Let the good times roll...

Layla Blaine at 30w3d

Well, good news! Turns out all it took to up my AF was to drown myself in water & take it easy for a few days. At our first scan on Wednesday my fluid measured at 9cm which is on the "lower end of normal" and at our scan on Friday my AF was up to 15! Whew!

I was so relieved to know it was nothing more than needing to increase my water intake. I felt like I drank plenty of water throughout the day but apparently my body needed more. I invested in a fabulous 32oz. Bubba keg with these awesomely huge straws & I basically refill it alllllll day long. 

I bought mine at Target

I should also probably avoid those salt & vinegar chips I was loving last week!

I had cancelled our 3rd attempt at a 3D ultrasound because of my fluid & having to schedule a doctor's appointment..and looks like we didn't miss out on seeing her face. See her picture up there? Yeah..she has her foot on top of her nose. Apparently space is limited in there and she's folded up with her feet at her face. I'm looking forward to having a future yoga partner!

I'm also hoping she's not giving us a glimpse into her teenage future with that duck face she seems to be making. I like to think she was just blowing a kiss! I did ask the tech about those lips, she said that baby's nose & lips typically look bigger on an ultrasound than they actually are. 

So..all in all, we are in the clear! I'm looking forward to getting back to our trouble free pregnancy. My midwife said, "if this were my baby, I would be very very happy!"

Now for her daddy to get home...

Fingers crossed!

Layla and I had our 30 week appointment today and we came home with mixed news.

First, the good news..and that she is absolutely still a GIRL!

The ultrasound tech pointed out that her lady parts looked like a hamburger so now that's all I see when I look at this picture, ha! I am appreciative that she listened to my craziness and took a quick peek for me.

The ultrasound was a little unexpected due to the midwife from today finally recognizing that my belly is a little smaller than it should be. I measured 26 weeks today and even though this made me nervous, I was appreciative that someone finally took notice rather than attributing it to "oh you're just tall!". It was a relief in a strange way. We did a growth scan just to make sure all was going well.

Baby girl is growing perfectly which was my main worry when I heard that I was measuring small. She is currently 3 pounds 8 oz and all her parts are measuring right on track. She is measuring in the 50th percentile which is completely normal. My midwife said they like to see anything between 10%-90% so 50 is right in the middle. She gave us a great shot of her  bum (she's always been really eager to show off her lady parts!) but of course made it nearly impossible to get any view of her face (shocker!).

She is definitely making us wait for her grand debut to show us that face!

She is in the same position as when I went for the 3D ultrasound; head down, back curving along my left side, her bum is under my leftside ribs and feet are over under my right ribs. Even though the ultrasound wasn't happening for a great reason, I always love seeing her and hearing that she is growing well.

The only less than stellar news is that my fluid is measuring a little lower than where they would like it to be. This along with my long torso is why my belly is a little smaller. My fluid level isn't dangerously low and is on the "low side of normal"..so I'm not panicking. Layla is so active (and was while we were waiting at our appointment) so her activity level along with her growth make me feel better. I still of course want my fluid to be where it should be. I will go for a second ultrasound this Friday to make sure my level isn't decreasing. If it is staying the same, then no worries. If it has decreased then I will go to the hospital for IV fluids and bed rest.

My mind is kind of all over the place..I'm not stressing because the news isn't necessarily bad. She is not in danger and hopefully after today and tomorrow it will have increased when we scan again. I think I'm just used to having in-and-out appointments where they give me a once over and say "ok great, see ya next time".

The only thing that puts me a little on edge is taking into consideration all of the plans I have for the next few weeks, as far as moving back to North Carolina. If my fluid becomes an "issue" then I will start going to the doctor 2x/week which could make switching doctors a little more hectic and could maybe even take the whole move off the table. I wouldn't want to push my luck or my body.

However it works, we will figure it out. I believe sometimes things happen and plans change for a reason. I'm staying positive that nothing more comes from this but until Friday, I'm chugging water and staying off my feet as much as I can. Waiting to see how the scan comes back on Friday to see if we will still take our trip to NC for the week of Christmas. Fingers crossed!

30 Weeks - Let the countdown begin!

How Far Along: 30 weeks! Oh yes, I can count the remaining weeks on my hands. 

How I'm Feeling: I'm somewhere between "oh I'm not that big" and "holy shit she has to practically double in weight!"

I physically feel great for being 30 weeks pregnant. Very minimal discomfort and I am only reminded that I'm pregnant when I'm trying to get out of the car or off of the couch. Or when she karate kicks my boobs when I'm sitting. Now that she has turned head down I feel a lot of little kicks up top and I think she moves her elbows back-and-forth across my lower abdomen. I always feel hiccups in my lower left side which at the last ultrasound was right where her head was.

