains why I can go a few hours at night without peeing, because laying down relieves that pressure.

Best Moment This Week: Yesterday at the MFM office getting to watch our little girl on screen for 30-45 minutes. We had a new ultrasound tech, so she wasn't as swift with taking all of the necessary measurements. So we had even more time with our princess. Dave said he has never seen me look so peaceful as I did when I was watching my little girl on the screen.

Moments with Dave this Week: The night before my 24 hour urine collection test, I had a HUGE meltdown. We had gone to the ORU men's basketball game that night. And as I was getting ready for bed, I decided to practice some of the urine collection stuff before I started it the next morning. I could have sworn the girls at the lab told me the hats that you place in the toilet to collect your urine were foldable, and that's how you poured it into the jug. So I practiced folding my first one, and the bottom popped out. It was very hard plastic. But that was the one Dave had brought home with him from work, so that I would have a back-up. I showed him what I had done, and then I promptly tried to fold the one that the lab from St. Francis had given me, and a part snapped off. I immediately started sobbing. I might have thrown myself on the ground. It was not pretty.

Dave was in shock that I had broken not one, but two of the hats! The only ones we had. And it was 10:30pm on a Friday night. And we had set aside Saturday for me to do this test.

He climbed out of bed, put on presentable clothes and said he was going to the hospital to get me some more. It was so incredibly sweet. He came home with 3 of them and showed me how to use them so I wouldn't break it again. :)

Saturday I was able to finish putting up our Christmas decorations, which I did very low key this year. On the tree, just new ribbon, red balls and a few of our favorite homemade ornaments as well as our 4 nutcrackers.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Christmas in Kansas City!

What the Doctor Said this Week: The doctors had a lot to say. Our MFM doctor, Dr. Jones, is great. He is easy to talk to, but he also addressed my blood pressure in serious tones. He said if Dr. Martin had gotten the first reading they got at MFM, she would have sent me over to Labor and Delivery for monitoring. He said my blood pressure is at critical levels and 95% worse than most of his patients, which is hard to believe. Because a lot of the people in that waiting room did not look like healthy specimens. He spent the first 15 minutes of the consultation talking about me and my blood pressure and how we can lower my stress....is it time to cut down my hours at work, I need to reduce my exercise (which led to some push back on my part, but he won) and I need to keep my heart rate under 120 when exercising. He is starting me on the lowest dose of a blood pressure lowering medicine, in hopes that it really helps the situation and buys me up until week 38-39. He said with chronic hypertension patients like myself, the best chance of a healthy delivery is between weeks 38-39, which would be between February 4 and 11. I'm pushing for the whole 40 weeks, but obviously I will do whatever I can to keep Savannah safe.

Finally, I blurted out "How is my baby?" She is doing great! He said she is in the 34th percentile overall, although her head is in the 72nd percentile. We were able to see her breathing through her nose. Her heart looked great. She is getting great blood flow and nutrients from the placenta and umbilical cord. All the best news for my ears. So now, just to keep me in check for the next 10 weeks.

There has been lots of this going on...

Weirdest Thing I ate this Week: An apple at 2:30 in the morning on Monday night. I was out of tums and Kristine told me apples help nutrilize stomach acid. Sure enough, within 10 minutes I was back to sleep.

Verse I'm Clinging to this Week: "Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him." Psalm 62:5

Prayer for this upcoming week: That the blood pressure medicine will help bring my numbers down, especially at my next appointments on the 27th. We will continue seeing both Dr. Jones and Dr. Martin for the continuation of the pregnancy.

29 Weeks!

Originally written December 6, 2017

Size of Baby: Baby J is the size of an acorn squash, 15.2 inches and between 2 pounds 8 ounces and 3 pounds 13 ounces in weight (according to the Bump app).

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 183, up 23 pounds so far.

I've still been exercising most days, either going for walks in the morning or hitting the elliptical for 3 miles at the gym.

Nursery Updates: Sunday morning Jess and I spent 1.5 hours organizing gifts in the nursery into piles. We sorted the diapers by size. The books are all in one bin. The bath stuff is together, nursing stuff is together, baby meds are together. I felt SO much better when we were done.

Maternity Clothes: I actually wore a sweater yesterday that wasn't maternity, and I don't think I should try to do that again...lol!

Weird Moment This Week: I just scheduled my first dental appointment for post delivery. April 11, a Wednesday, so Dave will be home from work.

Where is Baby: I can definitely tell more of baby is on my left side. I can barely tie my shoe on the left, put on my sock, shave my leg, etc. On my right side, I still have quite a bit mobility.

Movement: One night this week, Dave and I had just dozed off to sleep. I was on my right side, and his arm was draped over my belly. Typically, she will feel around his forearm, giving him little kicks I can feel, but he can't necessarily feel. That night, we both woke up to an extra strong kick and said "woah!" at the exact same moment. Baby girl is getting strong.

The last two days I haven't felt so many sharp kicks, as I have big rolling or wave-like movements. It's quite strange. Maybe she is running out of room in there.

