35 weeks

So this is the blog I was working on while I was in labor.  I didn't quite realize I was in labor but that is another story for another day.  There was no picture for this week because I got put on bed rest by my doctor but I thought I would go ahead and post what I had blogged.

How far along: 35 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss: Just north of 20 pounds.    
Maternity clothes: I am wearing them.  I feel like I have gotten huge here recently.
Stretch marks: Just one but that it one too many as far as I am concerned. 

Sleep: I am having a more difficult time sleeping at night.  I toss and turn a lot.

Best moment this week: I got my breastfeeding class out of the way and feel much more at peace with it, but that could all change once the baby gets here.  We also made more progress on the nursery.  The changing table area is almost done and we picked up the mattress for the daybed.  All we need it the glider and some accessories.

Movement: He moves.  It hurts.

Food cravings: All I want are sweets.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks contractions. 

Belly in or out: It's a halfsie.

Symptom of the week: Back pain (again).  On Saturday I felt like my back was literally about to snap in half.  I have never felt anything like it.

What I miss: Sleeping on my back.

What I am looking forward to: We start our weekly doctor's appointments this week and I am excited/nervous to see what those entail.  We are also getting another sonogram this week to check the baby's weight.

Weekly wisdom: I am all out of wisdom.

Milestones: I feel more confident about breastfeeding thanks to my class and we are about to start weekly appointments.  Yay!

34 weeks

My husband had a rude awakening this week.  We went to Target after our doctor's appointment and I decided to go ahead and buy some newborn diapers so I could get my changing table organizer done.  He and my best friend's husband were having a diaper shower that next day and he could not figure out why I would buy diapers when they would be receiving some.  I bought a box of 96 and he honestly thought that this would be enough to last a month.  He had no idea that babies need to be changed around 10 times a day.  All I could say was bless your heart.  He has a lot to learn.

How far along: 34 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  Around 23 pounds.  I am still measuring a week small which is crazy because I feel like a whale.   
Maternity clothes: I feel like I am running out of things to wear and there have been tears over this fact.
Stretch marks: I have contained the one I found last week and am spot treating it.

Sleep: I am tired all day and have to sleep with a heating pad most nights.

Best moment this week: We had another check up and the doctor said everything is looking good.  After our next appointment, we will be going every week which means we are getting close.  

Movement: He moves like crazy until someone wants to try and feel him move.  I feel like this is foreshadowing.

Food cravings: I just want sweets.  I have been craving this chocolate, caramel, pretzel creation that a friend made for a sorority meeting last week.  It was amazing.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: Just Braxton Hicks contractions.  I worked on Sunday and had a lot.

Belly in or out: It's still half in and half out.

Symptom of the week: Nesting.  I am an organizing machine.  The baby's closet is organized and labeled.  The medicine cabinet is organized and labeled.  I've been working on cleaning out kitchen cabinets and next up is the freezer.  I get so much joy out of purging.

What I miss: Being able to get dressed without a care in the world.  Everything is getting too tight.  

What I am looking forward to: I am taking a breastfeeding class on Saturday which will hopefully answer lots of my questions.

Weekly wisdom: When you have a burst of energy and the desire to do something, like go for a walk, just do it.  These bursts of energy don't last long and often require a nap to recover from.

Milestones: We took our baptism class, which means we are on our way to making this baby legit in our church.  It also means that I am taking care of business and crossing things off my to do list.

33 weeks

Are we there yet?  I feel like I have been pregnant forever and this week I hit the wall.  I am ready to be done.  I am ready for this baby to get here.  I miss being able to bend over.  I missing being able to put shoes on by myself.  But at the same time, I know that I am blessed to be experiencing all of this because I honestly didn't think I ever would.  There are lots of women who are not so fortunate and my goal for this next week is keep my complaining to a minimum and to remember that I really am lucky.

How far along: 33 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  Around 22ish pounds.   
Maternity clothes: I have been doing really good about not buying any more maternity clothes.  The problem is that I want to buy clothes for after the baby is here and it's kind of hard to try anything on right now.
Stretch marks: I. have. a. stretch. mark.  I am devastated.  I thought I was in the clear.  I am spot treating it all day, every day.

