{three months}

HOLY MOLY!!

 P-man is G.R.O.W.I.N.G.!!!!!

(month 1)

(month 2)

He is now 24.25 inches tall and 13lbs 8oz (as of the beginning of January)!

 

HE:

 had his first antibiotic this month......

Cherry flavor....not so bad!

is a mildly fussy baby.....
unless he REALLY wants something and wants it NOW!

 has slowed his eating habits (thank goodness)....

still snores (I swear the two boys in the house are trying to out do each other).....

is starting to grab at his toys....

the octopus gets beat up every day on his play mat

laughs and smiles a lot.....

found his thumbs!...

has started pulling his knees up under him during tummy time......

rolls front to back.....

has started to roll from side to side and spin himself when on his back.....

doesn't spit up nearly as much....

naps well in his swing.....

started daycare this month.....

and last but not least!

his newest accomplishment!

He mimics us when we vibrate our lips at him!  

It is TOO cute! He laughs after he does it and spits EVERYWHERE! 

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Some things that we I couldn't have lived without his third month:

Baby Einsteins Neptune Ocean gym--he seriously loves this thing. He will bat and pull the toys for a good 45 minutes before getting fussy.

 Bibs--we have a serious drooler on our hands currently.

Boppy--he loves to sit propped on the couch with this and "play" with the toys that I put on it for him.

Oxi Clean spray--has taken the spit up stains out of ALMOST all of OUR clothes!

Baby Brush--this has helped clear up his mild-moderate cases of cradle cap...that and baby oil

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Our little dude is getting quite the personality!  He talks our ears off somedays!

He is becoming more interactive and more content playing by himself.  

He falls asleep on his own a few times a week without the aide of us, the swing, or bouncer chair! 

I'm back at work now so he goes to daycare.  He seems to do great and is sometimes smiley when he first sees me at pick up time.  

Is it sad that I'm already looking forward to our three day weekend in February? and our 5 day Easter break? oh, and SUMMER?!

"What are those things down there?"

Poor Jeffrey didn't even see it coming.

Loving some Bumbo time.

Postpartum Month 2

Just pictures for you =)

Taken on December 20 (two days after exactly 2 months)

See Month 1 here

{two months}

Parker-man is 2 months old today!

He was excited!

 {see comparison pic here}

He's growing like a weed!!!
On Friday (12-14-12) we had to take him into the doctor because he had the stomach flu and the Friday before (12-7-12) he had shots (eeek!)!
He is now 12lbs 4oz and 23 inches long!

He is still taking Zantac twice a day and on Nutramigen formula.  

HE:

 enjoys grape pedialyte.....

doesn't scream for hours upon hours anymore! .....

 eats A LOT........

still snores.....

likes the outside Christmas lights but could care less
about the lights on the tree.....

has enjoyed listening to Christmas music--
and if you don't look at him and sing it's just not the same!.....

has found his hands......

has started to smile and giggle a little bit more......

now enjoys taking a bath (we took the infant sling out and voila! He kicks his legs and smiles and splashes with his hands...it's pretty funny).....

is starting to like tummy time....he is lasting a few more minutes each time!

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Some things that we I couldn't have lived without his second month:

sleep sheep on the go--nice for when you're on the move and need some white noise to keep him sleeping...plus he likes looking at it and grabbing at it!

Johnson bedtime lotion--something about it helps him sleep longer..forget to use it and hello 2 a.m.!

Pandora radio --because where else can you listen to non-stop Christmas music?

Fisher-Price Rainforest Bouncer--absolutely loves this! Hates the other ones we have but this one is a huge winner! maybe it's the vibration or the lights and sounds...either way it has been a life saver!

Bison Booties--these bad boys are amazing!  They don't squish his feet and legs like socks have been AND when you pull off his pants to change his diaper--these bad boys STAY ON! unlike socks that pull right off with the pants!

Gerber Pre-fold diapers--best.burpcloths.EVER when you have a kid that spits up the amount that ours does!

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This little peanut of ours is GROWING fast!  He is gaining weight like a champ and growing tall!  He continues to amuse and surprise us daily. On Saturday Chad was finally able to hear REAL giggles from Parker....cutest.thing.ever!
He smiles when he wants and sometimes it's hard to get one but he won't let you down (as long as you aren't trying to get one while he's screaming his head off).  He's been napping in his crib for at least one of his daily naps--it's only for 30 minutes if I'm lucky, but it's a start to try and get him transitioned out of our room (who knows when that'll happen).

He has also started to notice Sadie more.  He smiles and coos at her or looks at her and grunts.  She checks on him while he's screaming.

 "Hey dude, don't touch me!"

Postpartum: Month 1

I'm a few days past one month postpartum...

....down 22 lbs (gained 38 total)

....scar looks good (still a little glue on there!)

