39 Weeks Pregnant!

We have made it to 39 weeks!!! Only one week left until our due date!

Now, due dates are just an estimate of their birth based on your period (and in our case an ultrasound). So we are waiting to see when little man makes his arrival!

At my doctors appointment today, Jack's heartbeat was strong and healthy. We talked about how he still moves like crazy and might come out running. I know he won't, but I have a feeling that I will have a super active kid on my hands.

As for me, I'm still not dilated but I am finally starting to thin out! Progress is progress!! So now I'll really start working on more walking, light bouncing on my workout ball, and resting/relaxing as much as I can.

Sleep has been hard. I can either fall asleep right away or I lay awake for hours. I get sleep in few hour intervals before I'm up to use the bathroom or walk around the house a bit. I've been waking up earlier than I already do, so when 6am comes around I'm usually awake.

My hip pain is higher, sadly. But as my doctor explained, your hips move and adjust to pop out a baby. Since I have a weak hip, the change in my muscles and ligaments is only going to make the pain worse.

My doctor thinks he should be here around this time next week! That's here guess and I'm hoping she is right! It will be so easy to remember 10.6.16 as a birthday!

I couldn't pass up these little moccasins by Itzy Ritzy when we were at Babies R Us with my In-Laws! I have been obsessed with these for little kids and love the quality of them. They are a navy blue leather and feel amazing! I got them in 0-6 months so he has some extra protection on his feet through the winter months. 

Here's another maternity picture sneak peak, I promise I will have a post coming soon!

And here's a 39 week bare belly shot! You can tell he's dropping when this photo is side by side of my 37 week picture. It's kinda crazy how your body can change so fast!

Until next time,

Kandi

38 Weeks Pregnant

I can't believe we are at 38 weeks pregnant. It seem like it has been so long since we found out we were pregnant, but time has flown by like crazy too!

Things haven't changed much from last week... it's almost exactly the same!

I'm still not sleeping well. Maybe even a little worse. I can't get comfortable and I have are hard time sleeping more than 3 hour stretches. Well I should try to nap, right? Nope, that's way hard for me. I've never been much of a napper because it's always messed with my night time sleep. So now, I just try and relax when a can.

To relax I find myself back in lots of baths. It's one of the only ways I'm able to relax my hips, back, and some elevation to my feet. Prune-y skin will be my look from here on out.

I had another week where I didn't gain any weight. I'm stilling at 18 pounds total that I've gained. I haven't tried anything crazy to keep my weight down. I've tried to stay active but I don't work out. I walk a lot! And I haven't craved much of anything!

We had another weekly doctors appointment and I'm still not dilated! Nothing at all is happening to my cervix! My doctor is guessing (from her many, many years of experience) I will be late. I know most first time moms are late, but I'm not ready to be late!

We have the bassinet/pack n play set up in our room since my husband's family is coming into town for a few weeks. And since Jack will be little and have many night time wakings we can have him right by my side of the bed!

We also got our maternity photos back!!! I will be doing a post with them very shortly! Here's a small peak!

And since I had a bare belly shot last week, I thought I should do one every week till he comes. Why not see the progression and show off my tattoos a bit!

Until next time,

Kandi

37 Week Update

Another week down and three more to go till our due date!

I'm really starting to feel big, and well, I'm looking big too! My belly is still measuring a little small, but Jack's still growing as he should and still kicking like crazy!

At my weekly doctors appointment all went as good as it can! I didn't gain any weight this past week and I credit that to not having much of an appetite lately. My Strep B test came back negative, so no need to worry about antibiotics when I go into labor.

As far dilation, still nothing! It feel like my body is just going to hold him in forever... Maybe next week a little something will be happening. I also haven't had many contractions, just a few here and there. They go right away when I readjust, so I'm not sure if they are Braxton-Hicks or false labor ones.

Sleep is getting hard. I just can't stay comfortable enough to get more than a couple of hours of sleep at a time. I have to then get up an drink some water, move around, and usually go to the bathroom. I usually give up trying to sleep around 6ish in the morning. I just try to rest when I can now.

I haven't had too much of an appetite lately. Food is just not sounding that good, but I have had heartburn like crazy too. I feel like I'm back in the first trimester a little bit! I do force myself to eat a little something to prevent from getting nauseous or Jack kicking like crazy into my ribs.

With no sleep I have been craving more coffee! I love coffee! I love the smell and the taste! For some reason McDonald's caramel ice coffee is my favorite treat! I don't get them often, but they are so good!

I don't have many bare belly shots from my pregnancy and wanted to have at least one! I should take one every week from here on out since I won't be this big again! Or until we have another kid!

Until next time,

Kandi

36 Week Update

This past week I felt huge out of no where. I haven't had too bad of a belly until now! I've hit this point to where you can't breathe when putting on your socks and it's hard to get out of the tub on your own. 

