38 Weeks: Leek

Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. (Babycenter.com)

I am slightly discouraged to be writing this week's update. On Monday, I had contractions ALL DAY, ranging from 3-12 minutes apart. However, they never got painful, or consistent. When I went to bed, I was still having contractions, and during the night I was awakened several times by strong ones. This encouraged me, and I thought that when I got up Tuesday morning and started moving around, things would progress. Instead, they died off completely. Bummer. I was pretty disappointed, but I believe that God is teaching me to trust Him, and be patient. Hard lessons to learn when you are this uncomfortable.

I'm feeling very tired and achy again this week. My joints are loose, and ready for delivery. I continue to feel my stomach muscles slowly ripping apart, which has been happening for 3 straight weeks now. My skin is stretching again too, causing more stretch marks and and insatiable, constant itch. On a normal day, I have probably around 20 contractions. This week, hopefully, brought more progress with having so many on Monday. With every contraction, I'm sure my body is getting that much closer to being ready. I just hope it's almost there.

To go along with my bodily aches, I just feel discouraged at this point. It hurts every time I move, I can NEVER get comfortable, I itch like crazy, I don't have nearly enough energy or agility to keep up with Sophia, much less the house... I realize that having this baby will create a whole new challenge, but I'm ready to try that one now. At least I will be able to move. I'd really appreciate any prayers for my attitude and emotional state in these last days. I am fighting so hard every day to be patient and trust God, and do it with a good attitude. God is helping me through these days and making them bearable, when I let Him. But on those days when I get stubborn and try to do things on my own, my world seems to crumble.

Got Sleep?

I'M


SOOOOOOOOOO


TIRED.

37 Weeks: Swiss Chard

Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard*). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz. (Babycenter.com)

*Note: The comparisons they are drawing between the size of my baby, and produce, are getting reeeeally weird. So if you were thinking that too, I'm with ya. And if you are one of those people who has actually heard of all this produce, maybe we should be better friends. You'd probably be a healthy addition to my life.


Exciting progress this week! I have started to feel my body change in preparation for delivery. I have been really crampy for the past four days now. I woke up this morning, and still have cramps (prementrual type cramps). I remembered this happening before Sophia was born too, so yesterday I went back and looked at her blog to see when I felt that way. It was EXACTLY the same week last year, about a week before I delivered. If my dates are more accurate for when I'm due, then this would be right on track (Sept 25th was the original due date).


I have also been feeling extremely sore and achy all week from loose joints, especially in my hips/pelvis, and neck. It's hard to explain, but my joints really do feel loose, and like they are not supporting the weight of my body as well.

As always, I have been extremely tired. A little more so this week than normal. I think my body is working overtime with all the changes taking place.

I believe the time is drawing near. I really don't think I have three full weeks left. I believe Poppy will make an appearance before that. My prediction is that within the next 2 weeks, baby will be in my arms, not my belly. Don't hold me to it, that is just my guess from the way my body is feeling these days.


UPDATE: Baby dropped last night! I have been feeling a significant increase in pressure on my pelvis today, and still very crampy all day. Getting closer!

35 Weeks: Honeydew

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. (Babycenter.com)

Things feel much the same this week. I am tired. I don't want to eat. My belly is getting heavier every day. All natural during these final weeks. I am feeling more and more ready to be over with it now. I suppose a week of horrid discomfort and a lack of sleep could account for my waning patience.

But as my patience is shrinking, our anticipation to meet this little one is growing. Jared and I have had several discussions about how strange, yet wonderful, it will be to start all over again. I know I will have a hard time remembering what to expect, despite watching Sophia develop through each stage so recently. But it will be fun to learn all over again.

We continue to prepare for the arrival. This week, we picked out a "coming home" outfit for a girl. We already had one for a boy. Now they are both packed and waiting to clothe our wee babe. I also picked up a baby memory book, and filled out as much as I could. We have that packed in the hospital bag too, so we can get those precious little footprints stamped in it!

