35 weeks!

How far along? 35 weeks.
Baby’s Size: a butternut squash- 17.2-18.7 inches & 4.2-5.8 lbs.
Total Weight Gain: 32 lbs... yikes! I really don't think my face is as fat this time as it was when I was pregnant with Elliot, though. My belly seems much more round and centered. Maybe that's where all the weight is going ;)
Bellybutton: Out out out.
Stretchmarks: a few more have appeared on my belly itself- where I did NOT have any stretchmarks when I was pregnant with Elliot. They are small, and light... and I pray they stay that way and don't get too much worse.
Maternity Clothes: Nope!
Gender: a little brother.
Movement: Not as much movement lately, I think he's running out of room in there. Sitting is SO uncomfortable because he is constantly pressing his butt up under my ribs. It's really painful!
Sleep: Not as great lately, hard to get comfortable and I have to get up to pee 4+ times a night, usually.
Symptoms: braxton hicks, insane pressure down below, ribs feel like they are going to crack, lower back pain, heartburn, swollen feet/ankles/calves/knees, I CAN NOT SIT STILL... you know, all those typical glamourous end-of-pregnancy symptoms :)
Food Aversions: none
Food Cravings: sweets- ice cream, chocolate chip muffins, cookies, etc.
Best Moments this week: Elliot laughs everytime he sees my bare belly (if I'm changing, etc). It's SO stinking cute. We went for a long walk (which we haven't been doing as much lately) to the park Wednesday and I really enjoyed watching him climb all over the jungle gym. He is growing and changing so much, I can't believe I'm about to start fresh with another little one. Time truly flies, I'm going to try to enjoy every single stage of this new little baby's life.
What I miss: when my feet didn't look like I had elephantitus.
What I am Looking forward to: Meeting this baby boy and {dare I say it?} NOT being pregnant anymore. I realized today that I have been pregnant for almost a year and a half of the last three years. Wow!
Milestones: Full term in only TWO weeks (what the what?) and less than 5 weeks until my due date. Guys, I'm having a baby either this month or the beginning of the next- whaaaat?!

33 weeks

How far along? 33 weeks 3 days.
Baby’s Size: a honeydew melon- 17.2-18.7 inches & 4.2-5.8 lbs.
Total Weight Gain: 30 lbs... well on my way to gaining 45 pounds again this pregnancy, like I did with Elliot. That's fine by me, as long as I lose it as easily and quickly this time!
Bellybutton: Out. :) Aaron is always poking it.
Stretchmarks: a couple more small and faint ones around my belly button :( Surprisingly, none on my butt this time around! I guess it did all it's stretching last pregnancy, haha!
Maternity Clothes: I {still} haven't bought any maternity clothes, isn't that nuts?! I'm just wearing my regular shorts, and my longer shirts and dresses.
Gender: all boy, as we all know. :)
Movement: Oh yes- and he's definitely still breech. His head is always under my ribs and it drives me INSANE. It's incredibly uncomfortable, especially when I'm sitting down.
Sleep: I've been falling asleep on the couch every night by 9 before dragging myself up to bed. We've been busy, it's been hot, and I've been exhausted. So I'm sleeping relatively well- other than waking up to pee.
Symptoms: plenty of braxton hicks, lots of pressure, SUPER swollen feet/ankles, lower back pain... I'm just not comfy these days. I love being pregnant but I'm pretty much over it now. Excited for the next few weeks to pass so I can meet my baby boy and NOT be pregnant anymore!
Food Aversions: Are you kidding me? EVERYTHING looks and sounds good these days...
Food Cravings: ice cream, ice cream, ice cream. And chocolate. Even in the morning! Don't worry, I don't eat any that early... but I certainly do think about it!
Best Moments this week: Aaron randomly turned to me a few days ago and said, "I can't wait for Sully to be here." We're generally so busy right now with Elliot and just... life... that we don't just sit and talk about his upcoming arrival the way we did when I was pregnant with Elliot. So it was really cute to hear him randomly say that. :)
What I miss: I'm ready to start running again, to get my body back, and to be able to sit comfortably.
What I am Looking forward to: OB appointment next Monday, and we are also going to finish up shopping for the rest of what we need for Sully. It's so exciting to be buying "little baby" things again!
Milestones: Only four weeks until full term, and seven weeks until my due date!

28 weeks!

