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36 weeks pregger

Thought I would do a little comparison! The picture up top is when I was about 38 weeks pregnant with my son Riley. I was pretty huge. Below is me pregnant now at 36 weeks.

OK so please dont mind the hand prints on my mirror first of all, and second I really can not believe I am posting a picture like this for all to see, but here you go. Look how HUGE I have gotten.....

pics of Baby Z

one month

OK so exactly one month from tomorrow is my due date. I am getting so excited but also so nervous... Our life is going to change, I am going to be pushing out a baby with out pain medication (OUCH), I am so not ready and organized enough, and there is still so much that I have to buy. I am trying not to get so over-whelmed because I know with God all thing are possible so I just need to trust... ONE MONTH PEOPLE......

Well yesterday was our Dr. appointment and our ultra sound. The U/S went really well (besides the fact that she, the u/s tech, wants me to turn in so many different directions just to get a good picture, not fun when you are so pregnant. We got such a great picture of Baby Z's face (will post when I get it scanned) she looks like Kennedy, pout and all. She has a ton of hair and she is measuring at 5 pounds and 12 ounces. Her limbs are measuring long but she has a pretty good size belly. Really it just amazes me how detailed they can get these days with the Ultra sounds. I am really getting excited to meet her and hold her and actually see her. The fibroid that the Dr. was so worried about is shrinking so I am really excited that prayers are being answered.....

I did however have a melt down today, and I do mean a melt down. Now my first in 8 months I think that is pretty good. Ya know when you get to the point in your pregnancy where everything hurts from right below your chest to your feet, well add a really nasty cold and cough, sore throat and headache on to that and that has been me for the past few days. I have been cooped up in my hose unable to do much of anything and when I do get out of the house it is only to go and see Dr.s, just so not fun. I really dont want to go on venting and I really do not want to try and justify my behavior but I really think I need some ME time........ Especially before the baby comes... I do have a Manicure and Pedicure planned for about a week before my due date so that is something to look forward to. I will scan the 3D pic and have it posted by tomorrow (hopefully)......

What I have learned Part Deux

I posted a blog a few months back of what I have learned in this pregnancy so far you can read it here. Now that I am 35.2 weeks (oh yeah I am counting the days) I feel that there is more that I have learned so I thought I would share some more of those things.

1.) I have learned that I am addicted to my bath tub. I dont think I can go a day with out getting in there at least 2 times. I am usually in there longer than an hour too...

2.) I have learned that if its been a week since I have left the house, I am totally ok with that. It has been a week from tomorrow since I have been anywhere and I have to tell you it is really nice. I was always a person that liked being on the go but not so much right now.

3.) I have learned that I really do not care what my toes look like or what shoes I am wearing... Whats the point? I can not see my feet anyway.

4.) I have learned that contractions start alot sooner with your 3rd pregnancy. Not as intense as contractions during labor but they do hurt alot.

5.) I have learned that sleeping is over-rated... Why do I need a full night sleep?

6.) I have learned to "hold it" until the morning. I know a great talent when your this far along but if I get up in the middle of the night I am up for good..

7.) I have learned that my morning coffee is my new best friend.

8.) I have learned that staying in bed is not as glorious as it sounds... It gets old and boring.

9.) I have learned that I have the most amazing husband that God could have ever created. He has done so much, put up with so much and he has been such a trooper thru all of the: L&D visits (and those were some long nights), early contractions, crazy craving and crazy mood swings. I thank God for the patience the he blessed Ken with and pray that some day they will rub off on me.

Today I am 35 weeks

Your pregnancy: 35 weeks

See the big picture

How your baby's growing:

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 melon). 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.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.