Sleep: I've had some horrible nights of sleep this week, but the last three nights have been really good. I actually took the snoogle out of the bed. Since I'm bigger now, wrestling with the snoogle to get up to pee was proving to be a challenge. We've also gone on short walks right before bed the last three nights, and I think it helps with my late night acid reflux.

What I Miss: Sleeping on my back, putting on shoes without getting out of breath.

Cravings: My true craving for the last few weeks is Holiday Grapes. They are a little expensive, but they are so worth it....big, red, juicy grapes. I love them. And Savannah does too. She usually moves while I'm eating them.

Symptoms: I thought I was on a roll with no puking and thought maybe it would be a third trimester thing. But Monday I was back in the toilet. I even burst a blood vessel in my eye because it was so violent. Per my mom's advice, I might be switching to cinnamon toothpaste for the rest of the pregnancy.

Best Moment This Week: Being showered by my friend Catherine. She did such an incredible job.

Moments with Dave this Week: Dave and I celebrated my birthday last night at Fleming's. I ate a big yummy filet to boost my iron (it came back slightly anemic this week). Utica Square is beautifully lit up for Christmas, so we spent time after dinner walking around. We also learned that our beloved Russell Stover's that left Utica Square has been replaced by Glacier Chocolates. I gladly let Dave buy me some for my birthday :)

I loved my date with Dave this week. Also, I must brag on him for how well he takes care of me when I get sick. To put it lightly, all my vomit from Monday did not make it into the toilet, and that man cleans it up with no complaints every single time. He is an angel.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Seeing my baby girl next Wednesday!

What the Doctor Said this Week: N/A, Next appointments are Wednesday, December 13.

Weirdest Thing I ate this Week: I was craving milk really badly on Tuesday morning. So I brought our whole jug of milk to the office and my box of Fruit Loops and ate 2.5 bowls :)

Verse I'm Clinging to this Week: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

Prayer for this upcoming week: If you're the praying kind, pray that I don't go nuts during the 24 hour urine collection test on Saturday, and that both of the doctor's appointments go well on Wednesday. Thank you :)

28 Weeks! Third Trimester!

Originally written November 30, 2017

Size of Baby: Baby J is the size of an eggplant, 14.8 inches and 2 pound 3 ounces in weight (according to the Bump app).

However, according to our doctor appointment baby girl was a hefty 3 pounds 2 ounces. (WOWZERS!)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 181, up 21 pounds so far.

Maternity Clothes: I wore a normal shirt this week that I felt really good in!

Shocking Moment This Week: We went to Lake Oologah with Mom and Ron on Friday to go hiking, eat s'mores and play bocce ball and Frisbee golf. Shockingly, I won one of the holes on Frisbee golf! And I am HORRIBLE at Frisbee :)

Movement: Baby girl moves a lot. A couple of nights ago we had a thunder storm, and she was punching or kicking me in response to large thunder claps. It seems like her most active time is between 3-4am, and I spend a good chunk of that time awake just enjoying her movements.

Sleep: This week I have been falling asleep on the couch between 7:15 and 8:15. Granted, I have had a cold that kept me home from work Monday. But I feel like I'm requiring a lot of sleep. But I am awake most nights from 3-4am, so that could be why. Hormones could also be playing a part.

What I Miss: Sandwich meat - cold :)

Surprise Gift This Week: My friend Britt, who I met in 2008 at book club moved to New York a long time ago. She is a famous knitter and sent this beautiful sweater for Savannah!

Cravings: Pizza has wiggled its way back into my heart (let's be honest, it never wiggled its way out). My parents took us out for my birthday dinner Friday night, and I wanted Savastano's pizza.

Today, my new group at work took me out to lunch. And I chose East Village Bohemian Pizza :)

Symptoms: Heartburn/Acid Reflux - I've been calling everything heartburn, but I think it's actually acid reflux. This week it has gotten even worse. Sometimes when I lay down, my throat makes these loud obnoxious noises, like doors opening or gurgling sounds. I googled it to see what the heck was going on...acid reflux. A lot of times when I get in bed, I have to prop myself to almost sitting to feel comfortable falling asleep. But baby, she's worth it!!!

I didn't throw up this week!!!!

Best Moment This Week: Seeing our little girl (aka hefty girl) yesterday at the doctor :)

Moments with Dave this Week: We've had lots and lots of discussions about the nursery. He is willing to start working on it this weekend after our shower.

We met our first potential pediatrician yesterday. We liked him. He is a texter, which is SO convenient, and appointments can be scheduled online, which means if baby wakes up sick in the middle of the night, I could log on and schedule an appointment for that very day.

Milestones: Baby girl is opening her eyes now.

What I'm Looking Forward To: The baby shower this weekend and Jess coming to town!!!

What the Doctor Said this Week: Our baby looked healthy and hefty, estimated weight of 3 pounds 2 ounces. Dr. Martin wasn't too concerned with my blood pressure, but Dave was. He is being a good dad and husband. But due to his concern, we are being sent back to maternal fetal medicine (MFM) on December 13 for another ultrasound. And I get to do a lovely 24 hour urine collection test to monitor protein in my urine. Protein in the urine is a sign of preeclampsia. So far, every urine sample I've left at each appointment has come back clean.

