~39 Weeks~

How far along: 39 weeks and 1 day (waah wah wah)

Total weight gain: "you know that I'm a beast" was the first line that came into my head.. points to whoever can tell me where that came from. But uuummmm... I've gained 35 lbs. Yeahhhh hot mama.

Maternity clothes: Sick of em! I'd rather just wear a sports bra and sofie shorts, but when I have to be decent I throw on whatever fits at this point. Yuck. I have been wanting to buy all these cute SC or Bama colored dresses and pretty tops (cuz that's how we dress for football in the SEC) but I can't for two reasons: 1. Broke broke broke. 2. Who knows what size I'll be wearing!

Stretch marks: Oh yeah. They're multiplying. It's not pretty. Sometimes it makes me cry, but most of the time I don't care. I'll throw some Maderma on there and hope for the best, but it just comes with the territory.

Sleep: A total of two hours MAYBE last night. I'm just plain uncomfortable. Who can sleep comfortably at 39 weeks pregnant? There's no hope. Suck it up and drive on. Can't wait to sleep on my belly again! Mark my words.. he'll be up at 5 every morning. Because I sure have been for the past three weeks.

Best moment this week: It was a week ago today actually, but when the doc told me I was 2.5cm dialated. I'm pretty sure nothing else has happened or we may have even gone backwards since I've been so comfortable.. umm.. down there, but I was thrilled to hear that at the time!
How about worst moment of the week? Can we add that in this time? We'll go with hearing any form of the following question: "Have the baby yet?" "You're still here?" "Any contractions yet?" 500 times a day.  OMMMG. I cannot handle it any longer. I know people mean well, but seriously? I can't be the only one that has ever been completely aggravated by this.. don't they remember how it felt to them? Moving on..

Movement: We're living in cramped quarters. I was whining to Trey this morning (big ups to him for putting up with me for the past month) about how much it hurt for him to be piled up in one spot stretching my skin beyond what should be normal, when he said, "how do you think he feels in there?" Poor monkey needs to come on out and stretch those legs out! But yes, feeling the movements.. rolling around and kicking. You can see my whole stomach moving.

Food cravings: Let's just say that the 35 lbs surprises me none. And now I'm to the point where I don't care a bit and I'm enjoying it every moment that I have left. There will be NO ice cream or cookies in my house once he comes out!

38 and 1/2ish Weeks

Showing: My mother is lucky that I love her. I was really going to skip the picture part, but she's right.. I'll love to have this to look back on some day!

39 Weeks 1 Day

Temperament: Any range of emotion depending on the time of day I guess. Tired. Excited. Cranky. Calm. Overwhelmed. Scared. Terrified. Anxious. Sad. Thankful. You name it.

Words of Wisdom:

A good friend wrote this on my FB page yesterday and it made all the difference in my outlook:

"relax and enjoy every minute of your pregnancy, it is the ONLY time in life you get to assist God in a miracle." erma bombeck

It took a moment to really resonate in me, but once it did I felt an incredible peace throughout me. It's so true. No matter when I want Mr. Drew out (now), I have to remember the best timing is God's timing. And I'll do all I can do to be a safe haven for my baby until he's ready. So, NO, I won't be drinking castor oil!

~35 Weeks~

How far along: 35 Weeks and 3 days. Comeeee on Aug. 29th!

Total weight gain: I refuse to disclose this information from here on out. I've already gained what I wanted to gain for the whole pregnancy.. okay okay.. fine... which is 30lbs. I still have 4 and 1/2 ish weeks to go.

Maternity clothes: I feel like I'll be in them forever.

Stretch marks: No change since last time. Still lots on the front of my belly. They may have gotten a little darker, but no extra popping up.

Sleep: This is getting bad. Lots of tossing and turning (which is an Olympic even in and of itself). Lots of bathroom breaks. By the time I wake up, I'm very sore and ready for a nap on the couch.

Best moment this week: No matter how miserable I am, I'm still able to see the silver lining so there have been a couple.

1. Trey reading a Sesame Street book to him last night. I can't stress enough how amazing of a daddy he is going to be. He had different voices for every character... it was hysterical. He does a great Cookie Monster and Count Dracula.

2. The past two mornings spent in the pool. Completely weightless... amazing.

3. Buying a gallon of OJ that expires on my due date :)

Movement: It's so so cool. I think that's the only thing I will miss. I usually can't tell what's what, but to feel him stretching out and rolling around.. it's the coolest thing ever. Especially when he's bunched up I guess? and he's just about poking out of my stomach. He also gets lots of hiccups.. usually twice a day :(

Food cravings: HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE. I'm eating us out of house and home. I'm still keeping up good with lots of fruits and decently with the veggies.. but echhh... I'm really enjoying the ice cream, chips, and cookies too. It's sooooo bad!! Hence the weight gain!