....my pants still don't fit (some pants from a friend fit--but I can't zip or button them....so I had to buy a new pair so that I could at LEAST zip them)

.....quite a few of my shirts don't fit

.....I'm still sore

.....still getting crazy pains in random spots (Chad calls them phantom pains)

.....getting more sleep MOST nights

.....I'm not crying as much!

....my anxiety has peaked and is slowly going back down (most days)

.....my contacts are still bothering me

.....ready to be leave the house! (Today was SO nice outside! Almost 50 out! I would have LOVED to take P for a walk around the neighborhood but I'm not cleared to lift his seat yet...and the stroller is in the back of the car--and is heavier than the seat...and I probably wouldn't have made it all the way around the small island lol)

 February:1 month along!.....October 14:due date!.....November: 1 month after!

I'm still not down to my pre pregnancy weight, which is fine.....

I'm still not back to my pre pregnancy shape, which is sorta okay......

Soon enough I'll be at a weight and shape that I'm happiest with (which isn't anything that I started with.....if you're wondering!).

{one month}

Happy one month birthday to Parker-man!

He turned one month old today! 

This first month has been quite the ride. 

He has changed SO much in the last month it has been crazy!  

His reflux is horrible but is getting better now that he has a higher dose of Zantac and different pocket book breaking formula. 

HE:

 grew out of newborn clothes (mainly his feet are just too big!) quickly....

has been sleeping good at night.....

 still screams for a good portion of the day...but it's getting better.....

 eats A LOT........

LOVES to listen to Chad's nebulizer (a quick calm down method we've been taking advantage of)....

enjoys listening to Maroon 5 and Michael Buble 

(another quick calm down method...trust me country was not a good choice and he really didn't care for Adelle either!!!!)

enjoys staring at the blob on the ceiling (the ceiling fan).......

loves to bounce and sway (another calm down).......

has started to track objects with his eyes......

is good at multitasking (who knew pooping and eating would go so well together)....

is a terribly sweaty baby!  

..............................................................................

Now, there are some things that we were never told.....like:

some babies molt (dry, cracking skin for a few weeks after birth)...... 

finding the right formula is tough!

babies don't always eat, sleep, and poop 

(some scream their heads off all day long AND eat, poop and sleep if you're lucky)

(((it's getting better I swear....people think we lie about his fussiness because he's an angel when they visit....HA! As soon as they leave he's fuss pants again)))

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Some things that we I couldn't have lived without his first month:

aden + anais swaddle blankets (they are so light and HUGE).......

SnugaBunny rock-n-play (awesome for our reflux man)........

White noise machine......

Tommee Tippee sensitive tummy bottles (seriously reduced the amount of spit up and gas issues he was having)......

Boon Grass Lawn drying rack (the bottles have SO many parts--the lawn is perfect place to dry them so they don't get lost)

Desitin (clears his diaper butt quickly) and Vaseline.......

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We've been working through it all, learning as we go.  The advice given to us works for some and not others.  It's all trial and error and we are slowly figuring some things out that work for now.  

We love the little peanut even though we can't figure him out sometimes most of the time.

Breastfeeding

I've been blogging about my pregnancy from start to finish...so why not continue into parenthood?  My experiences could hit home with someone, you never know....and I like jotting the memories down for myself.

         I made the decision (which Chad supported) to try and breastfeed after May.  I watched the amazing miracles that it worked on our niece, Lizzie, and knew it was what I wanted for this little guy. 

        I was given the heads up that it was going to be challenging, draining, etc.  I went in with the mentality that I was going to do everything I could to make it work, and if it didn't work out, no big deal we will just feed him formula. 

       Maybe it was because of the traumatic entrance Parker made or being away from him for a few hours after birth or maybe it just wasn't meant to be, but I gave it one heck of an attempt and I know that I didn't fail at it....but it sure feels like it.

      I had a couple of lactation consultants helping me along with the nursery nurses each day that we were in the hospital.  Parker just did not want to latch (he had a great opening, etc...just wouldn't do it).  He would arch his back and push away and SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM!!!  I was patient.  I was determined. I wanted this to work!

       He finally latched for a few minutes at a time but would pull off right away.  The first time he latched it was an amazing, empowering, bonding feeling even if it was only for one minute.  To look down and see this little guys face and know that I was giving him the nutrients he needed was just amazing.  There are no words to describe the bond that we were creating....it's a bond that I have learned you will never understand unless you are able to experience it first hand. 

       I think it was Saturday night, but we had a new lactation consultant come in and work with us.  She (and the nursery nurse and myself...yep  it took 3 people) was able to help me get Parker to latch for 45 minutes!  Success! I will NEVER forget the experience.  The picture of his face when he was fully satisfied and full, he unlatched and looked so peaceful and content....that will forever be engrained in my brain. 

