37 Weeks!

37 Weeks!

How far along: 37 weeks! It's hard to believe we have made it this far. Technically I'm 37 weeks and 4 days, and I'm already considering myself 38. It sounds much better to my impatient ears to say we have less than 2 weeks. The last month is absolutely the hardest and the longest. Days are dragging  by so slowly. People keep telling me not to rush it, to enjoy these last weeks. How is that even possible? I'm so ready to hold this little girl in my arms I almost can't stand it. But I've waited 37 weeks, my whole life really, for this sweet little princess...what is 2 more weeks?

Sleep: When I sleep it is great. I'm getting up about 3 times a night to use the bathroom and let me tell you, getting out of the bed is a task on its own. I've been having some pretty crazy dreams but Mark will tell you that is not a pregnancy thing.

Food Cravings: Nothing new here, other than the fact that I stay hungry. I accidentally ate an entire Homewrecker burrito from Moe's (that's the big one if you didn't know) yesterday. I had intended on eating half and saving half...I looked down and the whole thing was gone. Needless to say, I'll have some work to do after the baby gets here.

Gender: A sweet baby girl.

Name: Tenley Hope Arnett

Movement: Lots still, I don't see her slowing down anytime soon!

Best Pregnancy Moment: Just spending time with Mark and getting everything ready! We completed our birth plan (have I mentioned I'm attempting to go natural!??) and we feel so ready. 

Progress: We did make our first false alarm run last Thursday. I was having contractions every 2:30-3:30 minutes. They weren't painful but definitely more intense than any braxton hicks I've had. When she checked me I was only a centimeter dialated and so we made the walk of shame and headed home. 

What I'm Looking Forward To: Our next appointment is Monday and I'm excited to see if we have made any progress. I'm considering asking her to induce (which doesn't really go with my natural plan!) and to please get this baby out of me!! I'm kidding really, I know she will come when she is ready. But I honestly don't see us making it two more weeks. I've said all along I wouldn't mind a Halloween baby, and that has been my birth predictin all along. Tomorrow would be a great day for you to make an entrance baby girl, your Daddy and I are getting very impatient. 

36 Week Update!

36 Weeks!

How far along: 36 weeks! She is about the size of a swiss chard...I have no idea what that is! I asked my doctor yesterday how big she thought she was and she said about five to five and a half pounds. If she were to come soon she'd be a tiny little thing! This also makes me feel a tad better, Dad says I eat too much Zaxby's and she is going to be a 10 pounder..

Sleep: Sleep has definitely gone down hill. I can't get comfortable and I'm getting up to use the bathroom multiple times a night.

Food Cravings: Reese Cups, Mexican (yes still...I really hope she likes Mexican food as much and her daddy and I do.)

Gender: A sweet baby girl.

Name: Tenley Hope Arnett

Movement: She's still pretty busy in there. At one point last week I didn't feel her move much and I panicked a little. I called my doctor and about 5 minutes before she called me back Tenley decided to have a party! She's her daddy's child for sure! Some of her movements hurt, it feels like she kicks off my hip bone and sticks her booty out the other side of my stomach. She's also really low which puts added pressure...well you know.

Symptoms: The heartburn is worse..YES WORSE. I thought once she dropped it would get better...guess not! My feet are swelling but I'm still wearing my wedding rings surprisingly. The atrocious stretch marks made their appearance with a vengeance a couple weeks ago. Still no nesting symptoms:)

Best Pregnancy Moment: We had our birthing class last Saturday. Mark had about 3 hours of sleep but he pulled through like a champ! We learned a lot and at least kind of know what to expect once we get to the hospital. It didn't do us any good with our growing impatience, we are ready to meet our little one!

Progress: The doctor said she has dropped, in fact her exact words were "Oh my, baby's head is so low!!" Ha! You're telling me!! I'm 70% effaced with no dilation. I was just glad to know we've made a little progress.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Having this baby!!! Mark and I are out of our minds ready for her to make her appearance. Everything is ready. Our bags are packed, the car seats in place, all her sweet little clothes are washed and folded. We're ready when you are baby girl! 

30 Weeks!

A 30 Week Update!

How far along: 30 Weeks, she is about the size of a large head of cabbage. Baby girl is getting big and I'm definitely feeling it. I can't believe we are finally to this point, I feel like I have waited forever to see that 30 week mark. Less than 10 weeks until we get to meet our little love bug.

Sleep: Sleep is a toss up. Some nights it is great and others..not so much. I woke up with a horrible cramp in my calf one night last week, poor Mark thought I was dying. Then the night before last I had terrible back and hip pain.  

Food Cravings: I've been on a sushi kick this week. Sumo's has a few cooked rolls that I absolutley LOVE. I've also (surprisingly) been craving fruits and vegtables, so I've been eating more of those too!

