39 weeks.

How far along? 39 weeks

Total weight gain: 18lbs. 

Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes are even becoming laughable these days. Luckily I'm done working now and I don't get much more dressed up than that pre-pool ensemble above.  

Sleep: I sleep, but ask me how I feel when I wake up! Boy I hope that disappears once little man is here! 

Best moment this week: Even though the holiday weekend wasn't filled with sun and swimming like we would of liked we still made the best of it. My sister (in law) and brother(in law) threw us the cutest couples shower and it was the best time ever! Just getting together with some friends and enjoying some time together before our little one gets here!

Cravings:  I can't say I'm craving anything, im all about having ice cream and cookies and milk! I've never been a sweet person, I person a bag of chips over anything but lately I'll take any excuse to make my way to an ice cream shop!

Symptoms: I had contractions two days this week but nothing consistent. I'm looking forward to going to the doctors this week in hopes of some sort of progress to be made!

Looking forward to: I'm technically on "vacation" this week so we have just been relaxing by the pool and just doing random things around the house that don't necessarily need done but we have nothing else to do but pass the time waiting on this little guy. 

Please pray our little one makes his appearance sometime in the next week. We really do not want to have to be induced! 

38 weeks.

How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain: 17lbs. 

Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes, yes.  In public. Everyday. Non-maternity clothes, yes.  At home - not appropriate for public.  My non-maternity t-shirts and tanks are honestly the funniest thing you have ever seen. Its totally fine- its' hot, I'm very pregnant and I'm comfortable.

Sleep: Much to my surprise, very, very well most nights. I can complain about 1-2 nights a week. 

Best moment this week:  Seeing our baby boy in 3D we hadn't seen that since our 18 week gender ultrasound. Boy how incredible it is to have such technology in the world. My heart about leaped from my chest and I was ready to bring him into the world right that second. 

Lots of frustrations have been tied up with all this extra testing each week. We have had 3 ultrasounds for fluid checks in 8 days and while I love every opportunity to get to see this little guy, it has been super stressful on David and I each appointment is like holding your breath waiting for the moment to pass and while our doctor says everything is looking great, its still disheartening to have to be doing all of this so frequently. We are so grateful for both have jobs that are flexible so that we can do all these extra tests and work around schedules. We know that this is important and we are extra grateful for a medical team that is ensuring our baby is in the best of health, but darn it little man-GET HERE already! You are giving us a run for our money already.

Cravings:  I'm back on a sandwich kick and I've been indulging in it all to be quit honest because I know here in a few dayS this momma will NOT, I repeat will NOT be eating all them carbs!!

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, swelling, and just down right uncomfortable. Add in the heat, the swelling, and the inability to move around so well and well I'd rather just not even move... Although we have been getting in some extra pool time a few days here and there, and for those few hours I almost forget I'm pregnant. Even little boy enjoys the pool.

Looking forward to: We have been spending lots of time together just soaking up these last few days with each other before we become a family of three or should I say 5, I mean our dogs are our family too! We have been making excuses to just go get ice cream or just longer strolls around the yard and I am enjoying every moment in anticipation of having our little one with us so very SOON!

..I am mostly just dying to meet our little guy.  Eeeep - its like Christmas morning!  

37 weeks + a baby boy update

I still cannot believe how quickly time has flown by since finding out we were expecting on a random Saturday in October.

God chuckled at my own plans for this last year and breathed life + reality into our hopes for a baby.

Here we are.  I'm in the last weeks or days.  Thats right, weeks..or days. 

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain: 17 pounds (until I step on the scale Thursday)

Maternity clothes? Like I've mentioned time and time again - my all time favorite pregnancy wardrobe staple has been a maxi skirt, you just can't beat the comfort and the coolness. 

Sleep: Finding comfort has been really interesting this last month, but honestly I am sleeping really well.  I am getting into bed about 10pm and sleep until at least 4am before I wake to use the bathroom. I do wake up pretty sore though. 