A lot of the comments on my weekly update were women with an entire list of complaints..heartburn, can't sleep, swollen, stretch marks, nauseous, all over pains, headaches..the list continues. I am feeling very fortunate to be able to enjoy my pregnancy. I know as the weeks progress I'll become increasingly uncomfortable but for now I feel pretty damn good!

Mentally, I'm so in love with her! I can only imagine how that love will grow once she's here. I feel like I'm understanding where moms get their "my child is the cutest/best/most beautiful child ever" complex. From just the tiny glimpses I got from her last ultrasound I'm obsessed with her! I told Dylan, "I think she really is cute..and I'm not just saying that because she's ours"..and then I started wondering if thats what every mom thinks! It begins...

Weight Gain/Loss: I'll find out tomorrow at my doctor's appointment! 

Cravings: Cheesecake & Salt and Vinegar chips. No, not together. Ha.

Gender: Girl ...I'm having unsolicited fears that she is really a boy and everyone was wrong in the beginning. It's the crazy talking..

What I Miss: Still not missing much..I had a moment yesterday that called for a jumbo delish margarita! The good kind..not too green..not too mixy..perfect slush factor. Oh yeah..could have gone for one of those! Have to wait a while longer..

What I'm Looking Forward To: I'm very excited because the previously mentioned stressful moment actually ended in getting an actual plan for these next few weeks! I was able to pinpoint when I'll move back to NC, when Dylan will be home (don't screw this up USMC!), and when to schedule with my doctor up there. It was a huge relief to finally finally have some answers.

My mom and I are going up to my house in NC next week for Christmas..I'm excited to see Marchello & spend some time in the nursery. There isn't really much I can do at this point but just getting some of Layla's things up there will feel good. It will feel like a mini vacation.

I ordered our cloth diaper stash...shipping takes FOREVER but I'm relieved to know they are on their way and I'm looking forward to that little venture. It's still shocking to me that I'm excited to cloth diaper..I literally said I would never, ever cloth diaper and now I'm so happy that we are.

Weekly Wisdom: I've mentioned starting your registry early before, but I'm coming back to say it again because I am still obsessing over ours. I started the registry in the first trimester (kept it private for the time being) and up until today I am still adding/deleting/altering ours. I feel like it's finally "complete" but I can't imagine how stressed I would feel if I had waited till late in the game to start it! Give yourself the time to research and look into what you think would benefit your family the most. There have been plenty of items that I thought were "MUST HAVES" when I first became pregnant and now that time is drawing closer, I've become more realistic as to what we can really get the most use from (example: delete the ruffled diaper covers, add more burp cloths). I think the longer you're in the "baby waiting game" and the more blogs that you read from new moms you discover new praise and criticism of certain products.

We've also been very fortunate to have some of our registered items handed down to us from family friends. It's been great because it allows me to delete those items from the registry in hopes that other items can be fulfilled! 

Dear Layla..

Oh Layla Blaine, how much I already love you! Your momma just wanted to say how happy she is that you flipped and are no longer breech. Maybe it was my stretching and downward dog poses, or maybe you are just moving at your own perfect pace and flipped right when you were "supposed" to. You are already teaching me a lesson, and that is to not worry...you are doing great in there. 

Lauren, the ultrasound tech, was very patient with you today as you are still camera shy. She said maybe you are waiting for your daddy to show us your sweet face. You gave us a couple decent shots and I'm very grateful to have them. I think you are adorable! You have the cutest little nose & the sweetest little chunky cheeks! Despite you keeping your arm in front of your face (and even a foot at one point) I still can't stop staring at your pictures. You weigh 3lbs 5 oz right now and if you gain at the average half pound/week you should be around 8 pounds by the time you arrive! Whew! Your long legs are measuring in the 87th percentile...no question who you got those legs from!

We will see if the "third time is a charm" at your next ultrasound. It will just be me so maybe you won't be so shy! If so, that's okay too. It won't be much longer until we see you in person and I have a feeling I won't be able to take my eyes off of you.

It was your daddy's birthday today! I showed him your pictures and he said that you were beautiful.

We can't wait to meet you!!

29 weeks

How Far Along: 29 weeks! Baby girl is roughly around the size of a butternut squash. Size references are starting to get really weird and confusing! She is busy packing on fat (and Mommy feels the same way!). 