Showing:

I never did take a bare belly pic this week so this will have to do :)

Temperament: I've honestly felt really depressed lately. I feel like I'm having a hard time looking forward to things or having a positive outlook. When hubs got home the other night, I was sitting on the couch crying because I couldn't get any of the burners on the stove to light. I was starving! It's not a pretty time for me. Really hoping this goes away.

Weekly Wisdom:

I got nothing. Feel free to leave some for me!

We're just sitting around waiting at this point. We just a few more things... the only dire things being a breast pump which I've put off for way too long now and some other nursing stuff. I still have to pack my bag... I'm definitely a last minute kinda girl (aka procrastinator). I have my next appointment next Thursday where we'll find out if we will be scheduling a C-section or not. I'm pretty sure he still hasn't turned, but I now he still could at any moment.

~33 Weeks~

How Far Along: 33 Weeks and 1 Day

Total Weight Gain: Ohh man.. we're creeping up there.. total of 24 pounds now. I was hoping to stay under 30 lbs, but with 7ish weeks left, that doesn't seem realistic!

Maternity Clothes: of course. Can still wear some normal shirts though.. I did for the 4th. I can't wear my own t-shirts anymore. Have to wear the hubby's to bed!

Stretch Marks: Big time unfortunately. Luckily, they are still semi light. They are right smack dab in the front of my belly. Belly button still hasn't popped. I'm starting to think it won't?

Sleep: Listen, I get it when I can. It doesn't necessarily come when it's supposed to. I'm pretty sure I'll be taking a nap as soon as this is done!

Best moment this week: Ehhh... those are honestly getting hard to come by. I'm loving that when he moves or kicks I can see everything. Hubs got to see a good one last night and his reaction was priceless. I'm going to treasure these moments!

Movement: That's an understatement. More like a little gremlin has taken over my mid section.

Food Cravings: Where should we begin? Fruit, fruit, fruit. I went to Target the other day, my only reason being to get fruit (because I went from living around no Targets to living .2 seconds from a SUPER Target that has a bomb ass produce section). Plain Triscuits. I'm about to die to get some Japanese food. Just the rice really. I'm completely OVER cooking. I want nothing to do with it.

Showing:

Temperament: Testy, testy, testy. I cry at the drop of a dime over little insignificant things. My poor, poor husband. But... he did this to me! I'm very anxious. I want to meet my son.. like NOW. I know he still has just a bit more baking to do though! Also, very very thankful. Beyond thankful. For my amazing husband who jumps up to do anything that will make my life easier, even after he's had a busy day... thankful for this blessing we've been granted... thankful for my mum who sends me little messages that keep me going... thankful for both of our families for flying alllll the way out here to meet the newest addition... thankful for the friends that I've met here that make me feel not so alone. I'm just feeling incredibly blessed.

Weekly Wisdom:

Dear Self:

I know you're anxious for this last little part to be over with. I know you cannot wait to get that little man in your hands. But remember, that you'll miss this part too. Try and take this opportunity to get as much rest as you can and STOP FEELING LIKE A TOTAL LOSER/SLACKER FOR DOING SO... your body is hard at work. Soak in all of these karate chops little kicks and movements. Also, stop worrying about giving birth. Stop trying to control everything and obsessing over it. God will lead you into whichever way needs to happen. If Drew stays breeched then you just weren't meant to give birth naturally. You won't be missing out on anything.. the important thing is that you have a healthy, happy baby boy. If he does turn, than you can handle the birthing process! Stop freaking out over it and worrying over every little thing!

~31 Weeks~

I cannot believe that I am typing up a post right now about being 31 WEEKS PREGNANT!!. I really just can't believe it. How is it possible that the time goes by so quickly?



I must say that I am getting over the top excited to have Mr. Andrew. I've dreamt about him twice in the past week, when I can sleep that is. Some of that excitement may have to do with the fact that I'm in so. much. pain I could scream. My back has been killing me, just on my left side. It's been going on for a few days now and getting progressively worse, so I finally went to the doc today. She at first sent me away, saying it was normal for a girl my size (fun sized I like to call it) carrying around such a heavy load to have this type of pain. I went home with a bottle of Tylenol w/ Codine and nervously took one to ease my misery. After my first much needed drugged slumber nap of the day, the doc called me and said that I do in fact have an infection and prescribed me some more drugs.. big apology to my son for starting him off with possible drug habits... I kid.. BUT I just KNEW something was really wrong and I'm glad mum talked me into going to the doctor for it. She's still the best mum ever even from 25 gazillion miles away :)


So anywho.. here you go...