Sleep: I wake up a lot at night especially with back pain.

Best moment this week: Getting to see my mom and our baby shower.  Baby Brown got lots of amazing gifts and we felt very loved.  Plus, I got to spend time with my mom.  It's crazy to think that the next time I see my family, there should be a baby around.  

Movement:  Lots and it is not so comfortable as he continues to gain weight.

Food cravings: I don't really crave anything crazy besides sweets.  There are times when I have thought certain things sounded good but there have been no eighty mile drives for hot dogs.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: None.

Belly in or out: It's still half in and half out.

Symptom of the week: Loss of feet.  By this I mean that I am no longer able to see my feet clearly or get shoes on and off.  I had to have my husband hold my Uggs so I could finagle my way into them.  Between this and my feet getting wider, I'm not quite sure what to do.

What I miss: I miss not being pregnant.  I am ready to get this show on the road.  The nursery isn't done but I feel like I am.  

What I am looking forward to: We have a doctor's appointment this week and I may actually have some time to get some rest.

Weekly wisdom: Everyone hits the wall during pregnancy.  It doesn't make you a bad person.

Milestones: We had a baby shower, officially finished the last bit of construction on the nursery, and got a little more organized. 

32 weeks

It is pretty exciting to be able to say that Baby Brown will be here next month.  It is also incredibly scary.  When I first found out that we were pregnant I was obviously very excited but not too happy with the timing of it all.  Beggars should not be choosers but I work in the medical field and I know that November is the gateway to flu/cold/RSV season.  I also know that the holidays mean lots of people coming to town and those people bring their little people who carry nasty germs.  It is hard to tell people that while you are happy they want to come see the baby, you would prefer that they leave their kids and germs at the door (but that is what we will be doing).  

However, as this pregnancy has progressed I have realized that there are some really amazing things about being due near the holidays.  My family was already planning on taking time off from work, which means they don't have to take off any additional time.  My mom has to use her time off by the end of the year and usually has a bunch to take in December.  This means that she can come for the baby and stay for a while.  Hallelujah!  Finally, a baby gets you out of a lot of things you would otherwise be obligated to do around the holidays.  And score!  I think that this is definitely a lesson in God's time being far superior to our timing and learning that even Type A/OCD people can learn to let go and may find the silver lining. 

How far along: 32 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  21 pounds.  My weight gain slowed down a little recently. 
Maternity clothes: I am in the gray area of needing a few more maternity items to hold me over until this baby comes and not really wanting to spend any money on clothes that will only fit for a short time.
Stretch marks: None.  Yay!

Sleep: Insomnia is not a joke.  Neither is waking up to go to the bathroom a dozen times every night.

Best moment this week: Hearing that the baby is doing well at our doctor's appointment and going to the pumpkin patch.  

Movement: He really loves my left side.  Sometimes he pushes so hard that you can see his tiny bottom poking out which makes it look like I have a tumor.  All very cute.

Food cravings: Sweets are still my favorite.   I like pretty much like everything but pork chops (or large servings of meat).  I also have a hard time with grease. 

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: None.

Belly in or out: It's still half in and half out.

Symptom of the week: This week's symptom goes with last week's symptom.  When you are pregnant, your body produces relaxin to help loosen/widen joints in preparation for birth.  Relaxin can affect joints all over your body and this week I have noticed a difference in my feet.  They have definitely gotten a little wider and my shoes are a little tighter.  I had not prepared myself for this situation and since it is not appropriate to wear flip flops in the fall, I'm not sure what I am going to do.

What I miss: Being able to walk without feeling like a fool.

What I am looking forward to: We are having a baby shower on Saturday and I am so excited!  My mom will get here on Thursday and we have maternity pictures on Friday.  It's a busy week at the Brown house.

Weekly wisdom: For every ten people who tell you how great you look, there is one jackass that will sense your insecurities and take great joy in pointing them out.  Ignore the jackass.   

Milestones: We are partially pre-registered at the hospital and going to the doctor every two weeks.