How I'm Feeling: No complaints. Physically, I feel like Layla let's me know how I will sit and lay. She is quick to let me know if I'm squishing her, bossy lady. Oh, and she is a maniac in there. She looks like she's having a rave in my belly every night (which is my favorite thing to watch). She rolls around so much I can't tell where she is or what position she is in right now. We have our second attempt at the 3D ultrasound this Saturday so I am really hoping she has flipped or is at least in a better position when we peek at her.

Mentally, I feel good this week. The child birth class I attended answered any and every question or thought I've had about the labor and delivery process. It really set my mind at ease & I highly recommend attending a class if you have the opportunity. It was taught by my (so far) favorite midwife and it was the opportunity to have a 5 hour question-answer session (along with free breakfast and lunch, hellloooo...).

Dylan is also in the beginning stage of making the transition to coming home...still not sure of when it will be, but at least the ball is rolling. Thank you God.

Weight Gain/Loss: My appetite has increased A LOT. I would think I am definitely hitting my 1 pound/week gain. I have my appointment next week to get the official weight gain. 

Cravings: Ok, so the pie craving is over. Whew. I think I am just flat out hungry now, so anything and everything will do! The only thing I craved this week was to try Starbucks' Caramel Apple Spice...blah. Holy sweet. I liked it for about 5 minutes. I tried to stock up on vegetables at the grocery store...Layla feels like such a REAL little person in there and her arrival is becoming more and more of a reality. I feel like I need to eat healthy as much as I possibly can! Plus, I need all the fiber I can get...if you catch my drift.

Gender: Girl ...and the best little tap dancing, break dancer baby around!

What I Miss: As a self proclaimed wino, I feel like I could say wine every week. My pregnancy has been so good and easy, I honestly don't miss a whole lot. I feel like there is so much to look forward to that I don't really focus on what I'm missing. 

What I'm Looking Forward To: Where to begin? I am looking forward to Saturday and to hopefully have a successful ultrasound! I am trying to not get too excited as I know it could be another flop {whomp whomp} but I gave Layla a big pep talk so fingers crossed we get at least a decent glimpse! I am also looking forward to learning more about Dylan's return date and finally creating a plan for us as far as where I will deliver, etc. I'm excited for my doctor's appointment next week as it's my last 4 week visit & I will then start going every other week!

Dylan and I also are having a new washer & dryer delivered to our NC house this week! (Merry Christmas to us!)
We have made the decision to cloth diaper and I can't wait to put in our first order of diapers..seriously, they are so CUTE. Obsessed. Dylan is 100% on board and was actually the one to push me further into looking into cloth diapering. I was never one to think I would have any interest in the whole thing, but it's worth looking into if you are curious! 

Weekly Wisdom: I mentioned it earlier, but if you have the chance to go to a child birth class, do it!
There are so many thoughts and unknowns while pregnant with your first baby, it was so nice to have my mind put at ease. I feel so much more prepared which is invaluable. My class wasn't sitting on the floor practicing breathing and being rediculous, it was informative and laid back and 5 hours honestly flew by. I feel like we got the "inside scoop" of how things REALLY go during your time in the hospital and during delivery straight from the mouth of a midwife who has delivered over 2400 babies. Much better information than what you read online (which can be terrifying)!

I created a list of my "pregnancy must haves" early on & wanted to give an updated list of my favorites & must haves now that I'm in the final stretch...

Chocolate Peppermint Stick

.Luna Bars: This has been my "go to" snack and sometimes even my night time "sweet" fix.

{70% organic, folic acid, iron, protein & fiber...plus, they are pretty freaking delish!}

Kashi Nutty Chia Flax

. Kashi Heart to Heart Nutty Chia Flax: Ok, now don't buy this expecting it to make you drop to your knees in holy yumminess. It's pretty good (enough for me to re buy it) and again makes for a good snack (I eat mine with unsweetened vanilla almond milk). It's high in B6, B12, and (again) folic acid. The reviews are fairly negative on the Kashi site and I have to admit there is a lot of truth in that a majority of the flax/chia seeds sink down to the bottom of the bag. However, I didn't feel like I was eating bird seed like some of the reviews said. I doubt this cereal would be for everyone, but it's worth a shot! 

Palmers Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion

.Palmers Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion: I really like this lotion & will continue to use it up until I have our baby girl. I started out using Bert's Bee's Mama Bee Belly Butter and I have it sitting in my medicine cabinet. Once my sickness passed and I could tolerate smells again, something in my brain started hating the Mama Bee. Maybe I associated it with my sickness, not sure. I am 29 weeks pregnant and have no stretch marks as of yet. Granted, this could have all to do with my body, rate of weight gain & genetics and nothing to do with any lotion. However, this lotion also helped once my belly really started to grow causing my tummy to itch. It's also really affordable so that's a plus!