How far along? 28 weeks 2 days.
Baby’s Size: a rutabaga :) 13.6"-14.8" & 1.5-2.2 lbs
Total Weight Gain: 20 lbs... oh boy!
Bellybutton: IT HAS OFFICIALLY POPPED! I don't really like how you can see it poking out through my shirts.
Stretchmarks: no new ones, but if you look closely enough you can now see the VERY faint white marks (about 1") that I got around my belly button at the end of my last pregnancy.
Maternity Clothes: still none, wearing all of my regular clothes- I wonder how long I'll be able to go before I have to give in? I only have a few pairs of jeans that still fit {with the belly band}, but it's getting too hot here for jeans, anyways.
Gender: a ROWDY baby boy.
Movement: He's been moving like crazy- and sometimes it hurts.
Sleep: I have officially entered the "I can't sleep because I can't get comfortable, and WHY AM I SO HOT?!" stage of pregnancy. Blah.
Symptoms: huge increase in Braxton Hicks this past week or two, and my belly hurts most of the time. To be expected, in the last trimester.
Food Aversions: red meat- but I don't really eat that anyways.
Food Cravings: candy, which is great since Easter is right around the corner ;)
Best Moments this week: Aaron had a four-day weekend, and we took advantage of it! From swimming/hiking at the river to cooking out with friends, we really enjoyed ourselves and the time we got to spend together. I also had a lot of fun taking St. Patrick's Day pictures of Elliot- and I have a bunch more to post. I'll probably do that tomorrow :)
What I miss: Not feeling like a whale. haha.
What I am Looking forward to: OB appointment in a couple weeks.
Milestones: How do I only have 12 weeks left? Crazy.

26 weeks!

Click HERE to read my 26 week post with Elliot.



How far along? 26 weeks 1 day.
Baby’s Size: the length of an english cucumber- about 14" long and a pound and two-thirds.
Total Weight Gain: Not entirely sure, as I forgot to weigh in, but when I last checked, my weight gain had suddenly skyrocketed!
Bellybutton: it's juuuust about popped out. This is new to me- it never popped my last pregnancy.
Stretchmarks: still nada!
Maternity Clothes: other than a few tank tops and my bella band, I'm STILL wearing all of my regular clothes. I'm pretty proud of that fact!
Gender: another precious baby boy.
Movement: Sully has officially entered the "dance party" phase- where he kicks, punches, flips and turns enough to make my whole belly change shape. This is my favorite stage, when the movement is crazy, right before they start to get too squished in there to really do flip flops and rolls.
Sleep: Pregnancy when you have a 14 month old = the cure to insomnia. Still sleeping GREAT.
Symptoms: not a whole lot. If it weren't for my growing belly, I don't even feel pregnant when little Sullivan is sleeping. I am starting to get headaches again, but it's hard to tell if its from my allergies now that it's getting warmer or from being pregnant.
Food Aversions: none, really.
Food Cravings: ICE CREAM and dark chocolate, can't get enough!
Best Moments this week: date night. This is becoming a regular thing for us, because we have finally found a great babysitter and, well, we have to take advantage of this time while we can before Sully is born and Aaron deploys.
What I miss: Running and working out, lately. I'm so excited to get back into really good shape after this baby is born!
What I am Looking forward to: buying some more things for Sully. He's all set in the onesie and sleeper department, thanks to his big brother's hand-me-downs, but I still want to get him some new stuff anyways.
Milestones: Last week of the second trimester?! Seriously?!!!!

22 weeks!

click HERE to read my 22 week post with Elliot.

How far along? 22 weeks!
Baby’s Size: a papaya- 10.5 to 11.8 inches & 12.7-20.8 oz (he was 16 oz at 20w5d)
Total Weight Gain: 11 lbs, still doing good so far!
Bellybutton: still in! Goes flat when I lay down :)
Stretchmarks: nope!
Maternity Clothes: still none, but wearing my bella band with jeans.
Gender: a little brother. :)
Movement: allll the time. Judging by where I feel the kicks, I think he is breech like Elliot was.
Sleep: No complaints. I'm exhausted when my head hits the pillow and sleep until about 8am, when Elliot wakes up.
Symptoms: nothing to complain about, feeling braxton hicks regularly.
Food Aversions: none, really.
Food Cravings: chocolate and ice cream, yum!
Best Moments this week: getting to see little Sully going wild on the ultrasound, and finally deciding on his name.
What I miss: I miss my flat tummy every once in awhile, when I put one of my favorite shirts on and it just looks... awkward. I love my little belly most of the time, though.
What I am Looking forward to: getting so close to viability!
Milestones: 5 1/2 months pregnant! wooowwww.

20 weeks!?!