My sleep had been pretty good. I'm still up quite a few times during the night to use the bathroom and chug more water. It's a never ending cycle with my trip to the bathroom. I also feel like I'm super thirsty and about 30 minutes later I have to pee.

We started our weekly doctor appointments this week. I gained another pound and my belly is still measuring a little small. Jack's heartbeat is strong and he's still kicking like no other. He even put on a little show for our doctor. 

My doctor says I can start planning for a vaginal delivery, not a c-section like I had been told for years before. My hips have spread enough at the top and the bottom, so hopefully he slips right out like she says. Jack is the perfect size for my body according to my doctor, so hopefully I don't have to push too long. 

I was not dilated or effaced at all, so it's going to be a while before he's here. We'll see where my body is next appointment.

I was also able to finally wear this fun, cheesy preggo and look pregnant in it!

We also took some maternity photos this weekend! Our family friend is an amazing photographer and took our love for the outdoors and David's jeep into account. We went up into the mountains and had some fun with the belly and got some cute shots! Don't worry, I'll have a post with lots of pictures!

Until next time,

Kandi

33 Weeks Pregnant Update

We have made it to 33 weeks! We have less than 50 days till our due date! And I'm getting to the point where I am really counting down. I can't imagine being pregnant long after my due date, but I do know that it's a possibility. 

One thing I don't have to worry about is movement. Jack kicks my side like he's in a Jackie Chan movie. He kicks my ribs so hard that it makes it difficult doing normal things, like cleaning, getting comfortable and even driving. He kicks way more then 10 times when counting and I swear he moves a ton while sleeping.

My sleep still sucks. I've been about to fall asleep around the time of my husband, usually a little later after I've finally gotten comfortable. I'm still up a few times in the middle of the night, more often then not to use the bathroom but also from little man having a middle of the night dance party. A few times this week I've woken up before my daily alarm (7am) and haven't been able to nap. 

Oh yeah, I haven't really been able to nap. Not because I'm not tired, I totally am, but because I've been too busy or feel like I should get so much more done. Truth, I don't usually get all I should done, but I kinda try these days.

I've had more headaches lately. I'm assuming it's all hormones, but they really suck. I'm downing water like crazy to make sure I'm not dehydrated and even watching what I eat a little more. I've been trying to cut out all the extra sugar, but sometimes you just need ice cream.

Slowly, clothes aren't fitting. And it's not just my regular clothes I've been making work, it's my maternity clothes too! But I'm getting so close to the end that I don't really want to spend money on more clothes, so I've just been wearing what fits, over and over. I do need to get some new pajama pants, because I'm wearing ones I've had for years and they are wearing out anyway.

I have been struggling to get in and out of my Jeep a bit. I have running boards on my Cherokee, but I still have issues with my small lift. Little legs, big belly, and lifted Jeeps are starting not to mix. I've also had to move my seat back a "click" to give my self a little more room. If I don't slide out from the side, I hit the steering wheel. It's kind of funny, but kind of sad. 

Friends and family are saying I'm starting to really "pop out". And I'm feeling the same way too. I feel huge and I know I'm only going to get bigger these last weeks. 

 We had an ultrasound to measure Jack's size since our doctor said he's measuring a little small. We weren't too nervous thinking he could be on the small size, David and I were both small and small babies runs on my Dad's side of the family.

The tech we had was super nice and talked us through the whole ultrasound. She triple checked Jack is for sure a boy, there's no missing it now. His organs all look good and his umbilical cord isn't pinched.

Based on his femur, he weighs about 4 lbs 14 oz and is estimated to be around 22 inches long.

We have a doctors appointment this week and are waiting to see what the doctor officially says, but we aren't worried about his size.

I also had to say goodbye to one of the fellow Navy wife friends I have made. We were able to celebrate her little girl who is due in November! I will miss them bunches!

Until next time,

Kandi

32 Week Update

Here we are, and only 8 weeks left!

I just had my 32 week doctors appointment, since I'm on the every two weeks schedule now, and everything went perfect. I only gained a pound, so I'm up 15 pounds totally. And Jack's heartbeat is strong and he even kicked the doctor!

My doctor is having us get another ultrasound to measure his size since my belly is measuring a little small. She just wants to make sure that he's not too small. David and I have been expecting to have a "small" baby since we were both on the small size. My Grandma Jeannine, my paternal grandmother, had all small babies, so I'm not too worried. 

I'm excited to see Jack again, we haven't seen him in 12 weeks! Our ultrasound will be on our 33rd week, we technically it will be 33 weeks since we've seen him. He's grown a ton and we are hoping to get a good ultrasounds photo of him. All the ones we have are good, but he doesn't cooperate during them at all!

Otherwise, this past week hasn't been bad. His movement's are picking up like crazy! He's super active! The doctor says there's no such thing as too much movement, but he really loves to move! He wakes me up in the middle of the night, from naps, and I didn't even get to sleep in on Saturday thanks to his movements. 