She also said our due date is still 2/19 in her book. But that with seeing MFM, it's possible they would recommend taking Savannah at 37 weeks. I told Dr. Martin I really want this baby to bake all 40 weeks, and she said we would all do our best.

The good news to offset these extra appointments and tests are that I passed my glucose test! Yay! No gestational diabetes at this point and hopefully ever.

Weirdest Thing I ate this Week: Hmmmm, I feel like I've been pretty normal in the eating department this week. I did buy a box of Fruit Loops Friday and have eaten about half the box.

Verse I'm Clinging to this Week: Psalm 62:5 "Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him."

I need to really try not to control whatever arises in this pregnancy and trust in God and seek Him for any concerns I might have. (Lots of friends praying for me and advising me during this time :))

27 Weeks!

Originally written November 20 and December 1, 2017

Size of Baby: Baby J is the size of lettuce, 14.4 inches and 1 pound 15 ounces in weight (according to the Bump app).

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 182, up 22 pounds so far.

Maternity Clothes: I pretty much have to stick to them. On Thanksgiving day, the picture above, I was wearing normal clothes, but even those leggings just hit in a funny spot.

Surprise of the Week: Book Club Baby Shower!!!! I showed up to the Brook on Monday night for dinner with a few girlfriends, and found 12 of my favorite book club ladies waiting to shower me and baby Savannah! Thank you SO much Megan, Adri, Anna, Amanda, Lauren and Lindsay for throwing me such a cute surprise shower.

Shocking Moment This Week: This doesn't have to do with the pregnancy, but a new friend!

I went outside to feed the horses carrots on Thursday afternoon. Ali wasn't acting herself. She was being so nice and cuddly. She put her face right up next to mine. Usually she is finicky as all get out. Eventually I bent down to see if this was a girl or boy horse, because she sure wasn't acting like Ali. Well, it was a new boy horse. And he is so sweet. I love him! I don't know his name yet, but I will find out soon. The new boy horse is actually the second photo on this post with my 27 week sign. Ali's last picture in the backyard is this one. She is the dark horse on the far left.

Cravings: Chicken - fried. This week I've been craving fried chicken. After work on Friday, I kinda wanted Chick-Fil-A. But I went to Target to run errands, needed a rotisserie chicken, and in the same area saw boneless chicken wings and chicken tenders. I picked up chicken tenders...amazing deal, $2.58 for .43 pounds of crispy delicious chicken tenders.

Saturday morning we met Greg, Margaux and baby Mason at Dilly Diner for breakfast.

At breakfast, I got chicken and waffles. I eat them as two separate things. Ate my fried chicken breast with ketchup. And when I'm done, my waffle with butter and syrup.

I'm also craving chicken in general. I wanted my mom's homemade chicken soup really bad on Friday, the 17th. So I made a big ole' batch. It is so soothing to my soul and belly.

Symptoms: Heartburn - I think this is getting a little better than last week.

I've started running into things. My brain hasn't caught up with my body growth. So I've started running into things like walls, doorways, my car while trying to maneuver in the garage. It's pretty embarrassing, and one of the number one reasons I try to avoid shopping right now. At grocery stores, I run into the ends of aisles when turning the corner. Ridiculous.

Snoring - Dave has said in the last couple of weeks "last night your snoring sounded like a whistling elevator(?)", "last night you sounded like a 350 pound man with a mustache (?)", "last night you sounded like a moose" and my least favorite "last night you sounded like a walrus." Hahahah!!!!! I wish he recorded all of these crazy sounds. But I do know he isn't lying, because I've woken myself up snoring.

Dreams - Still out of this world. Last night I dreamt that I was in Italy and Maks from Dancing with the Stars was working behind the counter at one of the restaurants. And I kept ordering more and more food, and he said "slow down, girl!" And I said "No, I'm pregnant. I need ALL of the food. And make it snappy!"

Best Moment this Week: Sorting the new and hand-me-down clothes we've received by size and hanging the 0-6 month clothes in her closet and putting some away in drawers. They are so little and cute!

Moments with Dave this Week: We spent a good chunk of the day on Sunday out at Oologah Lake. We hiked, made dinner out there and even put up the tent in case we wanted to take a nap. It's so nice spending quality time with my baby daddy before baby arrives. I may not be able to move at quite the same speed as him, but I still love hiking and being outdoors.

Milestones: Baby is breathing amniotic fluid in and out and officially showing brain activity as of this week.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Seeing baby girl on Wednesday!

What the Doctor Said this Week: N/A Next doctor's appointment is November 29.

New Place We Went this Week: Cirque Coffee with Kevin and Hannah early Saturday morning. It was really yummy and had a cool laid-back vibe. They even brought their pups!

Verse I'm Clinging to this Week: Isaiah 40:31 "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."