31 weeks

We are getting closer and closer to the end of this pregnancy.  I know the baby isn't exactly ready yet, but I think I will be more than ready in about six weeks.  I have started putting things in the hospital bag and I have started washing the baby's newborn-sized clothes.  I am like a boy scout.  I want to be prepared as I possibly can be.

How far along: 31 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  Right around 20 pounds. 
Maternity clothes: Leaning towards more maternity clothes or clothes I have bought in a bigger size.  
Stretch marks: None.

Sleep: I have started having a harder time sleeping through the night and when I wake up there is usually no going back to sleep.

Best moment this week: Getting to celebrate our four year anniversary, the shower for my best friend and baby Knox, and continued nursery progress.

Movement: He is still moving a lot but it is getting a little more painful and a little lower.

Food cravings: Brown sugar and cinnamon pop tarts.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: None.

Belly in or out: Half of it is in and half of it is out.

Symptom of the week: Loosening joints.  So apparently your joints start to loosen in preparation for birth and it is not the most fun thing ever.  My hips hurt and I walk like a crazy person (it's kind of a dead leg limp).

What I miss: Having more energy.  I am getting back to having to take naps and getting short bursts of energy.  I need to get this nursery done quickly before I turn into a vegetable.

What I am looking forward to: We have a doctor's appointment on Thursday and after this appointment we will be going every two weeks and finishing the nursery, of course.

Weekly wisdom: Hearing about how horrible some people's pregnancies are will make you feel very thankful.  I keep hearing about people who are sick everyday or break out in rashes.  It makes me think back pain is not so bad.     

Milestones: All the large furniture for the nursery is ordered and accessorizing is the only thing left to do. 

30 weeks

In just over two months, Baby Brown should be making his big debut.  The fact that it will no longer be just the two of us (plus dogs) is really starting to sink in.  I am constantly reminding Daniel that it will never be like this again.  We are going to have another person to worry about.  All the time.  So long sleeping in!  It is a little scary but we have been calm so far.  I will say that Daniel may be going through a mini mid-life crisis.  I mean, who decides he wants to start brewing his own beer two months before having a child?  Oh that would be my husband.  He picked a fine time to develop lots of new, time-consuming hobbies.

How far along: 30 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  Right around 20 pounds.  I will also say that this is a very unflattering picture and I don't think I look quite so whale-like in real life. 
Maternity clothes:  Still mixing it up.  I am breaking my vow to buy no more maternity clothes.  I need a pair of straight leg jeans and I don't think I can make it two months without any.
Stretch marks: Zero.

Sleep: I am sleeping but I wake up very sore.

Best moment this week: All the nursery progress!  We have carpet and besides touching up and adding shelves to the changing table, we are done with construction.  The baby's bedding is done and I bought a side table, lamp, some art, and a closet organizer.  I am starting to think the nursery may be done before the baby comes.

Movement: He is quite the night owl but I sleep like the dead so it doesn't wake me up.

Food cravings: I still really enjoy ice cream and sweets.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: None.

Belly in or out: It is working on coming out.  This was pointed out by a lovely coworker this weekend.

Symptom of the week: Braxton-Hicks contractions.  I don't get them very often, maybe once a day, but they feel real weird.

What I miss: Days without back pain.

What I am looking forward to: Our anniversary, my best friend's birthday and her baby shower are all this week.

Weekly wisdom: Your bladder is your baby's playground.    

Milestones: I finally felt the baby get the hiccups and I purchased the outfit he is going to be wearing home from the hospital.

29 weeks

Well we pretty much have something to do every weekend until the baby comes.  Not quite, but I think our next free weekend is not until November.  I am hoping that I get some time to relax and finish up baby projects.  This weekend we are organizing the utility closet on the back porch and I am not going to lie, I am super excited.  I love organization.  Next week we are going to start organizing the baby's closet and sorting through all the fun things he has received so far.  We have also made a ton of progress on the nursery.  There is carpet and a few pieces of furniture and even some accessories.  It feels good.

How far along: 29 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  Almost 20 pounds and apparently 3 pounds and 1 ounce of that is baby.  
Maternity clothes:  Mixing it up.
Stretch marks: I am thankful to report that I still have none.

