At my check-up this morning, all was well. Blood pressure still perfect, (shockingly) weight gain wasn't bad and everything is right on track. Per hospital rules, we can't officially schedule the c-section until three weeks prior, but my doctor is planning on Dec. 19, exactly seven weeks from today!
How Far Along: 32 weeks (and one day).
Baby is the size of: A pumpkin squash (fitting for Halloween!) Almost 4 lbs and around 19 inches! I believe every inch because I feel simultaneous movements from the tippy top to the very bottom of my belly.
Sleep: Hmmm...well, I can't complain too much because I know it could be much worse, but I'm not sure what a full night's sleep feels like anymore. There are numerous bathroom breaks and or mommy breaks when a little person comes into our room at night.
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks have slowly returned, but nothing major at all. Starting to feel hot all the time and get tired much easier.
Movement: Lots and lots. This baby rarely slows down--I love it!
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity clothes, but my favorite
clothes are my comfy lounging and/or work out clothes.
Go-to eats: Right now, nothing in particular...Though I have been thinking a lot about Chili's. Random. I couldn't tell you the last time I was there.
Best moment of the week: Over the weekend, we went through tubs and tubs of Macey and Easton's baby clothes. While that part wasn't fun, the end result of getting together all those precious baby clothes was so worth it. It won't be long until a little baby is getting lots of use out of them!
Gender: I'm still thinking boy, but who knows!
What I’m looking forward to: TOMORROW. When I wake up tomorrow morning, I can say, "We're having a baby next month!" :-)
October 31, 2013
October 23, 2013
31 Weeks!
How Far Along: 31 weeks. Wow.
Baby is the size of: A pineapple. About 16 inches long and a little more than 3 pounds.
Sleep: By the time dinner and baths are done, I am so very much looking forward to bed. Still takes me some time to fall asleep, and I wake up often thanks to potty breaks or kiddos needing something, but it's just preparing me for the feeding sessions with a newborn! :-)
Symptoms: This past week, the Braxton Hicks contractions haven't been nearly as frequent. I've had some, but not daily. Other than that (and some hip pain), everything's moving along quite nicely.
Movement: Very frequent. I feel like this child must already be big because the movements happen all across my belly. Lots of elbow scrapes, which are the weirdest feeling ever. Macey was 7 pounds even and Easton was 8 pounds 6 ounces, so I'm mentally preparing for a 9 pounder, just because in my non-medical opinion it seems like they'll just keep getting bigger!
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity clothes, but my favorite clothes are my comfy lounging and/or work out clothes.
Go-to eats: Right now, nothing in particular, but I'm almost always at least a little big hungry.
Best moment of the week: Last night, Macey said, "Come on, mommy. Come on, Sadie. Let's go upstairs!" I said, "Macey, you do remember this might be a little boy right?" Some days she's still not convinced that there could be a boy in this belly!
Gender: Although I'm still thinking boy, I can also fully admit that it just might be because a lot of friends and loved ones think it's a boy, so it's easy to jump on that train. This weekend, we're going to pull down the newborn clothes from the attic and start getting some things ready so we'll be prepared for our Sadie or our Hayden.
What I’m looking forward to: Still pretty excited about Nov. 1 so that I can officially say, "Our baby will be here next month!" That makes it seem so very, very real. I'm also getting a little anxious to go ahead and schedule the c-section because I realized that the kids' Christmas program and school parties are very close to when the c-section will likely happen, and I don't want to miss out on any of that! Of course, if this baby comes on its own, we'll have to figure it all out, but I'll feel better when I can get it on the schedule avoiding those dates.
October 16, 2013
30 Weeks...
How Far Along: 30 weeks. Oh my goodness, it's the final countdown because by week 39, this sweet baby will be here! Nine weeks or less. Unbelievable.
Baby is the size of: A cucumber. Around 3 pounds and about 16 inches long. From the wiggly feelings I have all over my belly, I think this kid may be more like 20 inches long already!