From here on out, you'll start seeing your practitioner every week. Sometime between now and 37 weeks, she'll do a vaginal and rectal culture to check for bacteria called Group B streptococci (GBS). (Don't worry — the swab is the size of a regular cotton swab, and it won't hurt at all.) GBS is usually harmless in adults, but if you have it and pass it on to your baby during birth, it can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or a blood infection. Because 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women have the bacteria and don't know it, it's vital to be screened. (The bacteria come and go on their own — that's why you weren't screened earlier in pregnancy.) If you're a GBS carrier, you'll get IV antibiotics during labor, which will greatly reduce your baby's risk of infection.

This is also a good time to create a birth plan. Using our form will help you focus on specifics — like who'll be present, what pain management techniques you want to try, and where you want your baby to stay after you deliver. It will give you a starting point to discuss your preferences with your medical team. Childbirth is unpredictable, and chances are you won't follow your plan to the letter, but thinking about your choices ahead of time — and sharing your preferences with your caregiver — should take some of the anxiety out of the process.

5 weeks left

So, I have 5 weeks left and last week I was wondering why I had so much pain and pressure on the......... ummmm we will just call it Vajajah... So as I was taking a bath the other day I notices that baby Z's head was really down low. AND I do mean LOW.... So I guess I dropped. Which with the other 2 pregnancies I have A.) felt when I dropped and B) been a lot further along when I dropped. I know this being my third all of these glorious things can happen earlier and it is not an indicator on going into labor early. Which is really fine with me. I know a lot of people are telling me that I will be going sooner for sure, but I am trying to ignore it all because I don't want to get to where I have one week to go and I am so miserable and mad because I thought I was going to go early. Anyway, Ken thinks I will go in labor on May 1..... It would be ideal if I went over Easter that way my mom will already be here and she would not have to make an extra trip a couple weeks later....

I have also been having more contractions that hurt a lot more too. I am really curious if I am dilated or effaced at all. Again I know its early but hey, everything else has happened earlier. I do have a Dr. appointment tomorrow and will have another ultra sound so I am really excited to see how big this little girl is getting. As of right now she is still posterior.
Let me tell you about her being posterior....... IT HURTS. When she moves, kicks, stretches etc. It just hurts. OK enough moaning and groaning for now..

I did have a very productive weekend.. Even though my kitchen is not finished it is cleaned and so is the rest of my house. Along with about 10 loads of laundry. I really never thought I would get back to having a clean house anymore but we did it. It hurt to do it but the pain was worth it. As of right now though we still need to paint the whole downstairs along with the girls room and the master bedroom. I am excited to get the girls room finished. We are going to be doing some great colors and stuff on the walls and I am still in search of a crib skirt along with 2 sets of curtains. Its been kind of hard to find but I am hoping to get out this week to Grand Blanc to one of the fabric stores there. I don't have a sewing machine but I am sure I can find one......................... I have so many things to get done but I also have a hubby that gets home at 5:30 -6:00pm and then he is off to either, egroup, youth, mens ministry, or something else. So that means our weekends are getting crammed full of stuff to do and I am trying not to stress about it... OK now I am rambling and I am going to stop now.

Pregnacy affects..

Altered States

Pregnancy doesn't just change your body — it affects the rest of you, too.

1. The Nesting Instinct

Many pregnant women experience the nesting instinct, a powerful urge to prepare their home for the baby by cleaning and decorating. Or perhaps you'll want to tackle projects you haven't had time to do, like organizing your garage or closets.

As your due date draws closer, you may find yourself cleaning cupboards or washing walls — things you never would have imagined doing in your ninth month of pregnancy! This desire to prepare your home can be useful because it will give you more time to recover and nurture your baby after the birth. But be careful not to overdo it.

2. Inability to Concentrate

In the first trimester, fatigue and morning sickness can make many women feel worn out and mentally fuzzy. But even well-rested pregnant women may experience an inability to concentrate and periods of forgetfulness. A preoccupation with the baby is partially the cause, as are hormonal changes. Everything — including work, bills, and doctor appointments — may seem less important than the baby and the impending birth. You can combat this forgetfulness by making lists to help you remember dates and appointments.