       After trying a shield, different positions, supplementing formula with a dropper, etc Parker still was not latching for more than a few minutes at a time.  To get to those few minutes we went through MANY minutes (usually 20+ each time) of screaming, pushing, and back arching.  He is a strong little guy!!  It broke my heart to see him fight like that.  The last latch we ever got was Sunday night when we came home from the hospital...and it was for about 6 minutes.  Yes, I do remember the times and lengths because it was such an amazing experience when he did latch.  I continued to try to get him to latch and he just wouldn't do it.  I emotionally could not handle it anymore.  Did I "give up" early on trying to get him to latch...probably.  But I was mentally unable to handle fighting him every feeding.  If I was mentally struggling, he was feeling that too, and then neither of us were going to be okay.

       Now, at the beginning I went in with the mentality that if it works it works, if not we'll just formula feed, no big deal.  HA! Let me tell you!  That first latch changed my WHOLE mentality.  I was heartbroken, mad at myself, disappointed, frustrated, depressed, you name it.  I did not think that it would be that hard to stop...honestly.

      So, the decision to exclusively pump was made.  If he won't latch then I'll get him what he needs through pumping.  Now, I was warned that this would be tough also.  I should have known.  Getting up every few hours and locking myself away from the world to pump...even when Parker was sleeping...was tough.  It was mentally/emotionally exhausting.  I would get anxious if I knew he would be waking up soon to eat and I still hadn't pumped enough for one bottle...okay fine, we'll just supplement with some formula until I can get my supply to be bigger.  He started wanting more and more frequently.  I couldn't keep up and my anxiety/depression about not being able to breastfeed him or pump enough for a feeding was affecting my supply and I was breaking down.  I called and spoke with a LC a few times the first couple weeks at home and they offered me great advice and were so supportive. 

       After a clogged duct and a bout of mastitis (or what we thought was mastitis) and allergic reaction to the medicine for that, I had to make the hard decision to keep me (mentally) healthy and able to take care of Parker I had to quit pumping.  I wasn't producing enough for even half a bottle from a double pump session and he was almost exclusively on formula by now. 

       You may be thinking "Really? He is less than a month old. You gave up too soon."  Trust me, I feel like this every day.  My sister-in-law told me I would have the "what if I would have kept going" feeling and I do.  Would be be latching better by now?  Would I still be mentally exhausted and having to fight with him at each feeding?  Would I be happy? Would he be getting enough to eat?  

       I spoke with one of the LC at the hospital one last time to ask how to wean myself off of pumping in hopes to avoid mastitis (HA!) and she did question why I was quitting so early on.  After bawling to her on the phone and explaining what was going on she did agree with me that it was best.  She talked me through how to wean and offered some amazing words of encouragement to me.

      This is a hard thing for me to admit and I wasn't able to talk about it without crying hysterically for quite awhile.  Today I can talk about it and only a few tears roll down my cheeks.  I'm still upset about it not working out and my decision to quit but I have to remind myself daily that it was what was best for Parker AND for myself.  

      Chad has been supportive of all of the decisions that were made regarding this.  He has been a great help and lets me cry on his shoulder when I need to.  I still have moments that I break down about it, but each day is getting a little better.

      There is nothing wrong with formula feeding and it lets Chad help out (even if he isn't comfortable feeding Parker just yet...but those of you who really know Chad know that he doesn't like it when ANY kiddo eats).  I'm still bonding with Parker when I feed him with a bottle and my favorite thing now is when he holds onto my fingers while he is eating.  He will grab on and look me in the eyes and it just melts my heart.  

At the end of the day, I know I made the right choice for Parker and I.  

Start to Finish

The whole shebang!

Start to finish... 

February to October.....

The next chapter has begun!

Welcome Parker: Birth Story

Throughout my whole pregnancy I'm pretty sure I experienced a good portion of symptoms and experiences....  

Morning sickness FOREVER....

joint pain...

heartburn....

Pre-term labor TWICE......

many trips to Labor and Delivery....

contractions for weeks.....

You name it I probably experienced it.

Was it worth the 40.4 weeks? 

Yep.

         Mister Parker was quite the active little guy in my stomach.  Being as small as I was to begin with, my stomach was stretched to the max allowing us to watch him move and groove for weeks!  Some are only able to feel these movements and we were lucky enough to be able to watch them day in and day out (even though they were pretty painful at times).  

         He was head down for weeks and I was stuck dilated to a 1 for weeks.  His favorite thing the last few weeks was to headbutt me...because of this he had quite the big bruise on his forehead...poor guy.  Those headbutts were probably the most painful thing I experienced my whole pregnancy.  I had been having contractions (some braxton hicks, some real deal) for weeks and wasn't progressing.  The headbutts hurt worse than the contractions though.

         At my 39 week appointment I was so uncomfortable we decided to schedule an induction for the following week if he hadn't arrived yet.  So the date was set for October 18, 2012.  We had to be there by 8 a.m. and were told to prepare for a LONG day.  He had been served his eviction notice!  My doctor talked with us about what to expect upon arrival and gave us a an idea about how our day would go.