With all his movement has been rib pain! When I'm working or trying to relax, I seem to notice his movements digging into my ribs the most! I'm guessing its going to continue till he's here.

My headaches are slowly coming back. I drink tons of water during the day, so I'm guessing it's all hormones again. When I get a headache I try to stop and lay down, which I usually forget to do when I'm going all day.

My belly has been getting bigger, there's no way of denying that. I've finally hit the stage where I can use it as a little table top!

Until next time,

Kandi

30 & 31 Weeks Pregnancy Update

Well, if I thought I was late for my 29 week update, I guess I was nuts. I'm pretty late this time.

Truth is, I'm tried all the time and always exhausted. My energy levels dwindle down pretty damn fast and naps are becoming my best friend.

So here's what you missed!

At 30 weeks I had a doctors appointment for a general check up. We went over my number from my glucose test and I pasted it with flying colors! Everything was normal as normal could be.

Jack, or I guess my belly, is continuing to measure right at 30 weeks. His heartbeat is strong and he even kicked back at the doctor. She said he sounds and feels healthy and right on track.

My doctor has suggested I start physical therapy to help relieve some of the pain I am in and to help with my bad hip as I get closer to deliver. I have been waking up in the morning with my lower back and feet killing me, almost tingling like they fell asleep. She is concerned that a nerve might be getting pinched.

We also talked about delivery options since I've always been told from other doctors that I would need a c-section. We decided to wait till my 36 week pelvic exam to determine what to do. We will either schedule a c-section around my due date or wait till I hopefully go into labor, try pushing and possibly still need a c-section. I don't mind if I have a c-section or can give birth vaginally, I just care that whatever method brings a healthy baby into my arms.

One thing I did also find out is that being induced can be genetic. My Mom was induced with myself and my two siblings. My maternal Grandma had to be induced with 3 of her 5 children. With that, my doctor is guessing I might need to be induced as well, if I don't have a scheduled c-section.

As far weight gain, I have only gained a total of 14 pounds so far. I'm not doing anything particular to not gain much weight, I eat the same I did before I got pregnant and walk every day.

As far Jack's movement, he loves digging his feet into my ribs! It really hurts but it leaves me wondering if he will be long when he's born. I also felt hiccups for the first time, too!

I'm still tried and having trouble sleeping. I either can't fall asleep or wake up multiple times through the night. I can't wait for a solid night of sleep, whenever that may come.

At night before bed I've been taking Tylenol with Codine to help with the pain I have from my hip and lower back. My hip issue mixed with the the pain from pregnancy is slowly getting to me, even with my high pain tolerance.

It's crazy to think that I have about 9 weeks left till my little man will be here. That's just over 60 days!

Until next time,

Kandi

27 Week Update

It's the last week of my second trimester....

I have made it, well basically, two thirds of the way.

I only have 13 more weeks or 90 more days till my due date.

I'm still not getting much sleep. My doctor says it's normal, all hormones, and told me to get used to it. Friends and family say it's the worst part of pregnancy. I will go all day, maybe have a nap or rest, and then not be able to fall asleep till around 2 am.

I have kept with my normal bedtime routine but it's been no help. I've tried warm baths. I've really tried it all. I will try to fall asleep around 10pm with my husband. I end up just laying there and having every thought race through my head. I will be exhausted and ready for bed, then all the sudden by wide awake. So I just get out of bed and so something until I can fall asleep. I'll do laundry, paperwork, pick up the house, you get my drift.

I've also been having sweaty feet and clammy hands. Eww, I know. All I have to thank is hormones.

We have finished most of our shopping for Jack. I placed a big order on Target.com for some of the last things we need. I know I'm early, but I'm a planner and like things done early. I have been setting things up in the nursery, but I'm excited to get the final things in the room and start organizing the room. I love the initial organization of a room and cannot wait to have his room ready and waiting!

I have began swelling more. I notice my ankles and my feet are swollen by the end of the day. I try to stop a couple times during the day and put up my feet, but life doesn't always work that way. I've now noticed that my hand are starting to swell if the dangle too long. I end up holding my arms like a T-Rex, looking a little ridiculous, but it helps! I've found that not many of my shoes (I miss my Keds) fit or are comfortable too long. At least I can still wear flip flops!

Now, my biggest issue and something I've put off for a while, my left hip. I talked a little bit about it in my 17 week update but basically I have a bad hip. I've been told since I was 19 that I would need a c-section (that's still up in the air) and could have issues whenever I got pregnant. As a precaution when I got pregnant my doctor gave me Tylenol+Codeine to take as needed for my hip pain but it just gave me the dry heaves. My doctor then gave me an anti-nausea medicine to take with the Tylenol+Codeine but that made me feel horrible and I couldn't get off the couch. I was then given Tramadol around 20 weeks which I have been taking every night to help with the pain.