3. Mood Swings

Premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy are alike in many ways. Your breasts swell and become tender, your hormones fluctuate, and you may feel moody. If you suffer from premenstrual syndrome, you're likely to have more severe mood swings during pregnancy. They can make you go from feeling happy one minute to feeling like crying the next. You may be irrationally angry with your partner one day, then a coworker may inexplicably irritate you the next.

Mood swings are incredibly common during pregnancy, although they tend to occur more frequently in the first trimester and toward the end of the third trimester.

About 10% of pregnant women experience depression during pregnancy. If you have symptoms such as sleep disturbances, changes in eating habits (a complete lack of appetite or an inability to stop eating), and exaggerated mood swings for longer than 2 weeks, you should talk to your doctor.

Unexpected Effects of Pregnancy

4. Bra Size

An increase in breast size is one of the first signs of pregnancy. Breasts usually become swollen and enlarged in the first trimester because of increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. That growth in the first trimester isn't necessarily the end, either — your breasts can continue to grow throughout your pregnancy!

In addition to the size of your breasts, your bra size may be affected by your rib cage. When you're pregnant, your lung capacity increases so you can take in extra oxygen for yourself and the baby, which may result in a bigger chest size. You may need to replace your bras several times over the course of your pregnancy.

5. Skin

Are your friends saying you have that pregnancy glow? It's only one of many skin changes you may experience during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the stretching of your skin to accommodate a larger body. Pregnant women experience an increase in blood volume to provide extra blood flow to the uterus and to meet the metabolic needs of the fetus. They also have increased blood flow to their other organs, especially the kidneys. The greater volume brings more blood to the vessels and increases oil gland secretion.

Some women develop brownish or yellowish patches called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy," on their faces. And some will notice a dark line on the midline of the lower abdomen, known as the linea nigra (or linea negra), as well as hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) of the nipples, external genitalia, and anal region. These are the result of pregnancy hormones, which cause the body to produce more pigment. The body may not produce this increased pigment evenly, however, so the darkened skin may appear as splotches of color. Unfortunately, chloasma can't be prevented, but wearing sunscreen and avoiding UV light can minimize its effects.

Acne is common during pregnancy because the skin's sebaceous glands increase their oil production. And newly formed pimples might not be the only evolving spots on your face or body — moles or freckles that you had prior to pregnancy may become bigger and darker. Even the areola, the area around the nipples, becomes darker. Except for the darkening of the areola, which is usually permanent, these skin changes will likely disappear after you give birth. Many women also experience heat rash, caused by dampness and perspiration, during pregnancy.

In general, pregnancy can be an itchy time for a woman. Skin stretching over the abdomen may cause itchiness and flaking. Your doctor can recommend creams to soothe dry or itchy skin.

6. Hair and Nails

Many women experience changes in hair texture and growth during pregnancy. The hormones secreted by your body will cause your hair to grow faster and fall out less. But these hair changes usually aren't permanent; most women lose a significant amount of hair in the postpartum period or after they stop breastfeeding.

Some women find that they grow hair in unwanted places, such as on the face or belly or around the nipples. Others experience changes in hair texture that make hair drier or oilier. Some women even find their hair changing color.

Nails, like hair, can change noticeably during pregnancy. Extra hormones can make them grow faster and become stronger. Some women, however, find that their nails tend to split and break more easily during pregnancy. Like the changes in hair, nail changes aren't permanent. If your nails split and tear more easily when you're pregnant, keep them trimmed and avoid the chemicals in nail polish and nail polish remover.

7. Shoe Size

Even though you can't fit into any of your prepregnancy clothes, you still have your shoes, right? Maybe — but maybe not. Because of the extra fluid in their pregnant bodies, many women experience swelling in their feet and may even have to start wearing a larger shoe size. Wearing slip-on shoes in a larger size will be more comfortable for many pregnant women, especially in the summer months.