How far along? 20 weeks!!
Baby’s Size: a cantaloupe- 6.5" and 10.6 oz.
Total Weight Gain: 9 lbs, which I'm really happy with. I'd already gained 15 when I was 20 weeks with Elliot.
Bellybutton: still an innie, but shallow.
Stretchmarks: no!
Maternity Clothes: still none, just wearing my regular clothes. They are obviously fitting differently, but still comfortable.
Gender: another sweet baby BOY!! :)
Movement: He's a mover, that's for sure!
Sleep: I'm sleeping really well, straight through the night, but when I wake up, I have to pee SO bad.
Symptoms: Nothing much... some braxton hicks here and there, and my ankles get sore by the end of the day, particularly if I do a lot of walking. But I'm still feeling great!
Food Aversions: I don't think I have any.
Food Cravings: bagels with cream cheese, and dark chocolate.
Best Moments this week: We had our elective ultrasound and found out that we're having another little boy!
What I miss: Nothing!
What I am Looking forward to: OB appointment and anatomy scan at perinatology next week! Praying for a healthy, healthy baby.
Milestones: HALFWAY through this pregnancy?! How is that even possible??

Where does time go?!

18 weeks!

Click HERE to read my 18 week survey with Elliot.

Sorry I haven't been blogging, guys. I've been home in Michigan on vacation, and didn't bring my laptop with me, so I haven't uploaded any pictures yet. I've been trying to simply enjoy my time with family- taking a little blogging break has been nice. You can expect LOTS of pictures soon!!

How far along? 18 weeks.
Baby’s Size: a sweet potato :) 5.6" and 6.7 oz.
Total Weight Gain: 7 lbs. I've been eating a lot of junk since going home for the holidays, so I expected more!
Bellybutton: in... but I think it will pop out this pregnancy.
Stretchmarks: not yet!
Maternity Clothes: Still wearing all of my regular clothes. I think I'll be able to go longer without maternity clothes this time around.
Gender: we'll find out in only 5 days!!
Movement: I can feel baby moving all day long now, and I love it! He/she seems to kick a lot when I'm holding Elliot.
Sleep: Elliot's sleep has been fitful since we're away from home, but I'm still sleeping alright.
Symptoms: Nothing to complain about right now. I've been leaking colostrum, though, which never happened during my pregnancy with Elliot. Maybe I'll have a better supply this time?
Food Aversions: Nothing, really.
Food Cravings: I've been craving healthy breakfast foods lately- fruit & yogurt Special K cereal, strawberry yogurt, bagels with cream cheese... yum!
Best Moments this week: Being home with family and seeing Elliot interact with his grandparents. It's also been great to feel the little one moving so much lately.
What I miss: Not a thing!
What I am Looking forward to: My ultrasound on the 11th. I can't wait to get another look at this baby and to find out what we're having! For me, once you find out the sex of the baby, everything seems much more "real." You can name the baby, and even just being able to say "he" or "she" is much better than always saying "the baby" or "he or she".
Milestones: first time flying with a toddler while pregnant.

16 weeks!

HERE is my 16 week update with Elliot.



How far along? 16 weeks 1 day.
Baby’s Size: The size of an avocado, 4.6" and 3.5 oz.
Total Weight Gain: 6 lbs. At this point in my pregnancy with Elliot, I had gained 10 lbs. I'm hoping to gain a little less this time, so being 4 lbs lighter so far makes me happy!
Bellybutton: innie.
Stretchmarks: nope! Just started using belly butter again, too. I don't really have time to put it on as much as I did the last pregnancy, though. Right now I'm doing it at morning and night.
Maternity Clothes: Nope. I still fit into my regular leggings, jeans, and shirts. I've decided to start wearing a Bella Band with a few of my tighter jeans though. I can still button them, but it's uncomfortable.
Gender: I'm really nervous about this! I keep second guessing myself. We find out right after I get home from Michigan. I just hope I won't be too disappointed if it's another boy.
Movement: Still feeling the little one move here and there, particularly when I'm laying down on my back.
Sleep: Elliot is STILL sleeping through the night {can you believe it?!}, and I'm taking full advantage of it. I'm so tired by the time I hit the pillow that I fall asleep unbelievably fast.
Symptoms: Headaches- really bad headaches... usually in the evening. Other than that, still feeling fantastic!
Food Aversions: Nothing really stands out to me right now. I still cannot STAND the smell of our neighbors grilling out, though. It really makes me want to vomit. So weird.
Food Cravings: Anything and everything sweet. My mom has been baking up a storm and I'm SO excited to eat a few of her Christmas cookies (or 10).
Best Moments this week: Having Aaron home and spending lots of time together as a family. It's so nice to have him around to help.
What I miss: Nothing at all!
What I am Looking forward to: Heading home for the holidays on the 26th! I can't wait to see my parents, my little brothers, and my in-laws! And most of all, for them to see Elliot! He was only 6 months old the last time they saw him... and he has changed a TON since then.
Milestones: How am I already starting my fifth month of this pregnancy? It's really flying by, and it's making me a little really sad. I'm trying to live in the moment, but I honestly can't wait to actually look pregnant.

14 weeks!

HERE is my 14 week update with Elliot.

