Michael Austin White. Week 37 + 38

Baby: Our baby boy is as big as romaine lettuce and a winter melon these weeks, measuring about 18.9-19.6 inches long.

Our next OB appointment is Tuesday and they will measure Michael Austin again then. I'm very interested to see how close their measurement is with his actual birth weight.

Symptoms & Sleep: Other than the dreaded end of pregnancy constipation due to the slowing down of my digestive system I haven't had any other symptoms. No heartburn (since around Christmas), no swelling and no back pain (only lower pelvic pressure)... I can't really complain. Other than being super uncomfortable from my large belly I feel great overall. I have had such an amazing pregnancy and feel incredibly blessed by that.

Sleep is still the same, not much of it. It's so hard to get comfortable and when I finally do it's time to empty my bladder. Usually 3-4 times a night.

Exercise: I ran for the first time since I was 11 weeks pregnant this week and it was AMAZING! I didn't run but a mile and a half or so but it was definitely what I needed to assure myself that getting back into my running routine is not going to be as hard as I thought it would be. Since I am no longer worried about my cervix dilating too early I felt like it was a safe choice. I'm actually having the opposite problem, my cervix isn't dilating. They checked it at my 36, 37 & 38 week appointment and I am still at 0cm.

Weight: I weighed myself at 38.5 weeks and I have gained exactly 30 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. Since I'm being induced next week at 39.5 weeks this was my last time to weigh myself. I won't weigh myself again until postpartum. I am very happy with my body and myself for staying healthy during this time, it wasn't easy. There were times that I just wanted to eat whatever I wanted, not that I didn't give into treating myself here and there. But instead of indulging in a high calorie or high sodium lunch that would make me feel like crap later in the day, I opt for a soup and sandwich or a salad and fruit. I do believe that making health conscious choices are what helped me to have such a great pregnancy.

Cravings/Food: I actually wake up craving water, not coffee like I did back in the day. Don't get me wrong, I look forward to my small cup of half-caff every morning but a cold bottle of water is really what I want right when I wake up.

Every Wednesday after my weekly OB appointment I stop and get a milkshake or Blizzard. That is my sweet treat for the week :-)

Doctor's appointments: As mentioned above at 35 weeks my OB appointments went to weekly. I don't mind them at all, I love having an ultrasound every week and seeing little man on the big screen. Because I'm 35 (35 & older is considered "high risk" for pregnancy in the OB world) I have a Biophysical Profile and NST (fetal non-stress test) every week as well. So my appointments are usually about 2 hours long.

Clothes: I've started to put all of my maternity clothes in another closet, I'm so done with them. We have a love hate relationship with each other. Although they have been really comfortable to wear and I highly recommend splurging in maternity clothes if you are pregnant, I'm so tired of wearing the same few outfits every week and so ready to wear my normal clothes again!

Thoughts: I have mixed feelings about being induced next week but will talk about that more in my 39 week post. I am GBS (Group B Strep) positive so knowing that I will receive the antibiotics that I need 4 hours before giving birth does give me a HUGE peace of mind and reassurance... silver linings I guess.

I took a breastfeeding class at our hospital this week. It was 3 hours long and very informative. I know that there will be lactation consultants after delivery for me to talk to and ask questions but considering I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing I figured it couldn't hurt to take the class. I'm so glad I did, I learned so much.

Here's to 2 more weeks down and ONE more to go!

 

 

A letter to my baby boy

Michael Austin,

The time is getting closer to when I finally get to hold you. I feel so close to you already but it will be different when I get to carry you in my arms and not just in my belly. There are so many things I want to tell you. I want to tell you that from the beginning you were always wanted. Your dad and I always wanted a baby boy, we called you "Little Mike" before you were even in my tummy. When I found out I was having you I already knew you were a boy. I'll always remember the first time I felt you kick, it felt like little butterflies in my stomach. I'll never forget that moment. Your kicks have gotten to be so much stronger. I can see your little feet poke out through my skin now. We are so excited that we get to meet you in just a few days.

You have already made me a better person. You have made me cherish the gift of life so much more and believe in miracles. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank God for being able to carry you inside of me. I have prayed for you and your health every single day since I knew I was growing you. You have truly been the best baby in my tummy. Because of you everyday I pray for women who are having a hard time having babies because I wish for them to be able to feel what I feel for you. I already can't imagine my life without you in it. You are one loved little boy by so many.

Your daddy is already so proud of you. He tells everyone how big and strong you are. As soon as the doctor gives us a new picture of you he sends it to everyone he can. He took a pair of your shoes out of your closet and put them next to his shoes in his closet. He is excited to put you in them soon. He talks about the baseball games that he wants to take you to. He wants to take you to $1 hotdog night at the Rangers ballpark, that is his favorite time. I can't wait to see your face when the planes fly over the ballpark or the first time you get to see the fireworks. Your dad talks about taking you wakeboarding on the boat when you are older and your first tube float down the Frio River. He really wants to see you jump off a rope swing into the water. I can wait for all of this, I'm not ready to see you that grown up yet. I'll always see you as my baby, but I promise to let you grow up. I promise to always keep you safe and I promise to always put you before myself. I promise you will always know how much I love you.