Sleep: Last night I experienced my first bout of insomnia.  I woke up around 4 and could not go back to sleep.  I was not a fan.

Best moment this week: There were lots of best moments this week.  We had a doctor's appointment and sonogram.  The baby is measuring a little big and I am still measuring small.  He has lots of hair and is practicing breathing.  We also went to Houston for a shower there.  I am so blessed by amazing friends and family!  Baby Brown got lots of clothes, a stroller, a playmat, swaddle blankets and lots of other fun things.  Daniel also had a birthday which we celebrated multiple times.     

Movement: Constant.

Food cravings: Entemann's coffe cake.  I could not find any in the northeast Houston area.  Boo!

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: None.

Belly in or out: It's a halfsie.  Part innie/part outie.  

Symptom of the week: Bloody noses (again).  I told my doctor about my recent bout with bloody noses and apparently I have a severe inflammation of my right nare.  He told me I may have to go to an ENT.  At least I've met my deductible for the year.

What I miss: Being comfortable.  We spent almost 24 hours in the car driving to Houston.  I am still hurting.

What I am looking forward to: Finishing the nursery and possibly getting a chance to relax.

Weekly wisdom: Babies will move like crazy until someone, like a grandparent, wants to feel him move and then nothing.  I feel like this may be foreshadowing.  

Milestones: The baby is growing so fast!  Getting to see him again was very exciting and we will get to see him one more time before he makes his official debut.  I also had my first baby shower which was lots of fun.

28 weeks

We are going on a trip!  We are driving to Houston and this is our last road trip before baby.  I'm incredibly nervous because I get real uncomfortable, real fast in cars these days.  I do have a chauffeur, which will be nice.

How far along: 28 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  Somewhere between 15 and 20 pounds.  
Maternity clothes:  Still a mix.  I am trying to not buy any more maternity clothes.
Stretch marks: None but I am getting more intense about my moisturizing routine.

Sleep: I am getting up a lot more during the night and my back hurts pretty much every morning.

Best moment this week: Texas Tech football season started with a win and we have continued with nursery progress.  The room is painted and trim should be going up tomorrow.  My hope is that construction should be done next week and we should be able to start moving furniture in.    

Movement: Constant.

Food cravings: This week it has been no bake cookies and chocolate ice cream.

Gender: BOY!

Labor signs: None.

Belly in or out: It's still in.

Symptom of the week: Being plain uncomfortable.  I have to sit in crazy positions and they are not always very ladylike.  It's hard to drive with this thing on my lap, as well.  Oh and I still have two and a half months to go.  Yay!
What I miss: Honestly, being skinny.  I would really love to shop for fall clothes but it is pretty impossible when you have no idea what your body is going to be/look like in a few months.
What I am looking forward to: Daniel's birthday, our sonogram and doctor's appointment tomorrow, Houston, and the nursing being done this coming week (See how I am putting positive thoughts out there?  Oprah taught me that.).
Weekly wisdom: Focus on small tasks instead of all the things you need to get done.  This has seriously helped me keep my sanity.
Milestones: I have successfully completed the first week of my third trimester.

27 weeks

We are officially entering the third trimester.  My husband thinks I am crazy because I keep saying how everything is moving so quickly and slowly at the same time but that is how it feels.  We officially have movement on the nursery in the form of demo.  I am beyond ready to be done with that mess.  We have received lots of clothes from my sister-in-law and it is driving me crazy that they have no home.  My hope is to be done and organized before my shower here in town.  I'm sure my parents would enjoy having a bed that isn't surrounded by boxes and baby toys.

How far along: 27 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  Somewhere between 15 and 20 pounds.  
Maternity clothes:  Mostly maternity with a dash of pre-pregnancy clothes.
Stretch marks: None.

Sleep: I've started waking up a lot during the night but never because of the baby.

Best moment this week: Nursery progress!  The fabric for the crib bedding is being cut and made.  We picked out a bookshelf, glider, and closet organizer.  Demo has started.  
Movement: Lots especially at night.
Food cravings: I like sweets a lot.
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: None.