Best moment this week: We got to peek in on our growing baby boy today and that is always a sweet treat! More on that below.

Miss Anything? Nada

Cravings:  I have zero desire for food right now. I don't feel the sensation of being hungry at all whatsoever. This baby boy is taking up all my space and my appetite, too. Choboni yogurt, fruit, ice cream and cereal have been my go to. 

Symptoms: Heavy belly.  Exhaustion.  The usual. 

Looking forward to: Meeting our sweet boy.  We are so ready.  I mean, really ready.  Nursery is done- his space is just precious and I cannot wait to share.  Baby items that we lacked have been purchased.  Bags are pretty much packed besides those last minute grab quick items.

BABY BOY UPDATE

He is 6 pounds of baby squishy-ness with the sweetest cheeks and lips. He is head down as he has been since 22 weeks and is sitting low. He has however dropped from the 64th percentile to the 53rd percentile (still in average range though). His amniotic fluid is much lower than our doctor would like to see. We already had a doctor appointment for Thursday so we are now having a Non Stress Test on Thursday as well where they will hook me up to a monitor for a 1/2 hour to an hour to monitor his movement and we will have another check of fluid on Friday with another ultrasound. If his fluid goes any lower from now until Friday it is possible that they will induce labor. 

I have been praying for the last nine months to not have to be induced or a c-section and I feel like this is the Lords way of preparing me for his ways and his plan, not mine. We have total faith in our doctor and most importantly the Lord. Please pray for our sweet boy in the next few days and for us! When the sonographer left the room and said she needed to call our doctor to see what he wanted to do I immediately looked at David and said "we can't have a baby today, I'm not ready." But in reality we are ready, at least as ready as we can be. Eek! We really are so ready to meet you baby boy.

36 weeks.

How far along? 36 weeks

Total weight gain: 17 lbs, I feel I'm up 100 lbs at this point though. I'm feeling SUPER large lately.

Maternity clothes? Nothing fits this bump unless it has side-ruching.  I try to fit into regular tees and tanks, but its laughable and clearly only acceptable at home.

Sleep: Yep. I sleep so good until I wake up having to go to the bathroom and then I'm cursing myself because I was sleeping so good and I don't want to get up out of bed. I am sleeping like a ROCK. It may have to do with me staying up a little later because of the beautiful daylight, before I was in bed by 9:30-10 and now I'm stretching it out a little longer. HA!

Best moment this week: Getting ONE more thing check off the before baby checklist-a new kitchen floor. I think it may even have to be the last thing because the other items on the list are kinda big projects that I'm not sure I want to get into so close to our little boy getting here.

Miss Anything? The usual: tummy sleeping, being heartburn-less..and basically fitting into my regular clothes with ease, and just being comfortable in the sitting, standing, lying position.

Cravings:  Nothing really new from the normal of the last 35 weeks. The Dunkin cravings are almost constant, I woke up this morning wanting a blueberry iced tea. I'm settling on making blueberry muffins instead today. I also want everything on the grill. David is the master grill chef for Summers and he started a raised bed garden this year and we have lettuce growing like crazy so we have been eating lots of chicken on the grill with salad or anything that you can add lettuce to. 

Symptoms: Not much to complain about really. The swelling has really hit this week. I had to take my rings off and flip flops are about all that fit my feet, good thing its SUMMER!  If thats all I've got- I'll take it.  Braxton Hicks are becoming more regular.  We've gotten to the point where his sudden movements will promote a BH. Little man is running out of room and his movements just hurt at this point.

Looking forward to: Just weeks away from his arrival. We have another ultrasound on Monday, the last time we will see him before he is here! EEK!! Now- we just have to wait for this sweet baby boy to get here and this momma is SUPER anxious for him to be here  with us!

Little mans first Liberty shirt from his Aunt Rhiannon since his momma and 2 of his Aunties went there!