How far along? 14 weeks 3 days... that is going off my old due date. At my ultrasound last week, the baby was measuring over a week ahead, so I could actually be 15 weeks. They aren't officially changing my due date until my next ultrasound, though, so for now I'll stick with the old one.
Baby’s Size: The size of a lemon, 3.4" and 1.5 oz.
Total Weight Gain: 3 pounds.
Bellybutton: innie.
Stretchmarks: no way!
Maternity Clothes: Nope, still wearing all of my regular clothes.
Gender: Although I'm still thinking it's a girl, at my ultrasound the tech very hesitantly guessed boy... but she said it was still too early to tell. So who knows.
Movement: I finally started feeling movement! I usually feel the little one moving while Elliot is getting a bottle (and cuddling my belly) and when I'm laying in bed.
Sleep: Elliot has been sleeping through the night reliably, which means I'm getting a full nights' sleep for the first time in over a year. It feels amazing.
Symptoms: I'm seriously feeling GREAT!
Food Aversions: Meat, mostly, and for some reason I couldn't eat the pudding that I made last night... and I LOVE pudding.
Food Cravings: French fries and dark chocolate!
Best Moments this week: Seeing the baby on the ultrasound, hearing that everything looks normal so far.
What I miss: Not missing a thing!
What I am Looking forward to: Finding out the gender on the 11th!!!!!!
Milestones: Well, Elliot, baby, and I went to our first Tastefully Simple party last night, and we will be hosting one next month.


sorry for the bad quality!

12 weeks!

Okay, I decided to do one of these every two weeks. :)

How far along? 12 weeks 3 days.
Baby’s Size: The size of a plum, 2.1" and .49 oz
Total Weight Gain: 1 1/2 pounds.
Bellybutton: innie.
Stretchmarks: not yet!
Maternity Clothes: If I was wearing maternity clothes already, something would definitely be wrong. lol!
Gender: I still think it's a girl, and pretty much everyone else agrees. Even my OB told me that she "bet it's a sister."
Movement: Still not feeling anything yet. Looking forward to it!
Sleep: I've still been sleeping great, except when I have to get up to pee. Bedtime is my favorite time of day.
Symptoms: I'm feeling MUCH better now! The only thing I can really complain about is that I don't have much of an appetite and nothing really sounds good to me...
Food Aversions: Soup. Yes, I think it's weird, too. And above all else- the smell of charcoal, or ANYTHING cooked on a charcoal grill. Ugh. It makes me want to vomit just thinking about it.
Food Cravings: Mozzarella sticks, pumpkin pie, ice cream.
Best Moments this week: Hearing that nice strong heartbeat at my OB appointment, and cooking (and eating) a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.
What I miss: Right now? Nothing, really. Just loving being pregnant again.
What I am Looking forward to: Getting closer to the second trimester! Can't wait to be out of the first!
Milestones: Second Thanksgiving in a row where I was pregnant.

Pregnancy #2: 10 weeks!

As you probably remember, I did one of these surveys every week when I was pregnant with Elliot. Now that I'm pregnant with baby #2, it's been fun to be able to look back at those. I also enjoyed doing them, so I think I will do them every 5(ish) weeks this time around. :)

How far along? 10 weeks 1 day.
Baby’s Size: The size of a prune, about 1.2" and .14 oz
Total Weight Gain: nothing so far.
Bellybutton: innie.
Stretchmarks: not this early!!
Maternity Clothes: Nope. Still wearing my pre-pregnancy jeans (from before I had Elliot!)
Gender: Although I'm not as confident as I was early on with my first pregnancy, I think I'm guessing a girl this time around. I'm about... 65% sure. :)
Movement: Not yet, can't wait!!
Sleep: Well, other than waking up for Elliot, I've been sleeping great! That's what happens when you're exhausted!
Symptoms: nausea, lower back pain, headaches, fatigue, digestive system is crazy.
Food Aversions: Pickles and red meat. YUCK!
Food Cravings: Anything sweet and dessert like.
Best Moments this week: Celebrating Veteran's Day with good friends at Applebee's :)
What I miss: Being able to go longer than an hour or two without eating, and not feeling like I'm going to vomit.
What I am Looking forward to: EVERYTHING! Can't wait to find out what we're having and decide on a name!! Plus I have an OB appointment next week.
Milestones: Already a quarter of the way through with this pregnancy.


10 weeks 1 day pregnant with baby #2. I feel like I was showing more when I was 10 weeks with Elliot. What's up with that? I thought it was supposed to be the other way around!

36 weeks!

"Your baby is gaining about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy hair that covered her body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Next week, your baby will be considered full-term. Most likely she's in a head-down position, but if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an external cephalic version, where she'll try to turn your baby by manipulating her from the outside of your belly."