Belly in or out: Getting closer and closer to out.  It's pretty much flat.

Symptom of the week: Backaches.  I cannot sit or stand for extended periods of time due to these backaches.  They are mainly in my lower back and are not fun.  
What I am looking forward to: Daniel's birthday and Houston (not the driving part, though).
Weekly wisdom: I'm beginning to realize that it is absolutely normal to be petrified about taking care of a baby and that you will never have all the answers.  
Milestones: Adios second trimester, hello home stretch.

26 weeks

I question pretty much everything the Kardashians do or say and that rang true with Kourtney's hair choices while pregnant.  It seemed like as she got bigger, so did her hair.  Towards the end she started doing this thing where she would comb it straight up and then back, almost like a mane.  I could not figure out what she was smoking, but now I think I do.  I have started to feel like as I get bigger, my head looks smaller.  I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like my body is really out of proportion.  The bigger I get, the bigger my hair needs to be to offset the craziness so do not be surprised if all of a sudden I begin rocking a bouffant.  I do live in Texas and I need balance when it comes to my proportion issues.    

How far along: 26 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:   I have gained around 15 pounds.  I am measuring a week small per my doctor although the above picture makes me question how much weight I have gained in my face.
Maternity clothes:  I am really enjoying maternity pants with the stretchy panel that goes over your stomach.
Stretch marks: None.

Sleep: I am sleeping but I usually wake up with either my neck or back hurting.  I cannot figure out how to sleep comfortably.

Best moment this week: Going to doctor and finding out that we are on track and starting to go more often.
Movement: All the time.
Food cravings: Back to soft pretzels.
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: None.

Belly in or out: In but we are getting real close to having an outie on our hands.  Side note, that would be the button tab of my jeans in the above picture, not a belly button.

Symptom of the week: I have experienced this for a while, but I will go ahead and put it out there.  Lactation.  That is all I have to say about it.

What I miss: It has become a challenge to maneuver with this sweet little gut.  Hospital rooms are small and it is hard to get in and out without knocking things over.  

What I am looking forward to: Going to Houston in a couple weeks.  It's the last time we will be able to go there for a while so I plan on enjoying my time there.  

Weekly wisdom: Save all of your oversized t-shirts, ladies.  I had lots of t-shirts from college that I got rid of because they were too big and I am now regretting that decision.
Milestones: We are now going to the doctor every 3 weeks and I passed my glucose test.

25 weeks

I have to applaud women who work full-time while pregnant, especially those who are on their feet all day.  I worked two shifts this week and we were super busy.  My legs got swollen and all I wanted to do was sleep.  It's hard work.  I also felt like I was unable to get anything done and trust me when I say, I have lots to get done.  I am so thankful that I am able to work PRN and even more thankful now that I am pregnant.

How far along: 25 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  I try to wait until doctor's appointments to get weighed.  
Maternity clothes:  I have fewer and fewer pre-pregnacy clothes that fit, but I am trying not to buy any more maternity clothes.
Stretch marks: None.

Sleep: I am starting to get very sleepy again and have started taking naps.

Best moment this week: We got to see the fabrics for the nursery and what the design of the bedding will look like.  I also started shopping for accessories.
Movement: All the time.
Food cravings: Chicken Express.
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: None.

Belly in or out: In.

Symptom of the week: Nasal congestion.  I usually feel like I have a cold in the morning but it goes away gradually.  I constantly have to blow my nose which means bloody noses are back.
What I miss: Soft cheeses.  The Pioneer Woman made a delicious looking salad using blue cheese that I have bookmarked for November and I would give anything for a piece of bread with warm goat cheese.  I really love cheese, if you couldn't tell.
What I am looking forward to: We have a doctor's appointment this week and I think I am about to start going more frequently.  I have to do the glucose test, which I am not looking forward to but at least I will be getting it over with.
Weekly wisdom: Try to talk time to slow down every once in a while.  I try to have at least one day a week where I don't obsess over my to-do lists because they can be never-ending.
Milestones: You can now see my stomach move when the baby kicks, which is super creepy.