8. Joint Mobility

During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone known as relaxin, which is believed to help prepare the pubic area and the cervix for the birth. The relaxin loosens the ligaments in your body, making you less stable and more prone to injury. It's easy to overstretch or strain yourself, especially the joints in your pelvis, lower back, and knees. When exercising or lifting objects, go slowly and avoid sudden, jerky movements.

9. Varicose Veins, Hemorrhoids, and Constipation

Varicose veins, which are usually found in the legs and genital area, occur when blood pools in veins enlarged by the hormones of pregnancy. Varicose veins often disappear after pregnancy, but you can lessen them by:

• avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time
• wearing loose-fitting clothing
• wearing support hose
• elevating your feet when you sit

Hemorrhoids — varicose veins in the rectum — frequently occur during pregnancy as well. Because your blood volume has increased and your uterus puts pressure on your pelvis, the veins in your rectum may enlarge into grape-like clusters. Hemorrhoids can be extremely painful, and they may bleed, itch, or sting, especially during or after a bowel movement. Coupled with constipation, another common pregnancy woe, hemorrhoids can make going to the bathroom downright unpleasant.

Constipation is common throughout pregnancy because pregnancy hormones slow the rate of food passing through the gastrointestinal tract. During the later stages of pregnancy, your uterus may push against your large intestine, making it difficult for waste to be eliminated. Constipation can contribute to hemorrhoids because straining may enlarge the veins of the rectum.

The best way to combat constipation and hemorrhoids is to prevent them. Eating a fiber-rich diet, drinking plenty of fluids daily, and exercising regularly can help keep bowel movements regular. Stool softeners (not laxatives) may also help. If you do have hemorrhoids, see your doctor for a cream or ointment that can shrink them.

Birth Day Surprises

10. Things That Will Come Out of Your Body

So you've survived the mood swings and the hemorrhoids, and you think your surprises are over. Guess again — the day you give birth will probably hold the biggest surprises of all.

Only 1 in 10 mothers' water breaks before labor contractions begin. Some women never experience it — a doctor may need to rupture the amniotic sac (if the cervix is already dilated) when they arrive at the hospital. How much water can you expect? For a full-term baby, there are normally about 2.1 to 5.9 cups of amniotic fluid. Some women may feel an intense urge to urinate that leads to a gush of fluid when their waters break. Others may have only a trickling sensation down their leg because the baby's head acts like a stopper to prevent most of the fluid from leaking out. In any case, amniotic fluid is generally sweet-smelling and pale or colorless and is replaced by your body every 3 hours, so don't be surprised if you continue to leak fluid, about a cup an hour, until delivery.

Other unexpected things may come out of your body during labor in addition to your baby, blood, and amniotic fluid. Some women experience nausea and vomiting. Others have diarrhea before or during labor, and flatulence (passing gas) is also common. During the pushing phase of labor, you may lose control of your bladder or bowels. A birth plan can be especially helpful in communicating your wishes to your health care providers about how to handle these and other discomforts of labor and delivery.

Lots of surprises are in store for you once you become pregnant — but none sweeter than the way you'll feel once your newborn is in your arms!

34 weeks

Ok so I am 34 weeks and now is when this insomnia is kicking in. I was really hoping that I could avoid it since I have been so tired but not at all. This week I have been waking up at either 3 or 4 in the morning and not able to go back to sleep. Yesterday morning I finally got back to sleep at about 6:30 am and then Ken had to get up for works so I was up for the rest of the day. Which is pretty funny because yesterday was my most productive day. I mean I re-arranged my family room, cleaned the kitchen top to bottom, did a lot of laundry, baked a cake, and vacuumed downstairs. To some of you that may not seem like that much but for someone who has been in bed for a few weeks, I was pretty proud of myself. Now there is still so much to do to get my house back to "normal" but all I can do is take it one day at a time. This morning I was up at 3am and decided not to get out of bed but just to try and fall back to sleep, and it worked, 2 hours later..... So needless to say I am a bit tired this morning but I have confidence in my coffee, so hopefully it will kick in soon. I do get to go in this afternoon and have a massage from a good friend and I am hoping I will be able to use my gift certificate for a free Mani and Pedi afterwards, just hoping to have the time...