How far along? 36 weeks. I can't believe it!
Baby’s Size: Well he's DEFINITELY not six pounds, that's for sure!
Total Weight Gain: 38 lbs. I hope I don't gain much more in my last week of being pregnant. I don't understand where it's all GOING! People are always telling me that it looks like I haven't gained hardly anything this pregnancy... and they don't believe me when I correct them.
Bellybutton: Still adorable. I think I'll cry when it goes back to normal.
Stretchmarks: No new ones.
Maternity Clothes: Of COURSE.
Gender: strong little boy.
Movement: Infrequent, but there. He's been passing his NSTs {and has a strong little heartbeat} so that's all that matters.
Sleep: Not horrible, but not great, either.
Symptoms: The back pain is the WORST. I've gotten so used to all the other symptoms that I hardly notice them anymore.
Food Aversions: Still shying away from meat most of the time.
Food Cravings: Nothing specific: just FOOD, and lots of it.
Best Moments this week: Seeing Elliot on the ultrasound again, hearing his strong little heartbeat at my NST, decorating the Christmas tree at my mom's house.
What I miss: I'm pretty much OVER being pregnant. I want to wear regular clothes again! I've also been missing my husband's amazing back massages lately. Good thing he'll be home soon ;)
What I am Looking forward to: My husband comes home in less than a week!! And not long after that, Elliot will be born. I'll be in a doctors office or the hospital 5 out of the next 10 days... hopefully that'll help to pass the time.
Milestones: One week away from FULL TERM. All I can say is: WOW.

We are {this} close to being in the 30s. Thank you!

35 WEEKS!

"Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete – he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight."

How far along? THIRTY-FIVE WEEKS!? If you would've told me that I'd still be pregnant at this point a couple months ago, I would have laughed in your face. And now... here I am! Wow!
Baby’s Size: He's {supposed} to be over FIVE pounds now... we'll just have to wait and see on Thursday!
Total Weight Gain: 36 lbs.
Bellybutton: I really need to get a picture of it. It's so cute, guys- really. About as far "out" as it'll go, I think.
Stretchmarks: On my butt, of course... but I also spotted what I THINK is a new one coming in on my left side, right about where my waistband is. Oh no! They're spreading! I'm addicted to Palmer's Belly Butter and Mama Bee Balm by Burt's Bees. Just as long as they stay away from my belly, I'll be happy.
Maternity Clothes: I'm getting REALLY frustrated with how shirts fit me these days- even my maternity shirts, the ones that used to be like long tunics, are getting too short to really wear with leggings. Of course, I've been wearing them anyways... forcing people to look at my gigantic preggo butt. I think, depending on what they tell me at my appointment Thursday, that I might HAVE to go out a buy a few more shirts, as much as I don't want to.
Gender: Boy: Elliot Reid
Movement: He likes to freak me out by not moving practically all day and then he gets a little burst of energy at night. He is getting the hiccups about 10x a day now, though... so that's reassuring. I don't like going so long without feeling anything from him. I really think there may be something going on with his bowel that is making him uncomfortable... he hardly kicks anymore. Just moves.
Sleep: I have woken up several nights this week suddenly RAVENOUSLY hungry. So I make a quick snack {usually a peanut butter sandwich}, and then I'm up battling heartburn for awhile before I can fall back asleep.
Symptoms: I've been having a lot of pressure in my crotch and bum- not exactly painful, but the type of pressure that just makes you constantly AWARE of your crotch. Now, let me tell you, it is a straaaange feeling. I've also been battling heartburn and acid reflux, which I really haven't had much of since the first trimester. And the BACK PAIN: don't even get me started on that!
Food Aversions: I really, really could live without meat these days.
Food Cravings: I am just SO hungry 24/7. I literally wake up in the middle of the night and it feels like my stomach is eating itself. My doc said it's because, since I'm nearing the end of this pregnancy, my metabolism is speeding up. Now, to normal people, that would probably be great news: but I already have an outrageously high metabolism as it is. I can't keep up with it!
Best Moments this week: This was a pretty uneventful week for me. I've been packing my hospital bags {I have to pack a lot more than the average person since I'll be down there for so long}.
What I miss: Clothes that FIT ME and look nice. I'm to the point now where even my maternity shirts just look kind of awkward on me.
What I am Looking forward to: we're putting up the CHRISTMAS TREE today and then my LAST big appointment and ultrasound in Grand Rapids is THURSDAY! I'm in the home stretch of this pregnancy now and I can hardly believe it. I feel like just yesterday I was in the first trimester, and still clueless about Elliot's condition. And now here we are! About to HAVE A BABY! I'm excited but I'm also starting to get more nervous as time flies by.
Milestones: Just a tiny bit over a month from my due date. Elliot has a good chance of weighing FIVE POUNDS! I remember when we were hoping to get him up to THREE!