At my last appointment my doctor offered me stronger pain meds, which I declined because I would like to go as long as I can before adding too much medication into my system. But, when I got back for my next appointment in two weeks I will be asking for it. I am having more pain and it's to the point to where I get so uncomfortable that I just want to cry. I have a high pain tolerance so it takes quite a bit to make me get to this point. I have so much pressure between my legs, pressure onto my hip joint from Jack moving and growing, and horrible lower back pain. My hips have widened quite a bit and I still have more to go as my ligaments loosen to prepare for birth.

I'm hoping to make it as far as I can with being as active as I can during my last trimester of my pregnancy. My biggest fear has been bed rest because I would go stir crazy!

Picking Jack's Name & 26 Week Update

It honestly didn't take long to pick a name for our little boy. In fact, we had his name picked out for over a year before we even decided to have kids. One night we joking talked about kids names and came the the conclusion on ones we liked. We had a girl and boy name ready for whenever we decided we were ready.

Well, after being told that we might have issues getting pregnant we finally decided to begin trying since it could be a long road ahead. Only a few months later we found out we were pregnant! 

Fast forward a few more months and we found out we were having a boy! I knew, it was like magic, that I knew we were having a boy! From then we started calling him by his name.

We continued the format of our names: name + family name + last name. He'll be: Jack Willis.

We choose Jack because its a classic name but not overly used. It's a simple name and you can find it on souvenirs. It's also the name some of our favorite movie characters. And its easy to yell durning those fun mischievous kid days.

Willis is my Great Grandpa's first name. He was someone who was incredibly special to me and passed away when I was least expecting it. I wish he could have seen me have Jack and any of our future children, but I'm lucky to get to honor him this way. 

This past week my sleep hasn't gotten any better. I'm up late and try to get all the rest I can. It's hard to sleep on either side and I always wake out to be on my back. I have a feeling I will need to try and sleep in my "recliner" position again.

I'm back to no being interested in food. Nothing sounds good and I never know what to eat. I still eat, don't worry. I just make whatever sounds good for David and eat that. 

Jack is growing like crazy and I can feel my skin starting to stretch more and more. He also kicks like crazy, so much that I can see my stomach move!

I have only gained 10 pounds total so far and the doctor says I'm right where I need to be. I have about 10-15 more pounds to gain by the end. 

Until next time,

Kandi

25 Week Update

This week has been a whole lot of not sleeping. I'm not sure if will get better. I've been trying everything possible to sleep. It seems like my mind just won't turn off even though my body is tired.

Since the weather is slowly getting more "summer like" I have noticed the beginning of feet swelling. More like my ankles get huge and hurt. I try to sit and elevate them but that doesn't always seem to help.

My hot flashes have gone from at night only to daytime too. I usually love hot weather, I would rather be warm then cold. Now I'm starting to hate it! I live in minimal, comfy clothing to stay comfortable. The blower motor (what blows the AC) went out in my Jeep, so my amazing husband is replacing that for me this weekend!

My skin seems to be more dry and itchy then before. I just keep slathering on lotion and drinking lots of water. I know hormones aren't helping, but it's sure annoying!

We spent Father's Day at a car show and I had to get a picture with my Baby Daddy. You can even see my belly starting to poke out!

Zero, our husky mix, has always been all about David. He really doesn't care for me unless David is gone and he wants something. Now, he's starting to get super excited when I come home and follow me around the house more. I've read that dogs can sense you body changing and the baby, so I'm starting to think thats whats going on. 

He's even cuddled with my belly and been super confused when he gets kicked. He keeps coming back for more kicks in the face, so I just hope he falls in love with Jack like we are.

Until next time,

Kandi

Our Baby Shower

I choose to have my baby shower earlier than the norm. It seems most have their show around 32 weeks pregnant and I'm almost 25 weeks. 

I choose to have my shower early mainly because I have been told to prepare for bed rest and how for the best. This is all because of my hip, yes the one I always reference. I have been told since I was about 19 years old that I would be on bedrest quite a bit through pregnancy and have a c-section. So, I wanted to have my shower to be able to enjoy it! I am slowly having issues with my hip, but nothing to stop me from having fun any time soon!

Second reason I choose to have my shower early, to have time to finish preparing for little man's arrival and not feel stressed with a time crunch. Remember, I like to be prepared!

So, now that we have that out of the way, here's how I did my shower!

I did plan most of this my self but had lots of help from my best friend, Katey! 

I choose to keep it very simple. I wanted this so there wasn't a rush, it was fun and relaxing, people got to visit, and I didn't stress over things.

We had the shower at my parents house since they have lots of room. It ended up being almost 90*F! A lot warmer than planned but at least it was nice!