         The night before Camille and I were talking and the idea of a birth photographer was brought up.  Sure, why not?!  So, Camille made the trek up here, leaving home around 4 a.m. to make it on time!  Chad's mom rode the bus up on Wednesday as well so she could be in town too.

         The morning of we woke up and got ready to start the new chapter in our lives.  My bags had been packed for weeks (thanks to pre-term labor twice) so we just had to eat and get ready for our day.  We arrived at the hospital a little before 8 (so we could get a parking spot and not be in the 2 hour parking) and headed up to Labor and Delivery.  Chad got me settled into our room (room 5--we hadn't been in this one yet) and headed down to move the car to a non-ER parking spot.  We had a few different nurses as schedules were getting switched around so we could have someone we really wanted to be a part of our day.  

         By now it's well after 8.  We got paperwork started and my doctor came in and checked me and low and behold I finally hit 2 centimeters!  Great! This meant she would be breaking my water before starting the pitocin.  Was I ready for this?? NOPE!  I came in fully expecting to be at a 1 still and having to labor on the pitocin for a few hours before this. Cue anxiety attack!   She broke my water and got as much out as possible...all while I'm still working on paperwork with the nurse.  Camille was on her way in hopes to capture our day!

         This is where the day got a little hairy.  I jumped from 2 centimeters to 5 centimeters to 7 centimeters within minutes.  Parkers heart rate dropped off the monitor so three different internal monitors were attempted with no success.  I was told to change positions and get on all fours....still nothing.  Nurses rushed in and cords got pulled and thrown on the bed and a blanket got thrown on me and I was quickly getting wheeled down to the emergency C-section room on the Labor floor.  My doctor was explaining quickly to me what was going to happen.  I didn't even get to see Chad one last time.  I remember looking back over my shoulder (because I'm on all fours on the bed) and seeing Chad as the doors closed behind us.  

           In the emergency OR room I moved to the OR bed and was told to take a shot of some sour grape stuff that would help with the acid in my stomach because I was probably going to be put under.  After the shot though Parker's heart rate came back up to 120 for a little bit allowing me to get a quick shot in the back so that I could be awake.  There were tons of nurses in the room and I'm forever thankful for one named Brad.  He sat with me on the edge of the bed one arm wrapped tightly around me and the other holding my hands.  He explained everything to me before it was going to happen and helped me to stay calm.   The nurses helped me lay down on the table and within a few minutes the surgery started.  

          The nurse that was at my head the whole time asked me if the gentleman in the gray shirt at the window was my husband and I said "probably" because my glasses were taken from me at some point so I was unable to see clearly.  See, the emergency OR is small...with all the nurses and equipment there isn't much room.  Chad had to stand in an adjoining room and watch the whole thing from a little window.  I waved at him when they said he was at the window and saw his blurry hand wave back.  

          Parker was out within 2 minutes and a team of nurses took him to where Chad was.  When the doctor cut into me he got a nice little cut on his nose because he was face up!  as soon as she  got to him one of his hands stuck straight up!  The doctor said "Holy cow! It's a boy and he's a big guy!"  We figured he would be between 6-7 pounds...not almost 8!  While I was getting sewn up they brought him in for me to see briefly then took him back to Chad and they all headed to the nursery to finish cleaning him up and checking him out.  He scored great on his apgar and seemed pretty healthy.

           The doctor finished up with me and I got shifted over to a hospital bed.  The weirdest thing ever is to not be able to feel anything below your breasts....serious.  On the way to recovery (which was downstairs next to the normal OR) they stopped me at the nursery where I FINALLY got to see Chad and they brought Parker out for me to hold quickly (which I was super excited about).  The first thing I noticed were his fingernails...they were so long!  I was able to hold him and cuddle him for about 2 minutes and then had to give him back so that I could get down to recovery.  

          I spent almost 3 hours in recovery.  I had the shakes terrible.  They would push on my stomach to get my uterus to start contracting down, then poke my side to see if the shot was wearing off yet, and then ask me to wiggle my legs or feet (which I thought was hilarious! I would attempt and then say "Did they move? Because I can't feel it.").  Finally once I could feel my recovery nurse poking near my hip I was able to go upstairs.  

          They got me into my post-partum room and transfered to a new bed and then Chad, Parker, Chad's mom, and Camille (our birth photographer) were able to come in.  I was finally able to hold Parker sitting up!  He didn't have a name yet though....because we came to the hospital with a short list....and since I hadn't seen Chad for more than 2 minutes since Parker was born we weren't able to name him!  So, after a few pictures and visiting with them, Chad's mom and Camille left for lunch so we could get this little guy his name!! 

Parker James entered the world on October 18, 2012 at 9:10 a.m. weighing 

7 lbs 14 oz,  and was 20 inches long.

           We are so thankful that things turned out great in the end.  Chad had called my Dad and his mom to let them know that Parker was here after I went down to recovery and he had some time with Parker.  Apparently they didn't believe him...because we hadn't even been at the hospital for a full hour!! 