Sleep: A bit lacking in that department lately. I have trouble falling asleep, then I frequently run out of space and covers because of the small children and dogs who find their way into our bed each night. Last night, I moved to Macey's bed because she was in ours, but precious Dorsey who loves her mommy followed me in there to go back to sleep with me in Macey's twin sized bed. And she laid all 55 pounds of her across my legs. Super comfy. Oh well, before long I'll be awake through the night for a much sweeter reason. :-)
Symptoms: Still experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions at least a couple times each day, which is such an interesting experience after having them very rarely with the other two pregnancies. Although I don't think Braxton Hicks contractions are truly connected with going into labor all on your own, I can't help but wonder if that will happen this time. My first two had no signs whatsoever of ever coming out, so I just wonder if this baby has different plans!
Movement: Often! Lately I've felt some elbow scrapes all across my belly, which is simultaneously precious and uncomfortable. Last night as I was reading before bed, the book literally kept bouncing around because the baby was kicking and moving so much in there.
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity clothes, but my favorite clothes are my comfy lounging and/or work out clothes. When I get home from work, I almost always change into some comfy pants and one of Greg's t-shirts. Last night, Macey--who is all things girly when it comes to clothes--said, "Mommy, when you were daddy's shirts, you're just handsome." It didn't exactly sound like a compliment...she's much happier when I'm in cute dresses and maternity clothes. :-)
Go-to eats: Sunday after church we went to the delicious Corky's for a yummy barbecue lunch! Finally! I was a happy girl. Still having way too much trouble avoiding sweets. Basically, the whole "avoiding" part just isn't happening.
Best moment of the week: Buying Baby J his/her very first stuffed animal. I just love it. It's the softest green and yellow lion ever! I'll use that for the monthly pictures I like to do until age 1.
Gender: No idea. A lot of people are surprised that we haven't found out, but it's been surprisingly easy. When I do get a little antsy and wish I knew, I think about how fun it'll be in the operating room when Greg and I see our baby for the first time and learn if we have a precious girl or boy. And then I LOVE thinking about Greg going out into the waiting room and telling everyone!
What I’m looking forward to: Hmmm...let's see. At this point, in my opinion, every week is a big deal, but I'm really looking forward to November 1. That's when I can officially say, "My baby will be here NEXT MONTH!"
Baby is the size of: A cucumber. Around 3 pounds and about 16 inches long. From the wiggly feelings I have all over my belly, I think this kid may be more like 20 inches long already!
Sleep: A bit lacking in that department lately. I have trouble falling asleep, then I frequently run out of space and covers because of the small children and dogs who find their way into our bed each night. Last night, I moved to Macey's bed because she was in ours, but precious Dorsey who loves her mommy followed me in there to go back to sleep with me in Macey's twin sized bed. And she laid all 55 pounds of her across my legs. Super comfy. Oh well, before long I'll be awake through the night for a much sweeter reason. :-)
Symptoms: Still experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions at least a couple times each day, which is such an interesting experience after having them very rarely with the other two pregnancies. Although I don't think Braxton Hicks contractions are truly connected with going into labor all on your own, I can't help but wonder if that will happen this time. My first two had no signs whatsoever of ever coming out, so I just wonder if this baby has different plans!
Movement: Often! Lately I've felt some elbow scrapes all across my belly, which is simultaneously precious and uncomfortable. Last night as I was reading before bed, the book literally kept bouncing around because the baby was kicking and moving so much in there.
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity clothes, but my favorite clothes are my comfy lounging and/or work out clothes. When I get home from work, I almost always change into some comfy pants and one of Greg's t-shirts. Last night, Macey--who is all things girly when it comes to clothes--said, "Mommy, when you were daddy's shirts, you're just handsome." It didn't exactly sound like a compliment...she's much happier when I'm in cute dresses and maternity clothes. :-)
Go-to eats: Sunday after church we went to the delicious Corky's for a yummy barbecue lunch! Finally! I was a happy girl. Still having way too much trouble avoiding sweets. Basically, the whole "avoiding" part just isn't happening.
Best moment of the week: Buying Baby J his/her very first stuffed animal. I just love it. It's the softest green and yellow lion ever! I'll use that for the monthly pictures I like to do until age 1.