Have a few seconds to vote today? :)

34 weeks!

"Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers – which she'll need to regulate her body temperature once she's born – are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies."
How far along? 34 weeks!
Baby’s Size: Probably weighs as much as a small cantaloupe since every other baby at this stage is the weight of a regular sized one. :)
Total Weight Gain: Not sure... I'll find out tomorrow.
Bellybutton: It's so cute right now. Actually, I think my WHOLE BELLY is adorable at the moment... I always cringe when they show mamas' bellies on A Baby Story because they always seem to be covered in hair or stretchmarks and have a gross bellybutton or super dark line running up the center... and mine is just perfectly round and smooth. I don't even have a linea negra!
Stretchmarks: Still just on my butt.
Maternity Clothes: 100%... and I really really want more, but I'm trying to resist buying any because I'd probably only get to wear them for a couple more weeks.
Gender: Boy, boy, boy.
Movement: He's been a lot less active lately. I think it may be related to the fact that I've been having so many contractions lately. I don't think he likes them because he NEVER moves during them.
Sleep: I fall asleep SO QUICKLY these days... which is wonderful because normally {when I'm not pregnant} it takes me AGES to fall asleep. I've been waking up at least three or four times a night to pee, though.
Symptoms: Nothing new, except that the last couple days my contractions have become painful whereas before they were just uncomfortable. I've been feeling a lot of pressure in my butt lately, too- not in my crotch, where I would have expected it.
Food Aversions: ?
Food Cravings: I have been EXTRA thirsty lately and I seem to always be snacking because my tummy starts growling again only an hour or so after I eat.
Best Moments this week: Getting to spend time with my sister-in-law and the rest of Aaron's family :) We also put together Elliot's crib and walking by it every day makes me SO HAPPY! It looks super cute.
What I miss: Being able to sit comfortably. No matter what I do, the underwire on my bras and the waistline of my maternity pants dig into my belly and it's sooo uncomfortable. I'm actually more comfy standing up, except that it makes my feet swell more and... obviously I can't just stand around all day long.
What I am Looking forward to: I have an OB appointment tomorrow and then my LAST big appointment and ultrasound in Grand Rapids next week!
Milestones: I absolutely cannot believe I'm 34 weeks pregnant. Elliot will be here within the next three weeks most likely- now THAT is crazy. I really don't have much time left of being pregnant!

33 weeks!

"This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood."

How far along? 33 weeks!
Baby’s Size: I have no idea! He's "supposed" to weigh over 4 pounds now (as much as a PINEAPPLE!) ... but I doubt it.
Total Weight Gain: A LOT!!
Bellybutton: Very flat. Not really an innie OR an outie.
Stretchmarks: Still none on my belly *knock on wood*
Maternity Clothes: Yup. And the shirts seem to be getting shorter these days.
Gender: All boy.
Movement: I felt/saw the outline of his little foot the other day! And the funny thing was, I was wondering that same day if that would ever happen to me. Maybe he knew ;)
Sleep: I've been sleeping quite well lately... probably because I'm so tired every night!
Symptoms: The most annoying ones are: back pain, swollen feet and ankles, and GI tract issues. I'll just leave the last one at that. I don't think we need to go into details on that one.
Food Aversions: Nothing, really.
Food Cravings: Food. Any kind of food! I'm hungry 24/7!
Best Moments this week: My baby shower was on Saturday, and it was amazing. I had such a good time, Elliot got so many wonderful gifts, and it was great to see everyone.
What I miss: Not only do I miss having my husband here, I also miss being able to talk to him. We haven't been talking nearly as much as we used to lately, and it makes me sad.
What I am Looking forward to: Putting together Elliot's crib and washing some of his clothes :)
Milestones: Well, here I am, THIRTY-THREE weeks pregnant! Everyday I thank God for letting me remain pregnant for one more day. {I read somewhere that everyday you are pregnant subtracts three days from the average baby's NICU stay}

32 weeks!

"By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb."