           I spent until Sunday in the hospital trying to get my pain levels somewhat under control.  Chad and I had talked prior and decided that he would go home to sleep at night if I felt okay (thinking I would be having a vaginal delivery) but he ended up staying every night with me because I needed so much help and HATED asking the nurses for it.  

          We had some great nurses and Parker had some awesome nurses too.  The lactation consultants were SO helpful and encouraging with every question I had and helping to get Parker to latch (even though we aren't able to continue breastfeeding and have switched to formula).  

          Overall pregnancy didn't agree with my body, but we sure got a handsome little guy out of the deal.  Will we be doing it again?  As of right now, maybe not.  It really was a rough 9-10 months and the delivery was quite the traumatic experience.  If in a few years we decide to expand again, we will be planning a C-section to avoid the excitement...and ease my mind. 

{40 weeks} Jack fruit...

See, Baby Hoff is as big as a Jack fruit...

Jack would have been a very fitting name......

According to The Bump, baby Hoff is about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds and measures about 18.9 to 20.19 inches.  

 

How far along? 40w0d 

Total weight gain: 36lbs 

Maternity clothes? mixture of both but mainly maternity.

Stretch marks? some...nowhere new yet

Sleep: averaging about 3-5 a night (if knocked out with medication)
Best moment this week:nothing really....

Miss Anything? not feeling pain on a daily basis....
Movement: yep, he's still in there....
Food cravings: baked goods...made him a birthday cake today to try and convince him it was time to come out....he didn't listen.
Anything making you queasy or sick: chicken.
Gender: We know the gender........
Labor Signs: lots of contractions that are getting me NOWHERE
Symptoms:pain, contractions, rolly polly....
Belly Button in or out?  pretty flat
Wedding rings on or off? I try to keep it on, if anything it fits on my pinky!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy--and a little moody because of the pain I'm in. 
Looking forward to: meeting Mister

How are you feeling? Did I think I would make it this long? No.  I'm very happy to have a full term Mister, but ready to get him out so I can heal up.  I don't enjoy taking so much medicine with him in me but it's the only way I can make it through the day.  The dr tells me it's perfectly fine to be taking it all, but I don't like it.  

Next Appointment: October 16--I'm hoping to not make it there...but I'm sure we will....

Chad's amusement of this week: I think he's ready for Mister to be here so he doesn't have to worry about ME so much...  He really didn't say much this week that amused him....

Here's the weekly picture

This is my last pregnancy update before Mister arrives.  We are set to be induced on Thursday if Mister hasn't shown up on his own before then.  Am I nervous for this...yes.  Can I handle it? yes.  We are definitely hoping he comes on his own, it would be much easier and more fun for him to pick his birthday and not have one set for him.

{39 weeks} Watermelon!

 According to The Bump, Baby Hoff is growing, despite being so crowded in there. He probably weighs around 6.2 to 9.2 pounds and measures about 18.9 to 20.9 inches. 

How far along? 39w0d 

Total weight gain: 35lbs 

Maternity clothes? mixture of both but mainly maternity.

Stretch marks? FOUND SOME!  They aren't on my belly though...and only on the left...How weird is that?! (I know, you're thinking "Really?? Is she excited about stretch marks?" and no, I'm not, I've just been waiting for them to show up and I've been working hard to earn those stripes...even if they are on my butt/hip----and I'm sure there will be more to come and probably on my stomach). 

Sleep: averaging about 4 a night
Best moment this week: getting the crowbar feeling =) hurts like heck but if that's what it takes to not be induced, SIGN ME UP!

Miss Anything? not feeling pain on a daily basis....
Movement: Kicks, hiccups, rolls, jabs, punches, you name it Baby Hoff is probably doing it!
Food cravings: baked goods
Anything making you queasy or sick: chicken.
Gender: We know the gender........
Labor Signs: too many. 
Symptoms:MAJOR heartburn, sore legs/knees/feet/ankles, sleepy, pressure, and CONTRACTIONS... MAJOR LIGHTNING CROTCH (gotta love that)
Belly Button in or out?   the top is starting to stick out! Almost done!
Wedding rings on or off? I try to keep it on, if anything it fits on my pinky!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy 
Looking forward to: getting rid of this cold

How are you feeling? I am on leave officially this week.  Between the contractions, complete uncomfortableness, head/chest cold, and anxiety attacks I am just not able to focus enough to give those little kinders the attention they need.  I feel like poo from my head/chest cold and I'm hoping it goes away SOON! It's been 8 days now and I want it gone before mister decides to come.  I've been downing orange juice, sleeping as much as I can, and drinking as much liquid as I can stomach to try and get rid of this thing.  Today I switched over from Tylenol cold to Robitussin cold or something.  It has a funky taste...it's not cherry or grape...more tropical...it's weird. Seems to be helping my cough out a little bit more, so that's nice.