Gender: No idea. A lot of people are surprised that we haven't found out, but it's been surprisingly easy. When I do get a little antsy and wish I knew, I think about how fun it'll be in the operating room when Greg and I see our baby for the first time and learn if we have a precious girl or boy. And then I LOVE thinking about Greg going out into the waiting room and telling everyone!
What I’m looking forward to: Hmmm...let's see. At this point, in my opinion, every week is a big deal, but I'm really looking forward to November 1. That's when I can officially say, "My baby will be here NEXT MONTH!"
October 9, 2013
29 Weeks
How Far Along: 29 weeks. It's crazy to be able to officially say that our baby will be here in 10 weeks or less. (Remember, unless Baby J comes earlier, this will be a c-section at week 39.)
Baby is the size of: An acorn squash. Didn't even know there was such a thing. Weighs anywhere from 2.5 to 3 pounds, which is probably about right for this little baby since he/she was measuring at 2 pounds 10 ounces last week at the doctor's office.
Sleep:Hip pain has been tough, but thankfully once I'm asleep, I've been sleeping really well.
Symptoms: Pretty frequent Braxton Hicks contractions, which is such an interesting experience after having them very rarely with the other two pregnancies. Nothing at all that's made me fear rushing to the hospital or anything like that, just enough to remind me that this baby will be here before I know it!
Movement: Pretty consistent (and very frequent) this week!
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity clothes, but my favorite clothes are my comfy lounging and/or work out clothes.
Go-to eats: I still haven't had any BBQ, but that still sounds really, really, really good right now. ATTENTION: Someone should get me some dang BBQ. Oh and sweets are kind of out of control lately. There may or may not be brownies baking in my oven as I type this...
Best moment of the week: Last night, Macey and Easton were laying beside me and talking to the baby, and Baby J started moving a lot! It was so sweet, like he already knows his brother and sister.
Gender: Still don't know. Even after last week's ultrasound, I know nothing. Because the main person doing last week's ultrasound was a student, I kept turning my head afraid I'd see something. Finally the sweet tech overseeing her said, "Trust me, this baby is so balled up and breech that there's no way you'll accidentally see something." We're all in the dark on this one! (Except God. He totally knows.)
What I’m looking forward to: Week 30! When I'm in the final set of weeks, it'll feel so much closer. And maybe I should get busy doing some baby-related stuff around the house...
Baby is the size of: An acorn squash. Didn't even know there was such a thing. Weighs anywhere from 2.5 to 3 pounds, which is probably about right for this little baby since he/she was measuring at 2 pounds 10 ounces last week at the doctor's office.
Sleep:Hip pain has been tough, but thankfully once I'm asleep, I've been sleeping really well.
Symptoms: Pretty frequent Braxton Hicks contractions, which is such an interesting experience after having them very rarely with the other two pregnancies. Nothing at all that's made me fear rushing to the hospital or anything like that, just enough to remind me that this baby will be here before I know it!
Movement: Pretty consistent (and very frequent) this week!
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity clothes, but my favorite clothes are my comfy lounging and/or work out clothes.
Go-to eats: I still haven't had any BBQ, but that still sounds really, really, really good right now. ATTENTION: Someone should get me some dang BBQ. Oh and sweets are kind of out of control lately. There may or may not be brownies baking in my oven as I type this...
Best moment of the week: Last night, Macey and Easton were laying beside me and talking to the baby, and Baby J started moving a lot! It was so sweet, like he already knows his brother and sister.
Gender: Still don't know. Even after last week's ultrasound, I know nothing. Because the main person doing last week's ultrasound was a student, I kept turning my head afraid I'd see something. Finally the sweet tech overseeing her said, "Trust me, this baby is so balled up and breech that there's no way you'll accidentally see something." We're all in the dark on this one! (Except God. He totally knows.)
What I’m looking forward to: Week 30! When I'm in the final set of weeks, it'll feel so much closer. And maybe I should get busy doing some baby-related stuff around the house...
October 3, 2013
Updates From the Doc
Today's check-up went great! Passed the glucose test (thank goodness), got both the flu and TDAP shots (didn't hurt, thank goodness) and my blood pressure was a perfect 120/80.