How far along: 31 weeks and 1 day to be technical.. my due date is two months from tomorrow. Seems too far away, but I know it'll fly by!



Total weight gain: Since going to the doctor this morning, I know the exact amount gained. Do I really have to share??? Ecchhhh okay... 20 lbs exactly at this point. I've been eating with no abandon over the past 2 weeks.



Maternity clothes: I live in them.



Stretch marks: Oh yeah. My loving husband pointed those out to me the other day. Palmers is not helping, but you know, I'm really okay with this. Battle wounds, right?! My belly button is still intact though and has not popped out. It's just kind of flattening out and I'm hoping it'll stay that way.

Sleep: is a foreign concept to me. I was up googling things I had no business googling at 3 am last night. Please let this not be a sign of things to come. I'm beyond EXHAUSTED right now.... and I've had 3 naps today.

Best moment this week: it's a funny little story actually. Trey and I were up at about 10 one night last week, putting together a cute little cubby thing to go in Drew's room. Well.. you know.. he was assembling.. I was assisting. Drew is usually pretty quiet (I'm guessing sleeping) at that time and must not have been too happy that daddy was hammering away during his slumber. (I have a sneaking suspicion that his personality may be a little more like someone you all know and love..) While he was hammering away, he stops suddenly, alarmed by the frightening gasp that came out of my mouth. Drew had kicked me so incredibly hard that I thought my ribs were going to break in half. I guess he wasn't too happy about all the loud noise during his sleepy time...



Movement: Ummm yes, please read above.



Food cravings: Hmmm... just eating whatever the heck I fancy at the moment. For instance, I think I'll break right now to eat a few ovaled pickle chips.. yes they have to be the oval shape. Yes.. they taste different.



Showing:

31 Weeks

Mmmm... yeah.. I'd say I'm showing a tad.

Labor Signs: Still none!

Mood Temperament: Meh.. I've been pretty tame. I am emotional and cry quite a bit. As in (I can't believe I'm about to admit this) I cried yesterday morning when I heard Eminem's new song. Wow. Yup. I said it. He just seems to be doing so well for himself.. changing for his kids.. I'm a sucker for a happy ending...

Weekly Wisdom:

Dear Self, This will pass.

~28 Weeks~

Welcome to our third trimester!! I can't believe how fast time flies (I'm sure I'll be saying that for the rest of our life, watching Drew grow like a weed)!

Drew,

Your daddy and I are growing more and more excited by the day to meet you. You keep us smiling and laughing already from all of your rolling around and kicking in there. I've been enjoying this for quite some time now, but your daddy is really getting into it. He can feel you just about every time he puts his hand on my belly and he is loving it. We can even see you moving around in there just by looking at my belly.

According to What to Expect, you weigh about 2 1/2 pounds now and should be about 16 inches long, although when I went to the doctor on Friday she said you were measuring a little bigger (by about 2 weeks). Daddy may get his football player after all. You'll experience immense pressure from him to play college ball at Alabama, but trust me, I'll make sure you know that you can go and do wherever and whatever you want!

You'll be very confused as to what teams to be a fan of with this family. Just roll with it... with every one's favorites, and all the clothes you've gotten so far.. you can't really go wrong with whoever you chose. You're just not allowed to be an Ohio State or Colts fan. You'll have natural instincts to favor the Patriots I'm sure anyways! Don't you let that Norton side of the family to talk you into be Dallas fans...

Anywho.. I got off on quite the tangent...

How far along: 28 weeks! Beginning of the 3rd trimester!

Total weight gain: 15 1/2 pounds.. I've gained 7 lbs in the past 7 weeks. Not necessarily a pound a week.. I gained a lot last month. It seems to be evening out again, but I'm sure there is a lot more to come.. right? I'm okay with this. It happens. I'm eating lots of fruits and veggies, but I sure will have an ice cream if I'm wanting it bad enough!

Maternity clothes: This hasn't changed much since the last questionnaire I did. I'm in mostly all maternity clothes.. all maternity bottoms and dresses, but I can still wear some normal tops. Maternity everything is just more comfortable at this point though!

Stretch marks: Just a few and very faint. I'm okay with this too. I'm a mom.. it's okay not to flaunt my belly around in a bikini if I don't want to. Let's get real.. I shouldn't have been doing that for a while now.. probably ever ;)

Sleep: I actually feel like I've been sleeping better lately. Maybe I'm just getting used to the aches and pains, or I've just mastered the art of the body pillow. I do get up once during the night to pee though, never fails anymore.