I did ask for books over cards in the invitation. I loved the idea that our family and close friends could pick their favorite book and we could read it Jack (name post coming soon!) as he grew up. 

In keeping things simple, I kept the "games" simple too! We had more stations of things to do instead of lots of games:

• Sign the onesie - just like a guestbook
• Guess the due date
• How many M&M's in the bottle?
• Decorate the bibs
• Don't say baby!
• Advice cards
• Prediction of size cards
• Guess the side of mom's belly

For food, I once again kept things simple. I forgot to get a picture of the table covered in food, so just imagine! We did water and lemonade for drinks. I had chips, pretzels, and some different dips out first. We then got three trays of sandwiches from our local grocery store to save us time and the mess of making them. And after, I had cupcakes from my favorite bakery and a variety of different cookies.

At the very end of the day, I finally remembered to snap a few more pictures! I was able to get a good photo of David and I from our big day. He's not a picture fan, so I take what I can get!

And of course a belly shot! I found my dress at Target on sale! I was planning to get this dress anyway, it's cotton, comfy, and can be used after being pregnant. And my Birkenstocks, not that glamours but what are comfortable to wear now.

And I couldn't forget a picture with Katey! I couldn't have done this without her!

The only thing I would have done differently: taken more photos! I forgot to get one with my parents and even my roommates from college! But I'm thankful for what we do have!

I haven't shared what I got as far as presents so I don't brag. I will be showing more photos of the nursery here soon and show off a bit of what we got!

Until next time,

Kandi

24 Week Update!

I think it's finally happened. My belly is finally looking like it has popped out! I still carry him low, or at least it seems low to me, he's finally being noticeable!

Now that we are 24 weeks, we have about 16 weeks or 112 days till our son makes his way into the world.

My biggest issue continues to be the lack of sleep I get. I had perfected my schedule to get around 9 hours of sleep a night before getting pregnant. I'm lucky to get 7 hours now. And let me tell you, I'm feeling it! After about a week or more of no sleep, I can finally pass out hard from exhaustion. I try everything to have a good bedtime routine, but between nighttime heart burn and baby dance classes, I just can't fall asleep until midnight to 1am-ish. I'm up around 7am to keep with my daily schedule. There are days I could sleep in but when I do, I feel like I've wasted so much time.

When I do get to sleep, I'm so hot! Like sweating and gross. I know it's the hormone changes, but I've never had this issue in my life. I love, love the feeling of heavy blankets. But between the heat I put off, the obstacle of pillows, and the amount I move around, the favorite blankets don't cut it any more. We currently use a top sheet and (one of my all time favorite) thin handmade blanket.

My second sleep issue: if I nap, I have a super hard time falling asleep at night. I've never been a napper. I've always been better at pushing through my day and passing out early. When I nap, I wake up groggy and take forever to fully wake up. This happens to me if I take a cat-nap or one of those coma-naps. And I keep napping more! It's such a vicious circle!

Now, my boobs. I still don't know how so many friends have neglected to pass the information about how much your chest can change during pregnancy. Mine are currently itchy and hurt all the time. I have completely grown out of pre-baby bras. I have bought some nursing bras (to save money since I plan on using them post-birth) and some sleep type bras. I have fallen in love with how comfortable the nursing bras are! I almost never want to go back to an underwire bra! Granted, they aren't that pretty or sexy but they are practical and still offer support. I have searched around for affordable bras to save some money. So far Burlington Coat Factory has been the best for selection and price!

What's comfy and whats not? The dress I'm wearing in the photos from the week is from Target's Maternity section. I have it in three different prints and would live in them all the time if I could. I have found that my jean material pants and capris are getting more and more uncomfortable as time goes on. I have invested in some thin capri leggings (that might not be actual pants but I've using them as some) and they are amazing. I do notice as time goes on, I get more uncomfortable in my skin so whatever I can get to make these next 16 weeks go by faster, well I buy it!

I have wide hips (thanks to my Mom) but I can tell they are widening more! I started my pregnancy journey wearing small/medium underwear and I'm now wearing large/extra large ones. I haven't gained much weight yet, just the normal pregnancy weight. I can still pull my pre-pregnancy jean up my thighs but they don't fit around my hips. I had read that ligaments loosen and things move around to carry the baby and to prepare for labor, but I didn't realize it would be such a change so fast!

Speaking of weight gain, I'm now at 160. I started at 152 at 9 weeks and was 146 at 13 weeks. I'm not sure if I've gained 8 or 14 pounds, but not much yet. My doctor was a little worried at first with my weight loss from nausea, but says I'm doing good now so not to worry. She would like me to gain around 25 pounds. I found this helpful to explain pregnancy weight gain.

I have fallen in love with baby moccasins. I have found so many small business that make their own little shoes and have to stop myself from buying all the pairs! I'm waiting to see how big little man's feet are when he's born before buying any. I know they aren't practical as a tiny baby, but during the winter I would like something for his feet besides just socks. I like that moccasins are soft and have give unlike so many baby shoes that have hard soles.