While all of that was just great, the best part was an extra long ultrasound thanks to the fact that there was a student technician who needed to do extra measurements and whatnot for class requirements. I was more than happy to oblige.
Baby looks great! Solid heart rate of 155 BPM and weighing in at 2 pounds, 10 ounces, which is very average at this point. Overall, the baby is still measuring a little ahead of schedule, but still no discussion of moving my due date up.
Baby J has already started his/her "practice" breathing exercises, which I always find so interesting. Basically, babies in the womb don't breathe in the sense that we're accustomed to, but they build up their lung function by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. This starts at some point in the third trimester, but it's different for every baby. I'm very happy to know this sweet one has already started because that would be very helpful if he/she decided to arrive early.
The only downsides?
While all of that was just great, the best part was an extra long ultrasound thanks to the fact that there was a student technician who needed to do extra measurements and whatnot for class requirements. I was more than happy to oblige.
Baby looks great! Solid heart rate of 155 BPM and weighing in at 2 pounds, 10 ounces, which is very average at this point. Overall, the baby is still measuring a little ahead of schedule, but still no discussion of moving my due date up.
Baby J has already started his/her "practice" breathing exercises, which I always find so interesting. Basically, babies in the womb don't breathe in the sense that we're accustomed to, but they build up their lung function by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. This starts at some point in the third trimester, but it's different for every baby. I'm very happy to know this sweet one has already started because that would be very helpful if he/she decided to arrive early.
The only downsides?
- I completely forgot about asking for ultrasound pictures!
- I was either misinformed or confused (probably just confused) because I don't start bi-weekly visits yet. Kind of a bummer, but not a huge deal. I'll go back on Halloween and then start going every other week.
October 2, 2013
28 Weeks--Hello Third Trimester!
How Far Along: 28 weeks. The third (and final!) trimester is finally here. Crazy! I begin bi-weekly check-ups tomorrow, which means things will start to fly by! Can't wait to check on this sweet baby boy...or girl. :-)
Baby is the size of: An eggplant--around 2.5 pounds and 16 inches long. Amazing that all of that is sitting tight in my belly.
Sleep: Hip pain and lack of room when I'm trying to sleep thanks to the two dogs in our bed, the two children who inevitably wiggle in at some point and my growing belly.
Symptoms: Just my old lady, achy hips.
Movement: Pretty consistent. I love feeling the movement, but I guess that's pretty standard for all pregnant women. Although it doesn't really matter at this point, I'm almost positive Baby J is still in the breech position that he/she was in back at my 20-week ultrasound because almost all the movement is way down low below my bellybutton. I think the little feet are hanging out down there.
(**Post check-up update** Yep, baby is still very happily in a complete breech position, sitting on his/her booty with legs crossed.)
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity clothes, but my favorite clothes are my comfy lounging and/or work out clothes.
Go-to eats: I still haven't had any BBQ, but that still sounds really, really, really good right now.
Best moment of the week: Macey referring to the baby as "my baby brother Hayden." This entire time she's been saying it's a girl and there was only a "Sadie" in there, but now she's starting to think it just might be a boy. Regardless, she'll be the greatest big sister to this lucky baby, too!
Gender: Still don't know, but I have now officially dreamed of a baby boy twice...
What I’m looking forward to: Tomorrow's check-up! I'm at the point (hopefully this is normal) where everything makes me a little anxious, so those more frequent check-ups will be so reassuring.
September 25, 2013
27 Weeks
How Far Along: 27 weeks. OH MY GOSH, in 12 weeks or less this baby will be in my arms! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OK, I'll calm down now.
Baby is the size of: Supposedly, a rutabaga, but I really think that's already been used a few weeks before. Obviously, I need to use the same website from week to week for the sake of consistency. Anywho, Baby J is a little more than 2 pounds and around 15 inches long. I keep thinking this baby will be a big one, so each week I kind of err on the side of the bigger measurements when looking at the averages. Macey was 7 pounds even, and Easton was 8 pounds 6 ounces, so I feel like this one will be over 9 pounds. Not really sure if that's scientific, but it makes sense to me.