So I haven't been in bed as much this week as I have the past few weeks and I have to tell you I really don't miss being in that bed. My week has been going by really fast though. Even though I feel more tired I am just so happy to be getting stuff done and to be taking advantage of the great weather outside. However something I did learn though is if I am going to have my windows open in the spring time, make sure I have some allergy medicine on hand.

Finally

I finally got up enough strength to go for a walk... It has been such a beautiful day. I have been feeling pretty good today despite all the cleaning, rearranging and organizing I did over the weekend. I thought for sure I would want to stay in bed all day but, something about that sunshine gets me motivated. Ken and the kids had Dr. appointments today and when that was over instead of taking Kennedy back to school we decided to take our lunches to the park and sit by the water and enjoy the weather and some family time. We then decided to go walk around downtown a little and man it felt so good. I mean I can barely walk now but in all honesty I am so glad I was ale to get out and enjoy this weather. The kids are wanting to go back later and fish and I am really excited to do that.

As I am sitting here typing, I have my daughter is laying on the floor in front of me and my son laying next to me on the couch and they both are snoring so loud I just can not help but laugh. Baby Z has the hiccups again and is just moving like crazy. I am really thinking I may have to video tape my stomach moving and post it. I love to just sit and watch her go back and forth and she feels like she stretches from one side of my belly to another. Grant it, it is not the most pain-free feeling but I cherish it and I wish I would be able to feel this again.

I have had a lot of people ask me, "so are ready for this to be over" or " I bet you are ready to just pop her out?" and I must be honest here. I am so excited to see this little girl and to hold her and feed her and all the fun (and not so fun) things, but I know I am really going to miss being pregnant. I have ALWAYS loved being pregnant. I love feeling movements, I love the fact that I am bringing a child into this world, I love that I can eat almost what ever I want and still not gain a lot, I love the extra attention I get from Ken, and I love that he thinks it is just so sexy. Six weeks from now I will (probably) not be pregnant anymore and that thought just makes me sad. We have talked and talked and talked about this and this one will be our last pregnancy. To me it is such a big decision and it is not something that we took lightly but it just makes me sad knowing that this is my last time going thru this so wanting it rushed along just to not be pregnant any more it not something I want. I really am going to enjoy these last 6 weeks and soak in everything I can from this pregnancy.

Hay cool High Chair

I just wanted to share this with you. I think it is a great idea and I just had to share it with you all. To check it out visit HERE

A little humor

Ok so with this pregnancy I have been wanting a beer... And well, I am not a beer drinker what so ever but I have been craving a pizza and a beer or wings a beer so this is just so odd for me. But anyway I came across this photo and just had to post it.....

AND, for all you strangers/weirdos who want to touch my belly and think that is actually ok to do so, well this one is for you guys ....

week 33

Week 33 of Pregnancy

Your baby's immune system gets a boost, while her sleepless mommy could use a boost of energy.

With midnight bathroom runs, leg cramps, heartburn, and your basketball-sized belly, it's no wonder sleep is elusive. Third-trimester insomnia strikes about three-quarters of pregnant women (who may also be coping with a mind that races all night long). But your body needs rest, so do your best to get comfy. Grab a pile of pillows, wedge them where you need to, and look on the bright side: Pregnancy insomnia is great training for those sleepless nights to come! Your baby is still gaining weight (about half a pound a week), and she could grow up to another full inch this week. With that much baby inside your uterus, your amniotic fluid level has maxed out, which explains why some of her pokes and kicks feel pretty sharp these days. (There's less fluid to cushion the blows.) Antibodies are being passed from you to your little one as she continues to develop her own fetal immune system, which will come in handy once she's outside the womb and fending off all sorts of germs.