Best moment this week: This has to be a mix between starting to feel you nonstop now and hearing your heartbeat again.. still up there at 158 bpm! I'm loving seeing Trey's face when he feels a big kick! Or it could have been this morning at church when a complete stranger simply said to me "you look very beautiful". That was nice because, 1. most people just say, "oh my, when are you due" and 2. sometimes I do feel beautiful pregnant and sometimes I just, well, DONT.

Movement: Oh yeah! The last time I did this was at 21 weeks and I could feel you, but not from the outside. 7 weeks later and we can feel you non-stop! It's the best feeling in the world :)

Food cravings: Ehhh... still not a lot. I think I'm just now starting to experience this just a little and it's been for ice cream. One day last week, I talked Trey into going to Coldstone at 4:00. I think even he enjoyed having ice cream before dinner a little bit. I wanted some again last night, but not enough to go out and get it. I refuse to keep it in my house! I'm still LOVING my fruits!!

Showing: Ha.. yes! My belly looks like a boulder. Here's some pics:

21 Weeks 28 Weeks

28 Week Frontal

Labor signs: Still none yet that I know of. I worry a little because I hear lots of girls have been feeling Braxton-Hicks by this point, but if I am, I have no clue! I'm guessing I'll know it when I feel it though..

Mood temperament: This seems to have evened out a little bit since last time too. Although, this El Paso heat does test my temper. I feel like when I'm out there in it, all patience goes out the door and I'm a bit testy. I don't really cry any more than usual.

Milestones: Welp, making it to the 3rd and final trimester is a big one, I would say!

Weekly wisdom:

Dear Self,

I know you love to be outside. I know you feel trapped when you stay indoors while the sun is shining. It may be okay to run an errand or two during the middle of the day if you really have to get out, but this El Paso sun is NO JOKE. Stay inside as much as you can. You get drained very easily when you're out in temps above 100 degrees and it's just not good for you. Take your walks at night and take Jennifer up on her offer to use her pool to swim some laps!

21 Weeks

Here you go mum!

How far along? 21 weeks exactly today!
Total weight gain: As of my last doctors appointment (which was the 1st) I've gained a total of 8 lbs. I know it's not much for 21 weeks, but Drew is growing just fine.. even seems to be a little bigger than what he "should" be, so I'm not complaining a bit! I'm pretty sure it'll catch up with me.
Maternity clothes? Looking back at 16 weeks the only thing I was wearing was belly bands over my jeans. Those still do the trick when needed but I'm in maternity pants for the most part now and I LOVE them. I wear some maternity tops, but a lot of my own tops still fit me too.

Stretch marks? Still not yet!
Sleep: Ugghhh.. this has changed a lot since my 16 week questionairre too. It's very hard to stay comfortable now. I naturally sleep on my stomache or back. My tummy is clearly out of the question now and when I lay on my back, it's hard to breath. My back hurts a good bit so I toss and turn a lot. Trey surprised me last week with a body pillow and I'm loving that! Plus the damn birds don't help...
Best moment this week: Last Friday ~ learning that "it's" a he! This week ~ just feeling him move around a lot more has been wonderful! I can't desribe the feeling, but it never fails to put a smile on my face.

Movement? Why yes! I can feel him kicking or punching and flipping around, but nothing felt on the outside yet. I can't wait for that!
Food cravings? Still no real cravings I don't think. I guess by cravings, I'm waiting for this huge, gotta have it now feeling and I never really feel those. Some foods I'm enjoying though? Mashed potatos and grilled chicken. Sonic slushes. Ehh... I'm actually really sick of eating. I'm hungry more and more but nothing really ever sounds good to me. I need some ideas of things to eat.. healthy things.
Showing? Quite a bit. I've had just a few strangers ask me how far along I am, which is pretty cool. Here you go.. I'll let the pic speak for itself.

16 Weeks

                                                                                                          21 weeks

21 Weeks

Gender Prediction: We're having a sweet baby boy!! I'm so meant to be a little boy's mama :) I guess you can't tell much from the heart beat. It's been very high all along...he's just very active! And he's a typical boy.. has stuck his tongue out at me at both ultra sounds ;)

There's that tongue! Sooo cute!
Labor Signs? None of that yet!
Mood Temperament: Ohhh man.. I'm still on that roller coaster, but now it's a little more bumpy. I have very high highs and very low lows. There's not much of an in between.
Milestones: Finding out that we have an Andrew and not an Ava.
Weekly Wisdom:
Dear Self:
Don't be so hard on yourself when you are having your "sad" moments. Stop trying to figure it out...it's hormones. You're most relaxing moments are in the bathtub or sitting out in the sun - both spots with a good book. Do that when you're feeling down and stop worrying about that. Time is going by very fast so enjoy every moment possible.