New kitchen floor, not that he will care, but it was on the list to be done before he was here.

35 weeks.

How far along? 35 weeks + a couple days because this post is kinda late this week, but for good reason.

Total weight gain: 17 pounds

Maternity clothes? maxi skirts and tank tops - the equivalent to pajamas in pregnancy life, but easier to get away with while in public. 

Sleep: I have really good nights of sleep and some lousy ones, mostly good though. Every since being married I've been an early riser and its these few weeks before baby that I'm wishing I wasn't because I could use the extra sleep time now I know it! *heres to having a baby who is a good sleeper*

Best moment this week: This weekend was my baby shower,s o that for sure was the best momentS of the week! David and I couldn't get over all the LOVE that was shown to us and more importantly our sweet little guy! We cannot wait for you all to meet him! Heck, we can't wait to meet him!

Miss Anything? I am SO ready to sleep on my tummy again. Have I said that already? Probably. Now more than ever I am appreciating how much more comfortable I am to sleep on my tummy!

Cravings:  Nothing new from the normal, except I've been wanting iced coffee. I think it has a lot to do with this gorgeous weather and I'm trying to tame that caffeine craving. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Symptoms:  I've been having a hard time finding a comfortable way to sit/lay/sleep- baby feet up in my ribs, or if I lay on the couch for too long I literally cannot get up. Its a sorry sight especially when your trying to get off the couch and there are two yellow labs under your feet, that refuse to move. Heartburn is still here, there was almost a prize at my baby shower for who had some in their purse. Nesting is also in full swing...I think. I've always been an OCD cleaner, We have a phrase in the Douthitt household and my husband can quote it "everything has a place" I feel like that is the first piece of wisdom I want to pass down to my child LOL. Deciphering between my normal OCD self and the nesting phase is difficult, David said there is no difference, besides baby stuff is thrown into the mix.

Looking forward to: Someone  asked me just yesterday if I was nervous and I had to stop and think if I actually was and I guess I can say not yet.... I am too focused on getting everything ready which is my plan these next two weeks. Getting all his things put away and making sure we have everything. David has been on me about a hospital bag since the weekend, so that is on the list too. I am sure once all of those things are ready and in place then I might get nervous but then again I never once felt nervous on my wedding day or leading up to it. I tend to get nervous over little things and not so stressed about bigger things..who knows. 

34 weeks.

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain: 16 pounds, but I haven't been on the scale. I will be at my OB appt this week so next week will have an updated weight gain.

Maternity clothes? After attempting to dress this bump for yet another week at work, I was eye-balling these shorts sitting on the chair in my bedroom.. for half a second I thought "how bad would it  actually be if I wore shorts and a tee shirt to work?"  I also thought that maybe my yoga capris would be a step above the shorts.. and then put on the same maxi skirt I wore three times the week before and called it a day. Besides I'm counting down the days of work left and we're at 23!

Sleep:  Sleep is pretty good. I've started to toss and turn a lot more and wake with back pain, but it's not awful and I'd rather deal with that than insomnia like I hear so many more experience.

Best moment this week: by far was the long weekend! I needed it, I'm telling you I think the world would be a better place if 3 day weekends were a permanent thing.  

Miss Anything? Its been a good week.. nothing to complain about! 

Cravings: I feel like my cravings are subsiding. Although the today I was hungry all day and couldn't figure out what I wanted to eat so I ate a bunch of random stuff and ended the day with an ice cream cone and all was well with the world.

Symptoms: No real complaints.

Looking forward to: Marking things off our summer 'to-do' list before baby boy arrives. We've gotten a few more things checked off the list this weekend.  My baby shower is this weekend so I am SUPER excited about that! I am so looking forward to getting all of his this set up! Mostly because I want to start working with our dogs and getting them used to all the new gadgets around the house before we add a whole new person to the mix, because lets face it they are our whole world currently! I mean I even let Fitzgerald use my snoogle...