Sleep: Hip pain is definitely rearing it's ugly head making it tough to fall asleep some nights, but overall I can't complain.
Total Weight Gain: Right at 20 pounds. And I think I'm officially don't answering this question for the remainder of the pregnancy. Everyone OK with that? Cool.
Symptoms: Just my old lady, achy hips. :-)
Movement: While there are days with more activity than others, the movements are very, very easily felt. He's already an active thing!
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity clothes, but my favorite clothes are my comfy lounging and/or work out clothes.
Go-to eats: Pizza always sounds like an amazing idea. This week BBQ has been on my mind a lot. Memphis babies have to have their fair share of BBQ while in utero, right?
Best moment of the week: One night recently, I was laying down reading and it, was as if Baby J was doing the worm. The movements were crazy over the top and easily seen with my eyes. Greg was even able to watch it all.
Gender: Still don't know, but I have now officially dreamed of a baby boy twice...
What I’m looking forward to: The third trimester, of course! Just one week away!
Baby is the size of: Supposedly, a rutabaga, but I really think that's already been used a few weeks before. Obviously, I need to use the same website from week to week for the sake of consistency. Anywho, Baby J is a little more than 2 pounds and around 15 inches long. I keep thinking this baby will be a big one, so each week I kind of err on the side of the bigger measurements when looking at the averages. Macey was 7 pounds even, and Easton was 8 pounds 6 ounces, so I feel like this one will be over 9 pounds. Not really sure if that's scientific, but it makes sense to me.
Sleep: Hip pain is definitely rearing it's ugly head making it tough to fall asleep some nights, but overall I can't complain.
Total Weight Gain: Right at 20 pounds. And I think I'm officially don't answering this question for the remainder of the pregnancy. Everyone OK with that? Cool.
Symptoms: Just my old lady, achy hips. :-)
Movement: While there are days with more activity than others, the movements are very, very easily felt. He's already an active thing!
Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity clothes, but my favorite clothes are my comfy lounging and/or work out clothes.
Go-to eats: Pizza always sounds like an amazing idea. This week BBQ has been on my mind a lot. Memphis babies have to have their fair share of BBQ while in utero, right?
Best moment of the week: One night recently, I was laying down reading and it, was as if Baby J was doing the worm. The movements were crazy over the top and easily seen with my eyes. Greg was even able to watch it all.
Gender: Still don't know, but I have now officially dreamed of a baby boy twice...
What I’m looking forward to: The third trimester, of course! Just one week away!
Being a "Grown-Up" and a Mom...
Being an adult (and I use that term loosely) and a mom has taught be a thing or two. Because I've been an official grown-up for almost 11 years and a mother for 4, I'm really, really wise.
Some things I now know...
Some things I now know...
- Being a mom means figuring out how to gracefully exit a Target when your child pukes in the diaper aisle. (I cleaned everything up first. Really Target should thank me because the floor was probably cleaner than it had been in the first place.)
- Being a mom means learning the fine line between needing stitches and needing a hearty Band-Aid. (For the record, we've only had stitches once. Waiting on the broken bone any moment now.)
- Being a mom means knowing how to politely tell your child, "Quit faking, you're not hurt." But you know, in a sweeter way than that.
- Being a mom of three (almost) has most definitely taught me how to keep my mouth shut when others seems catty or self-righteous about the only way to parent. And, by the way, makes me very, very thankful that I decided long ago (pre-kids) to literally never say never. I knew I'd end up eating my words when I had kids, so I thought it'd be best to bypass that completely.
- Being a mom means reminding a smaller person to say, "I need to use the restroom" instead of "I need to go poop right now!" on a daily basis.
- Being a mom means being right by their side when they want to see if the family fish will allow them to be pet. (Woody seemed OK with it; Sofia, not so much.)
- Being a mom means playing in the mud, running in the rain, dumping out every toy in the toy box and letting kids help cook dinner is kind of amazing. Messy, but amazing. I mean, really...is there much of anything that truly can't be cleaned up later?
- Being a mom means ironing is so overrated. Unless it's picture day, a holiday or a Sunday morning when my mom will see the kids at church, I don't care about wrinkles. (Maybe this one just applies to me.)