Next Appointment: OCTOBER 10--last appt before due date.

Chad's amusement of this week: It's been pretty low key around here this week with me being sick.  He did get to spend some time with his brother on Monday night so that was a nice change of pace for him =)

Here's the weekly pictures

{38 weeks} PUMPKIN!

SERIOUSLY!  Mister is now the size of a pumpkin!! How fun is that?!  

 Our little pumpkin =) 

According to The Bump, Baby Hoff is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds.

How far along? 38w0d 

Total weight gain: 35lbs 

Maternity clothes? mixture of both but mainly maternity.

Stretch marks? FOUND SOME!  They aren't on my belly though...and only on the left...How weird is that?! (I know, you're thinking "Really?? Is she excited about stretch marks?" and no, I'm not, I've just been waiting for them to show up and I've been working hard to earn those stripes...even if they are on my butt/hip----and I'm sure there will be more to come and probably on my stomach). 

Sleep: averaging about 4 a night
Best moment this week:Getting a package addressed to "Carlos Hoff"  Seriously made my week.

Miss Anything? not feeling pain on a daily basis....
Movement: Kicks, hiccups, rolls, jabs, punches, you name it Baby Hoff is probably doing it!
Food cravings: baked goods
Anything making you queasy or sick: chicken.
Gender: We know the gender........
Labor Signs: too many. 
Symptoms:MAJOR heartburn, sore legs/knees/feet/ankles, sleepy, pressure, and CONTRACTIONS... MAJOR LIGHTNING CROTCH (gotta love that)
Belly Button in or out?   the top is starting to stick out! Almost done!
Wedding rings on or off? I try to keep it on, if anything it fits on my pinky!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy 
Looking forward to: getting snuggle time with this little bundle!  I'm ready for him to be here but I know he needs to keep cookin a little bit longer! I am just not loving the uncertainty of these last few weeks.

How are you feeling? I'm feeling =)  Mister has seriously been enjoying head butting my cervix this last week and that FREAKING HURTS.  Do you know how hard it is to not grimace or make a "HOLY $&%* THAT HURT" face when something genuinely hurts enough to take your breath away and drop you to your knees???  I'm afraid if I make those faces my poor kinder kids will be traumatized!  So, it's been a rough week.  I'm getting impatient waiting for him, and according to my Dr. She thinks we will make it until the 14th--but she's out of town.  He's not engaged yet, so hopefully this week we will have more progress towards that light at the end of the tunnel.  I know I'm ready for the next adventure....Chad I think is too--but we are both pretty nervous =)

Next Appointment: OCTOBER 3 (YES! we are going to make it to October!  I really want an October birthday baby!...but if he randomly showed up today I wouldn't be heart broken =))

Chad's amusement of this week: He tells me nothing....It really was a rough week though.  Poor guy was not a fan of how much pain I was in on Wednesday night. 

Here's the weekly picture (and I feel like poo--dang head cold):

    

{37 weeks} Winter Melon?

According to The Bump Baby Hoff has reached full term. He likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. He's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day. 

 

How far along? 37w0d 

Total weight gain: 35lbs 

Maternity clothes? mixture of both but mainly maternity.

Stretch marks? none that I can tell

Sleep: averaging about 4-6 a night
Best moment this week:I think I'm almost ready for my sub--okay I'm ready for him, the only thing I have left to do are my centers for December.

Miss Anything? not feeling pain on a daily basis....
Movement: Kicks, hiccups, rolls, jabs, punches, you name it Baby Hoff is probably doing it!
Food cravings: baked goods
Anything making you queasy or sick: chicken.
Gender: We know the gender........
Labor Signs: too many. 
Symptoms:MAJOR heartburn, sore legs/knees/feet/ankles, sleepy, pressure, and CONTRACTIONS...
Belly Button in or out?   the top is starting to stick out! Almost done!
Wedding rings on or off? I try to keep it on, if anything it fits on my pinky!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy 
Looking forward to: getting snuggle time with this little bundle!  I'm ready for him to be here but I know he needs to keep cookin a little bit longer!  However, after today, I'm ready to just be done with the pain.

How are you feeling? not swell.  After today, I'm completely confused, mentally and physically exhausted, and just not a happy camper. (see, it's a short one this week, so I'm not even feeling sarcastic or excited)

Next Appointment: September 26

Chad's amusement of this week: Watching my stomach contract and then immediately when it finishes mister gets his groove on.

Here's the weekly pictures (one of everyone!) and a video....

{36 weeks} Honey Honey Honeydew

According to The Bump, baby Hoff is still in the 17.2- to 18.7-inch and 4.2- to 5.8-pound range and continues to beef up.  

How far along? 36w0d 

Total weight gain: 34lbs 

Maternity clothes? mixture of both but mainly maternity.