How far along? 32 weeks!
Baby’s Size: Well, he weighed 3 lbs 1 oz the other day... hopefully he's gained a couple more ounces since then?
Bellybutton: It's almost flat now... a really shallow innie.
Stretchmarks: An army of stretchies has taken up camp on my butt. They better not try to cross into enemy territory (aka my thighs, hips, or belly) or else it will be WAR!!
Maternity Clothes: Absolutely. Most of my maternity shirts that used to be super long hardly cover my butt now... which annoys me because leggings are sooo much more comfy than jeans... but I don't really like my (bigger) butt being exposed for everyone to see.
Gender: No doubt about it. He wasn't shy at my ultrasound... DEFINITELY a boy.
Movement: He's pretty sleepy all day long, but come bedtime... watch out! He always gets a sudden burst of energy the moment I lay down.
Sleep: Not horrible, but not great, either.
Symptoms: This pregnancy has gave me a new appreciation for those with chronic backpain. I have back problems to begin with, but it NEVER hurt as bad as it does now. Also- my ankles are completely gone. I now have very swollen cankles. And my knees are starting to swell as well. Oh joy.
Food Aversions: Meat and I still aren't getting along.
Food Cravings: Fruit has been my friend lately. And I've been craving orange juice a lot, too.
Best Moments this week: My appointment in Grand Rapids. We FINALLY got a peek at his face on the 3D ultrasound, and to everyone's surprise, he was MUCH bigger than expected. :)
What I miss: My anklebones.
What I am Looking forward to: BABYSHOWER ON SATURDAY!! Also, I finally decided on and ordered a new camera- and it's supposed to come tomorrow. I can't wait to start using it!
Milestones: I made it to 32 weeks. I made it to 32 weeks. I made it to 32 weeks. Can you tell I'm excited? All along, they've told me that if I could make it this far, Elliot would have a very good chance of being able to breathe on his own. But they didn't think I'd make it. And now- here I am :) Now let's see if I can make it to my next goal- Thanksgiving.


Could you do me a favor and vote for me? It only takes a few seconds, and you can vote once a day.
Now that I'm in the homestretch, Elliot could literally be here any day now and once he's born... there's the potential for TONS of people to learn about his condition, gastroschisis.

31 weeks!

"This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy."
How far along? 31 weeks!
Baby’s Size: The average baby would weigh over three pounds now- so I'm not sure what that means for my smaller-than-average little man? We'll find out on Thursday.
Bellybutton: In.
Stretchmarks: The ones on my butt are multiplying. None elsewhere, though!
Maternity Clothes: Couldn't live without them!
Gender: Boy!
Movement: This kid has been ACTIVE lately. And for some reason he insists on always having his butt sticking out of my side... and it hurts. It REALLY hurts.
Sleep: Could be better.
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, back pain, swollen ankles and fingers, frequent trips to the bathroom, occasional heartburn, fatigue, headaches, ligament pain.
Food Aversions: I'm not feeling meat lately.
Food Cravings: Fruit and candy.
Best Moments this week: Family visiting us. I probably won't be seeing them again for awhile as they're moving to Romania.
What I miss: Sleeping on my back!!
What I am Looking forward to: Big growth scan ultrasound in GR this week on Thursday. It'll be interesting to see how things are going in there, how much Elliot weighs, how far behind he is in his measurements, and how soon I'll be having him.
Milestones: Only NINE weeks left. Single digits now. Wow!

THIRTY weeks! :)

"Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision – which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)"
How far along? 30 weeks!
Baby’s Size: Any other baby would weigh 3 pounds this week. I have no idea what Elliot weighs these days- but I'm sure it's less than that.
Total Weight Gain: 25 pounds?! yikes!
Bellybutton: Still an innie. I really don't think it's going to pop out this pregnancy.
Stretchmarks: Just on my butt. As long as they stay away from my belly, I'll be happy!
Maternity Clothes: All the time.
Gender: Boy, boy, boy!
Movement: He's either sound asleep or WIDE awake... there is no in between with this kid. And he gets the hiccups a lot these days- I think it's adorable.
Sleep: I'm waking up about two times a night to pee now, and I fear it will only get worse from here on out...
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, back pain, swollen ankles and fingers, frequent trips to the bathroom, occasional heartburn, fatigue {this one's new this week- another 1st trimester symptom coming back to haunt me}, and it seems like I'm getting a lot of headaches lately.
Food Aversions: ?
Food Cravings: This week, I've been craving macaroni and cheese, fruit, and chocolate.
Best Moments this week: Elliot passing his NST, and my husband has been in an unusually good mood lately. :)
What I miss: Really, REALLY missing my husband lately. He has seriously been being SO sweet, guys. I can't WAIT to have him home again!
What I am Looking forward to: My Uncle Liam, Aunt Meghan, and their 10 month old daughter Harper are visiting this week. Liam, who is a diplomat, was stationed in Mexico for the last two years. Now they're moving to Romania- and they have some time off in the states in between. I can't wait to see them!
Milestones: THIRTY WEEKS! Yay! There were so many times when my doctors doubted that I'd even make it this far, and now... here I am :)

I can't believe how many comments we've been getting lately. To have so many people hoping and praying for Elliot is wonderful. You ladies are amazing. Keep the prayers {and VOTES!} coming! :)