- Being a mom means you're the best mom you can be for your child. Give yourself a break, you're doing everything right...even if you mess up every once in a while.
September 19, 2013
The Name Game
With poor Easton, we didn't have a name picked out until the third trimester. For some people, that's completely normal, but I'm a planner, and it was nearing a totally unacceptable time frame to still have a nameless child in my womb. We found a compromise and agreed on Easton (Greg's favorite) Paul (my dad's name).
Before we were even pregnant this time, I was determined to have at least a narrow list of name possibilities. I could sit and talk about baby names for hours, but Greg thinks it's the most boring thing ever--especially when we're not even expecting a child! But one day we were on a quick road trip, just the two of us, and we decided to make a baby name game like a basketball tournament bracket until we found our favorites.
We came up with some great ideas, which was perfect for when we found out we were expecting bambino numero tres.
And now, I think we've officially decided on the name possibilities:
Before we were even pregnant this time, I was determined to have at least a narrow list of name possibilities. I could sit and talk about baby names for hours, but Greg thinks it's the most boring thing ever--especially when we're not even expecting a child! But one day we were on a quick road trip, just the two of us, and we decided to make a baby name game like a basketball tournament bracket until we found our favorites.
We came up with some great ideas, which was perfect for when we found out we were expecting bambino numero tres.
And now, I think we've officially decided on the name possibilities:
Hayden Gregory Joyner
Sadie Marie Joyner
Hayden is a name we both really love, and Gregory is (duh) Greg's full name. Sadie is just a sweet little name (in our opinion), and it just so happens to be the name of two of my great-grandmothers.
Marie is the most special because my amazing, awesome, wonderful Nana was named Margaret Marie, and she thought every girl in the world should have the middle name of Marie. She was a big fan. Also, it's my Aunt Lee's middle name, and she'll try to convince you that we'd be naming a girl after her. :-) Marie is also special because Greg had a precious, precious Aunt Marie who passed away not too long ago. She was a spitfire who everyone loved, and she has a special place in all of our hearts.
Dream, Dream, Dream
I'm sure most people have heard about women experiencing vivid, crazy, weird or scary dreams during pregnancy. Although, I can't remember any super crazy things happening while I was in dream land with any pregnancy, I've definitely had baby-related dreams. When I was pregnant with Macey, I remember dreaming that Greg and I were walking through the mall with a toddler-aged girl. That was before we knew she was indeed a girl!
When I was in my first trimester this time around, I had a dream that my precious Nana (who passed away last year) was rocking this sweet baby, and it was a boy.
Last night, I also dreamed of a baby boy...but...this dream wasn't as precious. Terrifying was more like it.
Background info: Keep in mind, I've had two scheduled c-sections and have never even felt a real, labor contraction. My body's never dilated, I've never been effaced...shoot, I still don't even really understand what effaced means. At this point, a c-section is about 99% likely this time around, too.
So...last night, I dreamed that I not only went into full blown labor, BUT it was so fast that baby boy was delivered right in our house. And he was TEN POUNDS, 2 OUNCES. I basically dreamed that I gave birth to a freakin' toddler. The old fashioned way!
Ay yi yi.
Still...it's kind of interesting that I dreamed of a boy once more, especially because lately I haven't really had any strong feelings either way about the gender.
When I was in my first trimester this time around, I had a dream that my precious Nana (who passed away last year) was rocking this sweet baby, and it was a boy.
Last night, I also dreamed of a baby boy...but...this dream wasn't as precious. Terrifying was more like it.
Background info: Keep in mind, I've had two scheduled c-sections and have never even felt a real, labor contraction. My body's never dilated, I've never been effaced...shoot, I still don't even really understand what effaced means. At this point, a c-section is about 99% likely this time around, too.
So...last night, I dreamed that I not only went into full blown labor, BUT it was so fast that baby boy was delivered right in our house. And he was TEN POUNDS, 2 OUNCES. I basically dreamed that I gave birth to a freakin' toddler. The old fashioned way!
Ay yi yi.
Still...it's kind of interesting that I dreamed of a boy once more, especially because lately I haven't really had any strong feelings either way about the gender.
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