Stretch marks? none that I can tell

Sleep: averaging about 4-6 a night
Best moment this week:not baby related...but the gas station around the loop from us is back open! They've been closed for a few months--tore down the building and the pumps and built ground up new!  They even landscaped!  It's amazing in there.  Lots to choose from now and even has a mini little cafe thing.  I'm just pumped my favorite gas station coffee is back--they even kept the same brand which makes me even more excited!  Chad can now get a "freal" iced mocha thingy (yesterday we splurged and he got a cookies and cream milk shake--he said it was pretty good).

Miss Anything? The normal things...and today I miss jeans because none fit that I have.  Hopefully the weather will jump back up a little bit (and I REALLY REALLY hate to say that) so that I can keep wearing my skirts and shorts to school and not have to buy more maternity clothes for these last few weeks.
Movement: Kicks, hiccups, rolls, jabs, punches, you name it Baby Hoff is probably doing it!
Food cravings:  m&m's have been my go to the last week or so
Anything making you queasy or sick: chicken.
Gender: We know the gender........
Labor Signs: yes.  My contractions have slowed and then quickened and then slowed....
Symptoms:MAJOR Sacroiliac Joint pain, MAJOR heartburn, sore legs/knees/feet/ankles, sleepy, braxton hicks, pressure, and CONTRACTIONS...
Belly Button in or out?   the top is starting to stick out! Almost done!
Wedding rings on or off? I try to keep it on, if anything it fits on my pinky!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy 
Looking forward to: getting snuggle time with this little bundle!  I'm ready for him to be here, however I know he needs to keep cookin a little bit longer!

How are you feeling? Today is a weird day because it's a gloomy day so my mood isn't top notch--but I'll manage.  It was a day of "nothing fits and I give up" so as you'll see in the pictures below this is what I went with today and I really don't care if it looks okay or not lol  Hello stretchy leggings!  My friend Jen cleaned out her closet a few times and donated to my cause (maternity and non), but I'm still too big..well, wide I guess... for those clothes haha.  I'm hoping my hips/butt shrink back just a little bit--quickly...and just a little bit--so that I can fit into those jeans she gave me!  THANKS JEN!  Starting to get a little nervous about delivery and blood...don't ask me why because this whole time I've felt pretty calm and excited about the whole thing, but yesterday and today I've been a little anxious about it.  I know it'll be good and go smoothly, but something is just starting to get eerie.  Some gals I know that are due in October have started to have their babes and for some reason, seeing their little ones makes me go "That's really inside of me right now?!"  It's crazy to think.  Such a miracle going on.

Next Appointment: September 19 (I'm on weekly appointments now...only last week we had two appts to check on things and make sure we weren't making too much progress yet).

Chad's amusement of this week: He found it quite entertaining that I was laughing so hard this a.m. when I was trying to find ONE, just one, pair of pants that would fit.  Even my dumb maternity jeans didn't fit anymore.  He tried hard not to laugh at me and kept apologizing, but it didn't matter...I was laughing at myself too.  Other than that we've had a pretty mellow week.

Here's the weekly pictures   =) 

        

{35 weeks} coconut!

 According to The Bump, Baby Hoff is about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. From here on out, he won't get much longer, but he's plumping up. He's now about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds, and he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. 

How far along? 35w0d 

Total weight gain: 33lbs 

Maternity clothes? mixture of both but mainly maternity.

Stretch marks? none that I can tell

Sleep: averaging about 4-6 a night
Best moment this week:getting the last of the major things we need for baby

Miss Anything? energy, feeling human, and being able to do things myself
Movement: Kicks, hiccups, rolls, jabs, punches, you name it Baby Hoff is probably doing it!
Food cravings:  muffins and any baked goods really...
Anything making you queasy or sick: chicken and my appetite is gone...has been since Thursday morning.
Gender: We know the gender........
Labor Signs:LOTS.  Another round of shots and a pill this time to get the contractions to stop on Thursday...have been having fairly regular contractions since then. Today I welcomed back labor apparently.
Symptoms:MAJOR Sacroiliac Joint pain, MAJOR heartburn, sore legs/knees/feet/ankles, sleepy, braxton hicks, pressure, and CONTRACTIONS...
Belly Button in or out?   the top is starting to stick out! Almost done!
Wedding rings on or off? I try to keep it on, if anything it fits on my pinky!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy 
Looking forward to: finding out what's going on with these contractions!