29 weeks

"Your baby is growing rapidly now. This week he weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is getting bigger to accommodate his growing brain – which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester."
How far along? 29 weeks
Baby’s Size: He should weigh about 2 1/2 pounds now (as much as a butternut squash). But I'll be happy to hear if he's at least made it to 2 at my ultrasound this week.
Total Weight Gain: I'll know on Monday, after my next OB appointment. My scale at home always says a significantly lower number than the one at the doctors'... but since I've been going off their scale so far, I'll just continue to do so.
Bellybutton: It's stretched out to the max, but still an innie. I'm starting to wonder if it'll ever really pop out, or if it'll be this strange GIANT shallow innie forever?
Stretchmarks: I found a few very light pink stretchmarks on my butt the other day :( But hey, as long as they stay away from my belly, I'll be happy. Nobody sees my butt anyway, except my husband. And he's thrilled to hear that I might actually HAVE a butt the next time I see him. haha.
Maternity Clothes: Can't live without them.
Gender: A stubborn baby boy.
Movement: Not as much lately. This kid confuses me. Last week, he was having all-day dance parties. And now? His movements are much more subdued and less frequent. I'm glad I'm having another ultrasound on Thursday, so I can make sure he's okay.
Sleep: Still sleeping pretty well- we've started using our wood stove at my dad's, and the delicious campfire-y smell and my warm toasty bed are a perfect recipe for sleep.
Symptoms: Back pain, swollen ankles and fingers (I'm wondering how much longer I'll be able to wear my wedding ring!), frequent trips to the bathroom (it's like the first trimester all over again), and occasional heartburn. Oh, and a ravenous appetite.
Food Aversions: ?
Food Cravings: Nothing TOO crazy. Sweet foods, perhaps. Let me clarify: when I say sweet foods, I mean desserts. My stepmother is fond of adding brown sugar to carrots and squash and other vegetables. YUCK!
Best Moments this week: Watching things disappear off my registry. I have such generous family and friends!
What I miss: Bedrest is really starting to get to me. I miss my daily runs. Running in this crisp fall weather is my favorite.
What I am Looking forward to: My ultrasound the day after tomorrow. I just REALLY hope that my fluid levels are better this time.
Milestones: So so close to 30 weeks. For some reason, having Elliot at 30 or 31 or 32 weeks (or later!) sounds so much better than in the 20's. I'm really hoping my fluid levels are back to normal and he can keep cooking for awhile longer.

As always, I love votes! With the recent reset, I really think more people will have the opportunity to find my blog and learn about gastroschisis.

28 weeks! Hello, third trimester!

"By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can open and close his eyes, which now sport lashes. This movement is more of a reflexive blink than a deliberate opening and closing, but it won't be long before he's batting those beauties at you."
How far along? 28 weeks
Baby’s Size: Well, MOST babies at this point weigh at least 2 1/4 pounds, or as much as a chinese cabbage. But since Elliot only weighed 1 lb 10 oz on Thursday, I seriously doubt that he's even 2 lbs yet.
Total Weight Gain: 20 lbs. Now, if only some of those pounds would go to ELLIOT instead of my BUTT...
Bellybutton: It's still an innie... but a strange one.
Maternity Clothes: Yup!
Gender: All boy.
Movement: I don't know if he was just lazy last week or what... but he has been going CRAZY in there the last couple days. I spend a lot of time just staring at my belly now and watching it move... it's fascinating! Hopefully all this movement means that means my fluid levels are a little better?
Sleep: I've been sleeping like a baby lately. Seriously. Even better than when I'm not pregnant! :)
Symptoms: TERRIBLE back pain. But now that I'm on modified bedrest, it seems like my ankles are a little less swollen. I think keeping my legs elevated really helps.
Best Moments this week: Well, two things: 1: I got my haircut, and I'm really loving it. 2: I have an eye appointment tomorrow, and call me a dork, but I looove getting a fresh box of contacts.
Food Aversions: Meat.
Food Cravings: These cravings are starting to get a little weird. And unhealthy. I was craving Cheetos so badly that I actually went out and bought a bag. Of CHEETOS? Seriously?! I can't even remember the last time I bought a bag of cheetos. But I was craving them like crazy.
What I miss: The weather has been lovely lately and I would have LOVED to be able to go out and take a walk.
What I am Looking forward to: All of this sitting around and waiting/wondering how my little man is doing in there is driving me insane. So I'm very much looking forward to having another ultrasound next week and seeing how my amniotic fluid levels are. If they are low- I'd rather be in the hospital, where Elliot can be closely monitored and taken care of, than just sitting around at home. I feel like a lot can happen in two weeks. For the better or for the worse. (But hopefully for the better!)
Milestones: Definitely in the THIRD TRIMESTER now! Holy moly! Time is really flying by. I mean, seriously. The thought that I could be having this little man within the next MONTH blows my mind.