Ok, diaper bags... How many are acceptable? My in-laws got us the Jeep backpack diaper bag when we first told them we were pregnant. Without much research it seemed practical. Now that I've been researching baby things in general, I haven't figured out if we have the best diaper bag for us. David is fine with whatever, but likes the idea of a backpack one to be hands free. But my issue is that I have found this other diaper bag at Burlington Coat Factory that is a cross body style. My girl friends have suggested I get it, so that if I want I can swap out between the two. I'm really debating about getting it, but we shall see how much self control I have.

We don't have cable so my main "tv" type of entertainment is YouTube. For the longest time I loved watching beauty videos and planner videos, I've not switched to "mommy" videos. I've been watching tons of "what to take to hospital" and "whats in your diaper bag" videos. I have also watched all of Aaryn William's videos leading up to her delivery. I love being able to watch what other pregnant ladies are going through or what they suggest through their pregnancy.

Until next time,

Kandi

22 Week Update

This week feels just like last week so far.

I have been super congested and not sleeping good. Meh... I don't think this is going to change anytime soon.

On a happy note, I have had a little extra energy! I felt so energized that I cleaned the whole house and it looked amazing for a good three hours! Once I let Zero (our pup) in and David got home from work, that was it - the house was a mess again. But a messy house is a house full of love!

I will by in my good friend from college's wedding this October. Yep same month I am estimated to give birth. Luckily, baby boy is due the 5th and the wedding is the 29th! But, shopping for a bridesmaid dress six months pregnant was such a "Debbie Downer" moment. I don't have the body shape for super cute dresses, I'm A-line all the way (thanks Mom for big hips). And needing to factor in a post-pregnancy body, I was left with only a few options. I settled on one, not exactly my favorite but flatters my body. Big truth, only my husband will say I look amazing, it's her wedding day and all eyes will be on her like they should!

As I'm writing this, little man is bouncing off the walls. He's become a big mover. I have a feeling I will be going a lot with this one!

Until next time,

Kandi

I'm late... 21 Week Update

This past week I have been exhausted. I worked everyday and still managed the house (even though I should have let it go a bit... I wouldn't have cared). 

We have been blessed and I have been able to work part time so far this pregnancy. I was so exhausted, nauseous, and had so many headaches during the first trimester that I didn't know if I could handle the work load I had before. I started part time around 11 weeks and its been manageable for me.

But, I'm still waiting for my energy to come back like all the pregnancy books and apps say... it really hasn't come yet. I'm still tired and get exhausted easy. I've tried all sorts of things to get energy, but thank goodness for the one cup of coffee I drink a day. I always chug water as much as I can, the constant trips to the bathroom keeps me up and moving.

Speaking of coffee, I cannot wait for the day that I can drink three cups with out worrying. As soon as we found out we were expecting I cut down my caffeine intake immediately. I was a 3-5 cup of caffeine type of person... Now with only one cup in the morning because I need it, I function as well I can. I like a little french vanilla creamer and whipped cream in it. It helps keep the heartburn down and tastes good. I know I could switch to tea, but I think coffee if more of a placebo so I just drink it.

I haven't updated about my cravings and adversities lately, but the truth is they haven't really changed. Fruit always sounds good and I can eat Mexican food until my heartburn is killing me. Every so often something sweet sounds good, so I'll have a cookie or something. I do like ice cream. I have a little almost every night. 

I have finally gained some weight. I was 152 at 9 weeks and lost almost 10 pounds by the time I was 13 week. I'm finally up to 155 at 21 weeks. The doctor said I'm doing good and don't need to stress about gaining weight. I'm not going to lie, it's been hard thinking I need to gain weight after trying to loose some. But I'm up for anything that will ensure we will have a healthy baby.

I haven been congested. And it's not been fun. My normal crazy seasonal allergies are mixed with the hormonal pregnancy congestion are having fun with my body. Hot showers, a cool mis humidifier, an essential oil diffuser, and trying to sleep propped up... anything that could help.

But, I have felt our little guy kick! And kick a lot! When we had our anatomy ultrasound at 20 weeks I felt him kick as the tech pushed on him and tried to get him to cooperate. I had been assuming he was higher than he was, but no, he was able bladder level. Once I knew what it felt like for him to kick, he hasn't stopped kicking! Being more aware of his movement, I can tell that he likes his room. He's not a fan when I have a full bladder, when I have eaten a bigger meal or when we are pushing on him. He likes to kick hard and catch me off guard. I notice him the most when I sit down to relax or when falling asleep. 

Well, onto next week!

Until next time,

Kandi

We are HALFWAY! 20 week update

We have made it half way!!! We are officially halfway through this pregnancy!