I still cannot believe I am going to have a tiny person to wear this in just a handful of weeks.

Styled Bump Photos

Photography: a.n.d lifestyle photography

33 weeks + baby boy update

How far along? 33 weeks

Total weight gain: 16 pounds

Maternity clothes? yaaas.  Whatever fits and isn't constricting the belly is what I'm going with.  A maxi dress or skirt have been my go-to for work attire.  Again- comfort is what I'm going for.  If a top or pants are too tight I am absolutely miserable. I have a pair of white maternity capris I have been dying to wear-after Memorial day of course!

Sleep: I sleep really well for the most part - but with the size of this belly and my lack of strength to flip over and backward easily, finding comfort has been tough. I have very few nights where I don't sleep well. The wacky dreams have been interesting though. It always leaves for interesting breakfast conversation. It could also be the chocolate cake I happened to eat before breakfast.

Best moment this week: Of course it had to be seeing our little guy! I could lay on that table all day and stare up at the black and white screen. I get totally fascinated by this little life on the inside. We watched as he yawned and stuck his little tongue out and kicked me of course.

Miss Anything? Complete comfort in all aspects.  My belly gets in the way of everything.  Putting on my shoes with ease is non-existent.. and bending over to pick basically anything off the floor is a case for falling head first due to the gravitational pull of the universe or taking a solid 5 minutes to recover from.  

Cravings: Summer fruit of all kinds, freezing cold water, popsicles, two at a time, I've also been wanting sweet tea :X its this summer time craving! Bring on all things summer! I have really been wanting everything on the grill, chicken, vegetable, pizza on the grill-anything!      

Symptoms:  Its official: heartburn stinks.  Pair it with reflux and I'm on edge more than any other time during this pregnancy. 

Baby Boy Update

We had another ultrasound this past week and baby boy is proving that his 2 vessel cord means nothing! We are so grateful! He is in the 70th percentile (measuring a week ahead) and weights about 5lbs. 

We are so blessed.

I mean look at that profile, he is just the cutest thing. Daddy is pretty sure he looks like me.

32 weeks.

How far along? 32 weeks

Total weight gain: +16 lbs

Maternity clothes? For sure, and often:)  what I have realized is that I am able to wear some non-maternity maxi dresses comfortably, and that is always a plus in expanding what seems like such a limited wardrobe of maternity in the first place.  At 32 weeks I'm fully embracing the fact that I'll wear whatever fits. 

Sleep: Yes. Yes. Yes.  I am having sleep trouble just 1-2 nights a week. I have noticed that is normally when I have done too much throughout the day and I'm just sore. I am a notorious stomach sleeper, and if I arrange the snoogle pillow just right, I can sleep soundly and nearly 'on my stomach' for most of the night.

Best moment this week: Our church threw us a 'Soon to be 3' luncheon this past weekend and it was so sweet thinking that we are so close to meeting our little one and getting to share him with everyone we love so dearly! 

Miss Anything? I cant say that I am missing anything. I actually think I may be forgetting what it's like to NOT be pregnant.

Cravings: The usual hasn't changed much from last week: Carbonation. Summer fruit. Chobani yogurt, cereal. Ice cream and Popsicles. I seem to have a daily food ritual.

6am: Cereal

9am: (I am starving again) so it's normally a granola bar and a granny smith apple.

12pm: lunch 

2pm: fruit

4pm:yogurt (I'm seriously starving by this time again)

6pm: dinner

8pm-9pm: fruit, ice cream, or Popsicles or all three or at least two of the three 

Symptoms:  Heartburn is officially the most annoying pregnancy symptom, ever.  It has come full force this week.