How are you feeling? nervous, anxious, excited, scared, unprepared, prepared, all of the above?????  After spending quite some time in Labor and Delivery on Thursday night for contractions, we figure this little one will be here soon.  Maybe he was just so excited from all the fun stuff he got at the baby shower my K team threw for us.....  I had been having what I like to call as Sharp Shooters (our nurse calls it lightning crotch) for a few days thinking it was just some bad round ligament pains mixed in with some braxton hicks, but after having a lovely time in the bathroom that signaled an "uh oh..." and a conversation or two with some lovely ladies in my life, decided I might need to call the on call doc and see what he had to say.  Of course he tells me "Ya, you probably should have came in sooner..." so off we went to the the hospital.  I got the lovely shots and even had to take a pill this time to try and stop them!  A few bags of fluid later, a double dose of two different nausea medications,  and SLOWED contractions, I was released and told to stay home from work for the day and take it easy all weekend.  The on call doctor told me to call back if the pain was worse then when I first came in otherwise I'm probably going to be one of "the lucky ladies that has contractions until you give birth."  Gosh, I can't wait!  I've had contractions all weekend and today I apparently welcomed back labor.  The meds have kept them slowed for now but who knows!  I'll be calling MY doctor in the morning to see what she has to say.  I'm hoping it isn't bed rest or to take it easy (because seriously, how do you teach kindergarten and take it easy???) but I know whatever she tells me to do I have to do it because it is what is best of baby and I.  So, here I sit, confined to the recliner for the majority of the day. 

Looks fun right??

Next Appointment: September 12
Chad's amusement of this week: getting the carseat installed.

Here's the weekly pictures   =) 

From today.....

From yesterday....

 

And because it's funny that everyone tells me I don't look 

pregnant from behind unless I'm waddling along..... 

Carseat is installed and has been tested out =)

Sadie even did a really good job in the car with it!  She did not try and jump in it or over it!  She did so good!!

{34 weeks} butternut!

According to The Bump, at less than two months to go [yeah...like a month and a half if I'm lucky!!!], Baby Hoff weighs in at about 4.2 pounds to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches.  Oh, and you can compare that this week to a butternut squash!

How far along? 34w1d

Total weight gain: 33lbs

Maternity clothes? mixture of both but mainly maternity.

Stretch marks? none that I can tell..but around my belly button looks bruised....so that's a little weird
Sleep: averaging about 4-6 a night
Best moment this week: getting lots of fun packages in the mail!  It's always nice to get something other than a bill...even though our bank statement states otherwise for those packages haha
Miss Anything? energy, feeling human, and being able to do things myself
Movement: Kicks, hiccups, rolls, jabs, punches, you name it Baby Hoff is probably doing it!
Food cravings:  muffins and any baked goods really...
Anything making you queasy or sick: chicken--let me clarify: chicken breasts--I can eat chicken nuggets, chicken fries, and crispy chicken sandwiches....
Gender: We know the gender........
Labor Signs: still having braxton hicks and had a few contractions while working...have to sit and take a quick mental note to try and keep teaching!
Symptoms:MAJOR Sacroiliac Joint pain, MAJOR heartburn, sore legs/knees/feet/ankles, sleepy, braxton hicks, and lots of lovely pressure with a few stabbing pains thanks to Baby Hoff dropping. 
Belly Button in or out?   the top is starting to stick out! Almost done!
Wedding rings on or off? I try to keep it on, if anything it fits on my pinky!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy 
Looking forward to: getting the car seat tomorrow...it's supposed to arrive tomorrow anyhow.

How are you feeling? currently?  I'm hungry--dinner is cooking =)  Today has been an off day; I think I'm dehydrated a bit.  Baby Hoff has been hanging out pretty low and thoroughly enjoys beating me up.  Lately the favorite thing to do is to stretch out from left to right...that hurts.  My stomach has been a torpedo out, so when baby moves to the complete opposite, yeah...my stomach doesn't stretch well that way.  Other than that just getting nervous about the arrival and the afters.  Everyone who knows me knows I don't like a lot of people or being the center of attention (which I know baby will be this, however my boobs plan to be hanging out A LOT and apparently I'm going to get to spend a lot of time being uncomfortable so I will HAVE to ask for help--even though most of you know that I HATE doing that)-- so I'm just a little worried about how things will be after arrival--here is everyone's apology in advance:  "I'm sorry if I'm being witchy, rude, selfish, inconsiderate, or whatever else you'd like to say I'm being if I'm not in the best mood.  I'm not so and so and I just had a baby in whatever way that was medically possible and you can't compare to that to so and so's because they aren't me and I handle/go though things differently.  If I'm in a great, somber mood, lucky you!  I'll do my best to keep the witchiness to a minimum."
Next Appointment: September 12
Chad's amusement of this week: Chad thinks its cool so I'll share it; I myself was a little traumatized by the whole thing.  At our appt this past week we mentioned we were in debate of what body part was poking where.  Well, apparently if you're not ready for the answer to that, don't say that to your doctor.  She poked around a bit then grabbed his head between her fingers and wiggled it a bit and told us what it was, poked on the butt and made Chad feel, and explained the little knobs were knees.  Now, all of that sounds harmless right?  Except when you learn that the head is around 3 inches from the exit!!!!!  That is the traumatizing part to me!  Baby is NOT ready to exit, but is hanging out pretty dang close! 

Here's the weekly pictures   =) 

See that?  Baby Hoff has still been hanging out over to one side....preference is ALWAYS made to the left and gosh does baby let me know that if I try to lay or lean to the right!!!!