Gender: A sweet baby girl.

Name: Tenley Hope Arnett

Movement: Lots of movement still, I don't want it to slow down. I cherish each and every little kick and roll. I know that it will probably be the only thing I miss about being pregnant.

Symptoms: Same as usual, now with the added dsicomforts of the third trimester. The Braxton-Hicks are getting more frequent, to the point that I started timing them the other day. It made me a little nervous, but I know it is just preparing me for the real deal!

Best Pregnancy Moment: We went to the Alabama game with some friends and let me tell you, 30 weeks pregnant in the 100 degree Alabama heat probably wasn't my best idea. But I knew this may be our last chance to get out and do something fun for a while. I took a lot of precautions as far as staying hydrated and keeping cool went. Mark parked us super close (probably lucky we didn't get a ticket!) and that helped a lot. I was really worried about getting over heated and he kept telling me "Babe, don't worry, I promise I'm gonig to keep you and Tenley safe." And he did. He held a motorized fan in front of me pretty much the whole time and force fed me ice water. I think he made 3 trips for ice and never complained once. We did end up leaving at half time, along with half the stadium. It was just too hot. But we did have a fantastic time and I'm thankful we got to spend time with each other and some great friends! 

What I Miss: Walking long(ish) distances without discomfort.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Just spending these next 10 weeks with Mark, knowing its the last time it will be just the two of us, and getting ready for Tenley to make her entrance into the World!

A 31, 32, 33 Week Upate?

Friends! The last couple of weeks have been crazy for Mark, the Nug, and I, so crazy that I have been lax on my blog posts. And by crazy I mean not really that crazy I just need an excuse for not posting. In all honesty life has been pretty mundane. We've just been working, spending time together, and working on Tenley's nursery. Which looks fantastic...except that we have a shower Saturday and her nursery will return to chaos. And by no means am I complaing, she is already so loved by so many. So here is a 31, 32, 33 week update? With no belly picture by the way, there's no way I'm getting dressed up these days if I don't have to!

How far along: I'll be 33 weeks tomorrow. We are just 4 weeks away from a full term baby and 7 from her due date! She is about the size of a pineapple and I can definitely tell. Her movements span my entire stomach and her rolls can be a little painful.

Sleep: Sleep is pretty good, probably much better than some get at this point. I still attribute the good sleep to Sam (the maternity pillow) I'm not sure I'll want to give him up when she gets here.

Food Cravings: I really wanted Chinese this week, we tried the new Panda Express in Alabaster. It was pretty good. I do feel hungry a lot and my cravings for chocolate are out of control.

Gender: A sweet baby girl.

Name: Tenley Hope Arnett

Movement: Still moving around pretty good, our Dr. said she was head down at our last appointment and I'm hoping she stays that way! I've been getting some kicks to the ribs lately that take my breath away. I honestly think the only thing I'll miss about being pregnant is feeling her move.

Symptoms: Heartburn and just the typical discomforts of the third trimester. I have noticed my hands and arms going numb a lot. And I'm so, so tired. Like zero energy. I keep hearing about some "nesting" syndrome...I hope that comes along soon or my house may just be a disaster when she gets here. Can anyone recommend a house cleaner/company???

Best Pregnancy Moment: Our parents bought us a rocking chair. Even before I got pregnant, the thing I was looking forward to the most was a rocking chair, other than the baby of course. It came in this week and the hubs promptly got it assembled. As I was "test driving it" I got Mark to read Tenley a book, like my mom did with me. I picked up "My love will always find you" of course I didn't make it 30 seconds before becoming a blubbering mess. I highly doubt I will ever read her that book and be able to keep my composure.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Her shower this weekend! I can already taste those chicken salad sandwiches:)


What I miss: Ok, I'm just going to say it...I miss being NOT pregnant. I have been very careful not to complain about this pregnancy (to social media/strangers, friends and family have gotten an earful!!!) I KNOW how hard it is to see complaints and think "I'd give anything for morning sickness, stretch marks, weight gain, waddling, and everything else that comes with being pregnant." I've been there too. BUT being pregnant is no walk in the park, not for me at least. I've literally hit every negative point in pregancy and it has been a long 8 months. I'm hurting, I'm uncomfortable, I can't breathe, I can't walk for long, the heartburn is eating me alive, and rolling over in the bed is almost impossible these days. With that being said, I know I would do it 100 times over. I would stay pregnant for 2 years if I had too. The best part of prenancy, the one thing that gets me through everyday? Feeling my daughter move. As ready as we are to meet her, I'm finding myself hoping that time would slow down just a little. I hear my mom saying "Cherish it, she is the safest and most content she'll ever be." So here's to enjoying the last 7 weeks and knowing the end goal will be oh so worth it.