ok so I really have no problem sleeping right now its just I wake up to pee SO MANY TIMES during the night. Which is so funny because I stop drinking anything at like 7 O'clock and I still pee like a river.. I KNOW TMI. But really if I didn't have to wake up to go to the bathroom I would probably sleep thru the night. I do however, wake up when I have to flip on to the other side but I go right back to sleep... I remember this point in my pregnancies with the other 2. I was roaming the halls and in the fridge and watching late night info-mercials at this point in my pregnancy. So thank goodness I am not doing that. I am so much more tired during this pregnancy though. I mean I was with the other 2 pregnancies but I can barely get dressed with out being completely exhausted now... Well less than 7 weeks and it will all be over and the sad part is, I will never go thru this again. :(

Baby Shower

Well I have to just say that this past weekend I have never felt so loved by SO many people at one time. I was very blessed to have my dear friend Miss A. throw me a wonderful shower. I received so much and I was just so overwhelmed. Miss A. thank you so much for for loving me and baby Z so much to throw us such a wonderful shower. Also, that you to everyone else who baked and helped out as well. You all did such a wonderful job and I really did feel so loved and I am so happy everyone else is really excited for this little girl to get here....

getting ready for the arrival.

I know I still have 7 weeks to go but I am a planner and I dont like anything forgotten about because then I start to stress and as we all know stress is not good for the baby.... One thing I am in major need of is a good cleaning lady that doesn't charge a lot of money and is ok with doing some major cleaning.. I know that sounds impossible but I really need ALOT of stuff done because unfortunately I can not do all of it because of being in so much pain. I would prefer not to know the cleaning lady because I feel like I am going to be really bossy during the cleaning process and well it is just easier if I dont know the person. I know that sounds really nuts but if I know the person it is so hard for me to tell them what to do. I know I can make a list of things to be done so if all else fails I guess I could know the person... Do I sound like I am rambling? Ok anyway, I am in need of a few other things so anyone reading this that may have some of these items that you can lend of even give that would be great.

• wash clothes. ( I need about 2 dozen in all)
• older receiving blankets.. ones that are not that pretty and are ok to get a little "dirty"
• Queen size bedsheets (fitted and flat) they do not have to be nice or cute just maybe something that you were going to be getting rid of or something.
• pillowcases
• a stock pot or dutch oven (obviously not to have but to borrow)
• a plastic shower curtain
• heating pad
• old panty hose or knee highs
  

I feel like this is a lot to ask for but our budget is so tight right now it makes it so hard to get a lot of these items. So I am just asking if you have any of these things laying around your house and you can part with them I would love to take them off your hands...

Hello all

I know I have been neglecting this blog so I am so sorry to all of you who really look forward to reading it, all one of you. LOL
Today I am doing a lot of research on cloth diapers. I really like the idea of the gdiaper. Anything that is Eco friendly (and less laundry) gets me excited.... I am still reading about them but I did however register for some. They seem easy and they are cute.. Also, if any of you have any suggestions about cloth diapers PLEASE leave me a comment, I would love to hear them. I have looked at the bumkins but to be honest they really do seem like a lot of money for me. I have even looked on eBay and they still seem pretty steep. I do understand that the resale value on them is great but living on such a tight budget makes it hard to buy them in the first place. I am having fun looking at all the different diapers though.

I am also thinking of making my own wipes, unless I can find a Eco-friendly wipe... When I say Eco friendly I don't mean with the ingredients that they are made of, I am looking for ones that are not only good for the babies skin but you can dispose of them in a "green" way.......

So if you have any suggestions on any of these please feel free to leave a comment. I would love it.

To catch up on what is going on with this pregnancy you can ready here:
Baby Z 1 or here Baby Z 2