The Big Day

No, I'm not telling what the sex is in this post! We don't even know yet. I'll have a scheduled post up tomorrow early afternoon to spill the beans :)

I am just overwhelmed with excitement. Trey is home now.. go figure. The original appointment was set up for 4:15, but I pushed it back to make sure Trey could go. He hasn't been able to go to any appointments yet, so I really wanted to make sure he could go to this one. I can't wait to see his facial expression when he finally sees that precious baby moving around and hears the heartbeat. But, of course, he was released super early today (after he passed his last big exam!!) and we now have to sit around and wait for 6:15 to roll around. The suspense is KILLING me.

I've been lucky enough to have a couple girlfriends keeping me occupied through the morning, but now they've all carried on with their own lives and I'm just counting down the minutes.. trying not to watch the clock.. because a watched clock never ticks?

I can't believe in just a few short hours I'm hopefully going to know what we're having *please don't be modest today baby and show us all your goods*. I can finally stop calling it "it". We have names picked out (yes I'll share both names tomorrow) and I can start addressing "it" by an actual name. I can pick out lots of cute baby clothes!

It's going to be great to just know and I'm in disbelief that it's April... I'm just about half way through with this pregnancy. Where has the time gone?

16 Weeks

I've seen Katie do these questionnaires throughout her pregnancy, and I'd love to have something to look back on and see my progress as well. Google didn't show me anything very original - so sorry dear - I'm pretty much copying you on this one :)

How far along? 16 weeks as of yesterday. I can't believe I'm almost to 20 weeks!

Total weight gain: 6lbs. I'm trying to come to terms with this. Although, I will point out that I am still able to rock the one pair of size 4 jeans I have even if they won't button. I love you belly bands!

Maternity clothes? Mostly I've just been taking advantage of the belly bands. Those things are my lifesaver. I definitely don't need maternity tops yet, but sometimes I wear an undershirt to give that extra layer and reach down a little further than the shirt will.

Stretch marks? No, not really. I had a few very faint ones pre-pregnancy, and I think they are showing up a little better now, but no new ones. I lotion up religiously so I'm hoping that really helps.

Sleep: I'm still getting plenty of it, but it's getting a little uncomfortable at times. I feel like I'm tossing and turning quite a bit more trying to find a comfy spot for my back. Plus side? I'm not getting up as much to use the potty.

Best moment this week: By far, seeing monkey for the first time! Indescribable!

Movement? Not yet, but I'm watching out for it. They say I should start to feel "fluttering" anytime now, so I'm ultra aware.

Food cravings? I still wouldn't classify anything I've felt as a real craving. There's never anything I HAVE TO HAVE RIGHT THIS SECOND, but I do get fixated on a few things here and there. Luckily for me, most of them are quite healthy. Right now, I can't get enough cucumbers, tomatoes, and grapes. We went to a baseball game yesterday and I saw just about everyone eating sunflower seeds, so I did have to stop on the way home and get some. I see salt being a big problem for me in the next 6 months!

Showing? Umm yes. I think I'm to the point now where there's no mistaking it. Unless I have a jacket or hoodie on. So not quite showing enough that I can't cover it up.. although... there's never a moment I want to do that. I seriously want to show it to the world!

Gender Prediction: Ohh I don't know! I go back and forth. My head says girl just because of how fast the heart rate always is, but my heart definitely wants a boy. Of course we'll be happy with either and the next one I would want to be a girl, but I just feel like I'm meant to have a little boy. We'll see soon.. I can't wait! Want to guess? Don't forget to vote up top!

Labor Signs? Umm no. Thank God.

Mood Temperament: hmm good question. It changes by the minute. One minute I'm the happiest I have ever been, but I'm always very sensitive. Normally, it would take a lot to hurt my feelings or even make me think twice about something anyone has said, now all it takes is your tone to be off a little and I'm sad/mad/hurt/etc. I happy-cry at just about anything. Basically, I'm on an emotional roller coaster and I can't get off.

Milestones: Whelp, my belly I think did pop a little again this week (sorry, no pics uploaded yet!) and then seeing him/her for the first time of course.

Weekly Wisdom:
Dear Self:
Even though you feel like you have all of your energy back, you still can't go a mile a minute. You will crash. If you have a day or two that you are on the go constantly, just be prepared to be just about comatose on day three.