Looking forward to: This week we have our 2 week Dr. appt and our monthly ultrasound and I CANNOT wait to see this baby boy AGAIN! The anticipation is killing me. I can never get over how amazing it is to just watch him on that little ultrasound screen. Soaking in these last (7) weeks have become really important to me.  I had a wave of anxiety when I realized how quickly this pregnancy has flown, but the excitement of having him here has been on my mind constantly!  We are making plans to enjoy these last few weeks and even better making a small summer bucket list for once he gets here! we had to cross the beach off the list even though I tried convincing David of cheap September rates, he was not buying it!

31 weeks + a mini getaway

How far along? 31 weeks.

Total weight gain: 13+ pounds (I haven't been on the scale this week)

Maternity clothes? You bet ya.  I have fully embraced maternity clothes after attempting a pair of non-maternity jeans just for kicks.. with the whole hair-tie trick- and it just doesn't work any more.  The hair-tie trick ended about 5 weeks ago for me. 

Sleep: I am sleeping so good, I'm honestly waiting for it to get worse but I'm sleeping great. Once I finally find the sweet spot for sleeping soundly, it doesn't take me long before I am out cold. I'm not napping anymore so bedtime comes early. 

Best moment this week: David surprised me on Friday after work with a little weekend getaway that included a pregnancy massage and let me tell you just getting to lay on my belly was relaxing enough. We ended Mother's Day weekend by spending Sunday just enjoying my momma. 

Miss Anything? Its been a pretty great week!  I cant say that I am missing anything.

Cravings: The usual: Carbonation. fruit. I'm really wanting juicy watermelon- I am on the lookout! Cereal. Yogurt. Banana Popsicles. Green apples with peanut butter and mini choice chips is my current favorite snack along with a KIND bar.

Symptoms:  The occasional heartburn is happening. I wake up starving every morning at 6am like clockwork. I've also been feeling a lot of pressure lately, but other than all that since starting on more vitamins I've been feeling great!

Looking forward to: It is so hard to believe that we have 8 short weeks (or less!!) before we meet this sweet little boy.. Dreaming about it everyday- it is all I can think about. 

Pictures from our little mini getaway (we sure are thankful for great friends that helped orchestrate such a great time for us. Thanks Timmy and Garett!)

30 weeks pregnant. 10ish weeks till baby boy. 8 weeks til maternity leave.

How far along? 30 weeks

Total weight gain: 13 pounds. It's all catching up and I'm feeling it. I gave myself a 20b limit and I'm getting close LOL Luckily my sandwich craving has curbed!

Maternity clothes? All the way.  Im all about maxi everything these days.  When I am not forced into real clothing for work - I have been living in yogas and shorts and pajamas

Sleep: Sleep was not so good there for a week or so I was waking with Charlie horses and bone and muscle pain, but since starting some extra vitamins I have been feeling great! Little man is just starting to suck me dry of all the good stuff so I'm trying to keep up with him. Which makes me glad that he is growing!

Best moment this week: Hmm.. so many things.  So many moments.  That moment when you realize that you are in the single digits until you meet your sweet baby (NINE WEEKS! these posts are a week behind).. yea I had that this week. I also got to hear his heartbeat- 134bpm and 'perfect'.  

Miss Anything? Not this week.

Cravings: Anything carbonated, which I am trying to stop because I was never a pop drinker before and thats all I want now. So I've been trying to drink carbonated water..def. not as great as the dr. pepper and root beer I'd rather have. I need to start getting into that post baby weight loss mind set anyway...slowly but surely. I'm still all about cereal, strawberries, blueberries..I may or may not have consumed two whole containers in one sitting, and now banana popsicles.

Symptoms:  The exhaustion comes and goes.  Some days I feel great and other days I am feeling like I just cant even get out of bed not matter how much I have rested and slept the night/day before. Saturday I woke up feeling like I didn't even sleep that night and I slept the whole night through. The past two days I have felt great! Thank you vitamins.

Looking forward to: I feel like its crunch time now for me, this pregnancy has went so fast. I really expected it all to go so slow but it truly has flown and I feel like  I need some things to slow down so I can catch up especially when the exhaustion hits.