I seriuously cannot believe we are already here. I know everyone says it, but time has flown by. But this past week felt like it was moving so slow! I was super anxious and excited since we were having the big ultrasound, and I got no sleep!

Sleep has been one of my biggest struggles this pregnancy. I never though I would have issues sleeping early on. I knew it was coming, but I assumed that's when your large and in charge. Not my case at all! I can't sleep on my stomach (my favorite) but I can't sleep on my sides either. Sleeping on my sides puts too much pressure on my hips. My left hip is all messed up and I have trouble with it. I have finally found a position I can get some sleep: the recliner... Basically I used all our extra pillows to make a fake recliner in bed. No pressure on my hips but it does make it a little hard to get in out of the bed for the middle of the night bathroom trips.

Sleeping in the the recliner position also helps with my lovely congestion. I had no clue "pregnancy rhinitis" was a real symptom. I naturally was blessed with bas sinuses, so it's hit me hard. I sleep with a cool mist humidifier and essential oil defuser all night. 

Last night I had to everything I could to get sleep. Four to Six-ish hours a night does not cut it for me right now. I took a nice long lavender and epsom salt bath while drinking tea, rubbed some lavender lotion on my arms and chest, and put lavender essential oil on the back of my neck and the bottoms of my feet. Between all of this and being exhausted, I finally got a good night of sleep!!!

When we took our weekly bump shot Zero was in play mode. But it really looks like he's trying to play with baby boy!

Finally, the ultrasound. I had been looking forward to this ultrasound for weeks! We had it originally scheduled for Tuesday, but last minute they had an emergency situation and had to reschedule. Luckily it was only for the next day. But when you mix no sleep, how excited I was and the fun pregnancy hormones, I totally broke down and bawled my eyes out. Yes I was a little excited but thankful we only had to wait 24 more hours. Not that mattered to my hormones, but at least I was able to get a small nap out of the brake down.

Once we finally got to have the ultrasound our little man would not cooperate at all! He was super stubborn and wouldn't take his hands off from his face (first picture below). The tech was pushing all over my stomach trying to get him to more and help us get a good profile picture, but no luck (second photo below). 

I had been a little concerned that I hadn't really left him move. Before bed I usually lay with my hands on my belly just waiting to feel him. I was starting to get a little worried that something might be wrong. Well, turns out he was just way low! He is laying between my hips in my lower abdomen. He's actually below the bump I have! Now that we know where he is it makes perfect sense! I have tons of pressure in my lower abs and it feels like your trying to maneuver over a full bladder all the time. Now I know my kid is just hanging low and comfortable. I'm waiting till our appointment with the doctor next week to see if I should be worried about him so low.

But the best thing about knowing where he is: I can feel him kick and move. I've been curious why I get the funny fluttering feelings inside near my lower abs and hips. I've always passed it off as gas but now I know he's there! Last night I was relaxing in our recliner (my favorite spot to sit now) and felt a hard poke in my lower abs!!!! I'm guessing he was adjusting to comfortable! 

Until next time,

Kandi

19 Weeks Pregnant

I think this week my "pregnancy brain" has kicked in. And honestly, I have been way more exhausted this past week.

I don't think I've gotten that much energy in my second trimester like I was expecting. The firs trimester kicked by butt like no other. I had no energy at all! But, I think I don't have that much energy right now because I haven't been sleeping good.

I need to find some way to sleep! I've been trying sleeping on my side but I wake up hurting because it puts too much pressure on my hips. I have a problem with my left hip (hopefully one day we will know what's actually wrong with it) so long hours of sleep really irate it. I have been trying positioning my pillows like a recliner! Why? Well, it helps with my pregnancy congestion, no pressure on my hips, and feels amazing on my lower back. But, when I get up for my middle of the night bathroom breaks, it's super hard to get my pillows just right again!

On complete other news, my bestie Katey and I got the baby shower invites in the mail! I decided to have my baby shower at then end of my second trimester instead of the traditional time frame. There has been plenty of talk with previous doctors about my hip and pregnancy. Its up in the air and only time will tell how I can handle the end of my pregnancy. Basically, I have been told to be prepared if I have to be on bedrest or some form of it. I'm hoping for the best and doing all I can to prevent it.

So, I figured lets just have an early shower! Having it earlier means we have more time to figure out what we are lucky enough to receive and what we still need to get. I am a huge planner, and it's nice having things done early and how I would like them!

Also, I'm pretty sure I've felt my little boy move. I still have no idea what to expect so I feel like I don't feel him at all. I have been feeling these weird flipping feeling and random odd poking motions. I'm crossing my fingers its my baby and not gas!

I can't tell if my belly is getting bigger, but it's getting more round!

Until next time,

Kandi

18 Week Update + Nursery

Another week has flown by and here I am with another update!

Not too much had happened this week. At least nothing too noticeable.