24 weeks

So according to one of the pregnancy apps that I look at from time to time, Baby Brown is now legally viable.  That is pretty exciting.  I mean being pregnant is hard work and I like to know it's not for nothing.  Time is definitely starting to go by faster which makes me a little panicked when I think about how much we need to get done.  I am currently juggling about ten different to-do lists.  We are making some progress, which is reassuring, but I would love to be done.  Hopefully I will be able to blog some pictures of a demo'd room this week.

How far along: 24 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  I have no idea where I am at.  
Maternity clothes:  I can still fit in clothes from before I was pregnant but I do love a pair of maternity jeans.
Stretch marks: None but I recently learned that sometimes they can evade your detection until after the baby comes.

Sleep: I'm definitely not getting the best sleep of my life.

Best moment this week: The crib came and we picked out fabric for bedding and pillows.  I am a big fan of progress.
Movement: All the time.
Food cravings: This week it was prosciutto, parmesan, on crusty bread.  And Entenmman's coffee cake.
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: None.

Belly in or out: In.

Symptom of the week: Clumsiness.  I have never been the most graceful person but I am now tripping over nothing.  I feel like it is just a matter of time before I eat it.  My mom had big falls with both me and my sister, so I feel like I am fighting a losing battle.
What I miss: Nothing really.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery remodel started, which will hopefully be this week.
Weekly wisdom:  Take advantage of being pregnant.  People tell you how great you look and let you eat first.  It's nice.
Milestones: I had a sonogram that verified that we are having a boy, which is good since we have already purchased fabric and the baby book has a name on it.  I also survived XIT sober and pregnant.

23 weeks

I feel like all of our canine medical drama was meant to prepare me for being a parent.  I am beginning to realize what it will be like to have to put my needs on the back burner and put another being first. Almost all of my decisions this past week have revolved around dogs.  I try to run all my errands at once and figure out what I can cut out because I hate leaving them alone for long periods of time.  Jack has to be fed every few hours.  He has to be put on a leash and taken outside and monitored when he needs to go to the bathroom.  If he is upset about being crated, I have to calm him down without using food, which was always my go to.  I am tired and done by 6 pretty much every night and I could care less what I look like because taking care of him takes up all my energy.  To all the parents who read this, I'm starting to figure you out and I get why you are so tired.  And he is just a dog.  This worries me a little.  

How far along: 23 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain/loss:  It doesn't even matter because people are so nice about your weight when you are pregnant.   
Maternity clothes:  More and more maternity clothes.
Stretch marks: Zero.  Zip.  And I thank the Lord everyday.  

Sleep: I have been having some crazy-ass dreams and that is truly the only way to describe them.  I had a dream that the baby kicked so hard that his legs through my stomach.  Sick and crazy-ass.

Best moment this week: I got to see lots of friends that I haven't seen all summer!  It was so nice catching up with so many fabulous people.
Movement: If I am sitting or trying to sleep, he is moving.  I think this is an example of be careful what you wish for.
Food cravings: Super pretzels, which I cannot get anywhere in town.  I also saw a pin that featured a hot dog wrapped in a pretzel and that really captured my  interest.
Gender: BOY!
Labor signs: None.

Belly in or out: Still in but I feel like it may not be too much longer before this changes.

Symptom of the week: Numbness.  I have actually experienced this symptom since the beginning of my pregnancy.  When I walk, my fingers swell and go numb.  My feet also get numb regularly now.  It's hard to get motivated to walk when you know you won't be able to feel your hands for a while.
What I miss: Our town's big rodeo and reunion is this weekend and it is very strange to not be partaking in the festivities.  I have to work both Saturday and Sunday.  It will be different to say the least.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery done and getting a chance to relax.  I don't know that the relaxing part will really happen but a girl can dream.
Weekly wisdom:  If you aren't feeling good about yourself go find some people to tell you how great you look.  It helps. 
Milestones: I met with Jennifer to talk about the nursery today!  A color palette will hopefully be confirmed this weekend and we have a list of furniture I need to buy.  Things are starting to happen.