Like I said, I have been very tired lately. I find that my motivation to do much of anything is dwindling, and as I stare at the pile of dishes, I dream of the bed. And down comforter. And squishy pillows. Mmmmm. I received a really wonderful book from a friend this week, and have spent much of my free time resting in bed with my book. It has been a great way to relax and spend some quiet moments to myself. I know moments to myself will soon become a rare commodity, so I am relishing these quiet times.

Good news! I think we have finally decided on a beautiful name for a girl! You'll have to wait and see if we have a girl. If not, then I guess you'll have to wait til next time around, which isn't going to be for a long time...;)

28 Weeks: Chinese Cabbage

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world. (Babycenter.com)

I feel myself slowing down these days. I can't get around as fast or as efficiently anymore. I've already reached the point that when I drop something, I debate whether or not it is worth picking up. Bending over (especially while holding Sophia) is quite the undertaking, and uses a lot of strength and energy. I have been getting tired faster than ever, and usually sneak in at least one nap a day.

On the up side, my hair has been growing fast! It is thick and soft, and getting longer with each hormone-packed pregnant day. I really have very little to complain about. I have no nausea, no heartburn, no swelling, and no complications of any kind. Other than my belly getting heavier and slightly more uncomfortable, I am doing just fine.

I have been dreaming about the arrival of Baby Nourse #2. During these revelries, I always pan a range of emotions. I start with excitement, travel through fear, then panic, then peace, and then circle back to extreme excitement again. I love this baby so much already and can hardly wait to meet him/her! I am excited see the similarities and differences to Sophia. I'm excited to see what he/she looks like. Heck, I am excited to see if it is a he or she! Sometimes I worry about how I will manage mothering two babies- one that is so mobile and already into everything, and one that is so helpless and needs me for everything. Then I remember that God has never let me down, and has chosen to bless us again with one of the best gifts in all of life. That makes me ecstatic! I am very happy that our children will be so close in age, as well. It will be so wonderful for Sophia and her sibling to have a playmate in each other.

This Friday will be a busy "pregnancy" day for me. I have my ultrasound (SOOOO excited for that!!!), my glucose test, and my 28 week check up.

27 Weeks: Califlower

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. (Babycenter.com)

I am getting tired much easier these days. Luckily, my fatigue has not dampened my summer spirit to get out with Sophia. We have both been enjoying the numerous activities summer has to offer, including swimming, walks, picnics, day trips and visiting the zoo! Poppy loves coming along for the ride too, and always lets me know so with kicks of excitement.

Today while Sophie was swimming in her pool, I attempted to lay on my belly in the sun. Poppy quickly vetoed that idea and pelted my abdomen with kicks. ("Get off me, Mommy!")

Pregnancy is one of those weird stages in life that seem to creep by at a snail's pace until you reach the end. Then looking back, it seems like the time raced by before you knew it. I can hardly believe I am already 27 weeks along, yet only 27 weeks along. I am getting uncomfortable now, and am not thrilled about what I know the remaining months will bring. Like I said before, pregnancy is not the fantastic utopia I always dreamed it to be. Don't get me wrong, the FINAL result, will make it all worth while. Being a mother has not only fulfilled my lifelong dreams, but surpassed them in so many ways. Mothering Sophia (and Poppy too!) has satisfied me in a way I didn't know possible.

CRAVINGS OF THE WEEK: S'mores, Peppermint Bon Bon ice cream, Blazin' Buffalo & Ranch Doritos

Ultrasound Countdown: 10 DAYS!!!

26 Weeks: Cucumber

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. (Babycenter.com)

Bagels. Toasted, with a little butter. Mmmm. I can't get enough of them this week. I would seriously eat them for every meal, and snack time, if I could. For some reason, my inner mom voice tells me that would not provide enough nutrients for little Poppsters.

I have been feeling a little sick this week, which could possibly be something I picked up in Mexico. My tummy was extremely queasy for a full day accompanied by a throbbing headache. The following few days have been comprised of occasional sharp abdominal cramping. I cannot tell if the cramping is in my uterus or stomach though. It stretches right across the middle of my belly. I have been trying to take it easy and not overdo it until I feel restored.