Well, the only thing noticeable is that my baby bump is getting more round. For the past weeks my belly was pretty pointy as baby boy began to grow. I'm slowly starting to look pregnant and not like I "ate a big meal".

My chest is sore for the growing its been doing. My feet are starting to swell by the end of the day. I don't have too much energy but still managing pretty well. I like to eat a little ice cream before bed every night. I still prefer fresh fruit over anything. I've been searching for the most "comfortable" shoes. 

That's pretty much where I am at.

I still am under my original weight (152 lbs). I was 150 lbs at 17 weeks and still holding that. My doctor says there's nothing to worry so I'm not.

I can feel the difference in the changing ligaments in my body, mainly in my hips where I have my issues. I keep reading that your body goes through tons of changes in order to carry a baby and prepare for birth. These books aren't lying and the changes start happening quickly and earlier than I expected.

Now on to the nursery!

At the beginning of the year we moved to a bigger place. We are luck to have a three bedroom house with a backyard and a garage. Basically, we have a room for the our boy and all the baby stuff to come.

We have an extra dress that matches our bedroom set that is the perfect height for a changing table. I didn't want a typical changing table since I know we won't use it for that long. 

We found a crib and mattress as a set on our community yard sale site. Both were used only a handful of times and after some cleaning it was set up in the room.

We already have a pack n play with a bassinet setting, a diaper backpack, and some other nursery necessities. We have been incredibly lucky getting items lightly used for families willing to help.

This room doesn't have a light in the ceiling, strange I know, but we made it work with a simple tall lamp.

I'm lucky to have my great grandparents glider rocker with ottoman. It saved us a pretty penny and keeps their memory going. I do plan on making a slip cover for it, thanks to the help of my sister-in-law, to make cleaning easier. I know spit up is going to happen.

We have a nightstand I found for our last place that will be perfect for a nightlight late night drinks. 

The currently pillow is a placeholder. It's one I've had for years and I just haven't parted with it yet. I might make a slip cover for it, but I really haven't decided.

We do already have a Jeep walker! It will be some time before that is used!

Not pictured is the swing we got from a very generous family!

We have plenty other things and projects to come for this room! 

22 or so more weeks till our little boy will be here!

Until next time,

Kandi

17 Week Baby Update

It's that time for another update. I find that I get questions from lots of people asking general things about my pregnancy now that I'm slowly showing.

So, here we go!

Baby boy's heartbeat is strong and normal around 145 bpm. It seems that he is laying across my hips with his legs up towards my ribs. We get to see him in three weeks when we have our second trimester ultrasound.

I am anxiously waiting to feel baby boy kick! I'm honestly not sure if I'm starting to feel little flutters or if my stomach is just rumbling... So I'm just waiting. I know it won't be much longer and he will be kicking me in the ribs. I can't wait to feel the little flutters that just the two of us will share. 

I did take advantage of the recent sale at Target and stocked up on my favorite tank tops that stretch and I'm hoping to wear as long as I can. I bought them a few sizes bigger so they are a little loose and I have room to grow. They are normally $9 but were on sale 3 for $24, plus there was 50% the exact tanks on the Cartwheel app! Maternity tan dresses were 50% off too, so I grabbed a couple. 

Slowly my clothes aren't fitting. Or at least some on my favorite shirts and definitely my normal pants. I am on the petite side so maternity pants are becoming my best friend. Now I'm just on the hunt for some good yoga pants.

There isn't anything am craving, at least not yet. I've been eating everything like normal. Bagels or oatmeal in the morning with my watered down coffee get me going. I usually eat leftovers for lunch. And I still make normal meals for dinner. 

I cannot stand the smell of mayonnaise or fried eggs. I don't care for either in general. And now, just a big nope!

Two normal pregnancy symptoms I've developed are acid reflux and congestion. I can't help the acid reflux too much besides Tums, chocolate milk and hope it doesn't last my whole pregnancy. For the congestion is just sucks. I naturally get congested during the spring from all the pollen in the air. I've had two small sinus surgeries to help, but hormones are in full force. I sleep with Vick's Vapor Rub and a defuser every night. I'm seeing a humidifier coming soon.

I also have some hip issues. I've something wrong with my left hip and have seem numerous doctors and specialists to see what's wrong with me since I was 19. It's speculated that I have Rheumatoid Arthris but nothing is definitive. I've had x-rays, bloodwork, MRIs, and even a biopsy. Doctors have always eluded that I might have hip issues whenever I got pregnant. Well, I'm starting to have some issues. Mainly it's pain in my hip as my ligaments are starting to loosen. I have a prescription to help if my hip hurts really bad. It's a big wait and see game as I get closer to by due date.

So there ya go, my 17 week update.

We have 23 more weeks till our due date. I'm anxiously waiting for this little one to arrive but incredibly happy that he's growing and developing as he should.

Until next time,

Kandi