Your sisters are so ready to meet you. Miller lays in your nursery everyday. I think she knows you are coming soon. She's going to be very protective of you. So is your other sister Brittany. She loves babies. She is going to kiss you a lot and will never leave your side when she comes to visit. Little Ella is not sure what to think of you just yet. She knows you're in my tummy because she can feel your kicks at night when she is sleeping next to me. They love to go on walks and they are so excited for you to come with us.

There are so many people that cannot wait to see you. Your grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, & neighbors are all so excited to meet you. Everyone prays for you and sends your dad & I the nicest messages and most thoughtful gifts just for you. Your nursery is ready. We decorated it in a sports theme, mainly football and baseball because we think those will be your favorite. I love being in your room, even if I am just in there folding your clothes and blankets. Sometimes I just walk in there to imagine what it is going to be like when you are here. I can't believe you are ours and I absolutely cannot wait to hold you. I love you Michael Austin White.

Michael Austin White. Week 32 - 36

Baby & Doctor's Appointments: We were able to see our sweet boy on an ultrasound at our 32 week and 35 week appointments. At both appointments they measured him to get an estimated weight. At 32 weeks he was measuring at 5 lbs 8 oz and at 35 weeks he measured to be 7 lbs 8 oz. Wow! His weight at our 35 week appointment put him in the 89th percentile for fetal growth. Although these measurements aren't completely accurate we have a feeling he is going to be a big boy!

Symptoms & Sleep: Other than an occasional leg cramp here and there at night, I can't complain. I haven't had any 3rd trimester symptoms that I've read or heard about.

 Everyone says "sleep now" and anyone who has ever been pregnant knows that at this point you're not sleeping. It's so hard to get into a comfortable sleeping position. I've been sleeping on my left side throughout my pregnancy. I'm so used to it that I don't even move throughout night.

Exercise: Enjoying my 2.5-3 mile daily walks even more this far along. Getting outside and feeling energized motivates me to stay healthy and (somewhat) fit.

Weight: I've been gaining a pound a week and sometimes even skipping a week of weight gain. This is totally normal so I'm not worried. At the beginning of my 34th week I weighed in at 134 lbs which is 28 pounds up from my pre-pregnancy weight.

Cravings/Food: I try to eat relatively healthy, but I do treat myself to my favorite meals or desserts weekly. Every Monday or Tuesday I eat at Chick-Fil-A. I order the same thing every time- chicken strips, waffle fries with a lemonade. I don't drink any diet drinks or light drinks because of the aspartame in them. I prefer real high calorie sugar :-D

Also I eat a serving of salmon a week for the DHA/Omega-3 goodness in it. Not to mention it's just straight up delicious! If you didn't know DHA helps build your baby's brain, nervous system and eyes. I've been eating a 6-8oz serving of recommended fish a week since I found out I was pregnant.

Clothes: I told myself I wasn't buying anymore maternity clothes. I have enough jeans, tops & dresses to get me by for the next few weeks. I'd much rather stock up on cute postpartum pj's and spring maxi dresses. Spring is my favorite season. I love the warm days and still cool nights. I couldn't have asked for a better season to celebrate Mikey's arrival!

Thoughts: I can't believe we get to finally meet our son next month! It still feels so surreal. I cannot wait to hold him. I think of putting him in his little onesies and being with him 24/7 all the time! I often catch myself daydreaming about our future trips to Austin or going to our river house in Concan. It'll be so different having a baby with us now, but of course I wouldn't want it any other way.

32 week bump selfie

 

 

33 week workout at our river house

 

 

Sleeping with sister

 

 

 

34 weeks & ready for warmer weather

 

 

 

34.5 weeks

 

 

 

36 weeks

 

 

Michael Austin White. Week 29 - 31

Baby: Our baby boy is as big as an acorn squash and zucchini these weeks, measuring about 15.2-15.7 inches long.

He's also started having the hiccups! It's the cutest thing.

Symptoms & Sleep: Starting to get slightly uncomfortable! As baby is growing so is this belly and it's making it so much harder to turn and sleep comfortably at night.

Exercise: Still walking 4-5 times a week, about 2.5-3 miles a day.

Weight: At the end of my 30th week I am still at a 129 pounds, which is 23 pounds up from my pre-pregnancy weight.

Cravings/food: Eating tons of fruit, cereal and sandwiches. Staying hydrated drinking LOTS of water, milk & orange juice.

Doctor's appointments: None this week :-(

We did get to see our babe in 4D this weekend and it was an AMAZING experience! We loved it and were able to take home some really good pictures. Of course they are all either framed or up around the house. I can't get enough of seeing our little man!

Clothes: I bought a really cute top at Motherhood Maternity this week to wear for our Valentine's Day date. I've been loving this top but I could not bring myself to buy it for $68. It was on sale for $30 and they had one small left, it was like a sign that it needed to be mine.

Thoughts: I am so excited about our baby showers coming up in a few days! We have two in Austin on the same weekend then one here in Fort Worth a few weeks later. I am so excited to celebrate Mikey! I'll upload all of our shower pictures in my next post.

 

Valentine's Day dinner date

 

 

 

 

My favorite...