I have also been completely exhausted lately. When I sleep, I sleep hard. I nap almost every time Sophia does, and still fall into bed at night, worn out. I think my ideal day would be: eat a bagel, take a nap, eat 2 bagels, take a nap, eat a bagel and yogurt, play outside, go to bed. But that is definitely not how it goes! Sophia keeps me so busy and running all day, which is good for me and baby. We also try to get out on a walk everyday when possible.

Poppy is such a mover! I know I talk about this every week, but it such a huge part of the pregnancy that I can't neglect it. I feel Poppy moving, thrusting, kicking, poking, punching, wiggling and flip-flopping around at least once an hour, generally more than that. There has even been the occasional kick that is painful, and always in the same spot (lower, right abdomen). Sometimes I stop in my tracks, clutch my belly and yelp. Even Jared recognizes what that means now. Yesterday when that happened, Jared looked at me and asked, "Poppy kicking you again?"

21 Weeks: Carrot

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well. (Babycenter.com)

I have had a hard week. Stress levels have been high this week, which makes everything go downhill. Especially milk production. If pregnancy doesn't kill it enough, extra stress will pretty much wipe it out completely. That has been a constant struggle since January when I got pregnant. After awhile, battling my own body to nourish my growing fetus, and my growing infant at the same time takes a big toll. I keep wondering why God did not make it more possible to breastfeed, and be pregnant at the same time, with sufficient nourishment for both. Please pray for me in this area, as I am feeling weary and frustrated.

Along with the added stress, I have felt exhausted all week. It has also been affecting my appetite. Last night, I made a huge, delicious dinner that took 1 1/2 hours to prepare, and when it was finished, it looked absolutely repulsive to me. I ate a few bites, but that's all I could handle.

Usually, Sophia and I take a walk everyday when the weather is nice. It is something I look forward to, and I think she does too. This week we have not gotten out much because of the crummy weather (Come on! It's JUNE!!), but we were finally able to go around our usual loop yesterday. The fresh air and exercise felt good.

(7 Weeks) 10 Weeks: Kumquat

What the heck is a kumquat? Poppy- you aren't one, okay? You are just the size of one.

Poppy is about an inch long from head to rump, and has finished the most critical time of development. Some vital organs — including kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver are in place and starting to function. Also, the arms and legs can bend now, and the hands are curled up over the chest. Cute! Poppy's tiny fingernails are starting to grow too! Watch out-- those things get sharp, as I recently discovered!

I have been feeling really great this week! Again, the only indication of pregnancy is my constant fatigue. I just get tired so fast! I have slowly been unpacking and settling into our new home at Gary's. I want to create a nice, comfy home for my family, so I have been working for hours everyday getting things put away. All that organizing robs me of precious energy too!

(6 Weeks) 9 Weeks: Grape

Poppy, you are growing SO much this week! The changes are abundant! You are nearly an inch long, about the size of a grape! You weigh just a fraction of an ounce. All of your essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll grow much more over the coming months. Your heart will finish dividing into four chambers this week, and the valves start to form. (I am praying that all the chambers are closed at birth!) Your tiny little teeth are forming too! Your eyes are fully formed, but your eyelids are fused shut and won't open for a long time. Your tiny earlobes, mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct now too. (Babycenter.com)

I can't believe how much God continues to bless me with easy pregnancies. I really don't feel like I am pregnant at all, except for the growing love I have for Poppy. I have found myself daydreaming about his or her arrival and how fun life will be with two young kiddos. I am sure it will be quite a challenge at times, but a fun challenge nonetheless. I have been feeling very tired this week, but then again I have been up several times a night with Sophia, packing like crazy, moving boxes around, cleaning, unpacking, cooking, and of course, blogging. My pregnancy appetite has returned as well! I am able to eat a normal sized meal and within three hours I am ready for another! :)

First prenatal visit (@ Woodwinds again!!): March 3rd