Nature Made Prental Multi + DHA

.Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA: Even though I strive to eat as healthy as I can, taking my prental vitamin is a {weirdly} favorite part of my daily routine. I always feel like I'm giving Layla a dose of health. My midwife recommended a prenatal with DHA so I've been taking this specific one since my first trimester. The prenatal I received from the doctor made me super hungry and I swear made my face break out. I've had no side effects from this one! I take it after dinner every night & will continue to take it while breastfeeding.

     *Side note: if you have a membership to Costco I recommend purchasing it there. Most stores only sell the 90 count and for around $18-20/bottle. I bought a 120 count bottle at Costco for around $12.

Maternity Leggings

.Maternity Leggings:  I linked to Gap leggings, mine are honestly a cheap random pair I found at Ross a long time ago {before I was even pregnant, long story}. I've always been a leggings fan but now I literally wear them with e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. Granted, I'm pregnant during the colder months so a lot of the cute maternity shorts & skirts are off the list for me. I have two pairs of Gap maternity skinny jeans that I really have every intention of wearing, but leggings are just so easy. 

Prenatal Yoga DVD

.Prental Yoga with Shiva Rae: I read a lot of reviews on prenatal yoga DVD's before purchasing this one. Prior to becoming pregnant, I loved practicing yoga and how it made me feel physically and mentally. I was looking for a routine that was challenging enough for me to feel like I "did" something, however I didn't want it to be overly tiring or with poses that made me nervous. Going from traditional yoga/hot yoga classes, this tape seemed super dull at first (especially before I had really started to show or "feel pregnant"). However, now that I'm in my third trimester I really like it. There are enough standing poses that leave your leg muscles feeling worked but there is a lot of stretching (which I thought was boring in the beginning) but now I love! With the tight hips I experience from sleeping along with just feeling less flexible right now, it feels really good to stretch and breathe. The tape has 3 actors, each one in a different trimester so you can follow along with your correlating actor. There may be (and probably is) a more exciting/fun DVD to try but for me I just stuck with this one.

...so, those are my main essentials that I've loved having during this pregnancy!

Hello there, Third Trimester

How Far Along: 28 weeks! THIRD TRIMESTER is officially here. I am somewhere in the middle of, we have plenty of time and holy moly, she could be here in as little as 9(ish) weeks. I pulled out all of her baby clothes that I've collected so far & I just can't wait to see her in some of the outfits. This week, baby girl should be somewhere around 2.5-3 pounds and somewhere around 16 inches long (our long legged girl is probably a little longer!). She is now capable of dreaming away in there & this mommy hopes she is dreaming up a plan to flip to the head down position.

How I'm Feeling: Physically, this has been the first week of having actual uncomfortable moments. It's getting a little harder to sit up when I'm laying down & it's getting harder to get up off of the ground. Two nights ago I was out walking my dogs & couldn't wait to come in and lay down. I was having semi-intense pains but only on one side so I ruled out contractions. Wishful thinking is maybe she was stretching and (possibly) starting to transition to head-down. It's felt like her entire body has been lodged in my pelvis lately which hurts at times. I'm continuing to have random Braxton Hicks contractions. I had one big one on the same night as the intense pains where my belly got so tight I could see two big lumps, I'm assuming her head and butt.

I've had a practically pain-free pregnancy up until now so these "major" pains are probably things that some people have been experiencing for a while now. Welcome to the third trimester I guess! 

Oh, and I passed my glucose test! WOO HOO!

Weight Gain/Loss: 11 pounds total so far. I'm right on track to hit my 25 pound weight gain that my first doctor recommended for me so that makes me feel pretty confident that my body is responding just how it should be. 

Cravings: Still loving this Trader Joes apple pie! Seriously, if you're lucky enough to have a TJ's near you..you need to buy one. Pop a piece in the microwave for 20 seconds and thank me later.

Gender: Girl. I can't wait to meet her & see Dylan with our daughter.  

What I Miss: My husband. Still no news on his return & this momma is getting really impatient! 

What I'm Looking Forward To: My first birthing class this weekend! It's taught by some of the midwives from my practice & covers a wide range of topics..I'm excited! My mom is going with me since Dylan can't be here. It's about a 5 hour class so I'm totally stashing some snacks in my purse.

Weekly Wisdom: Lets see if I can come up with some wisdom underneath all of my hormonal angst. Trying...trying...I got nothin'.

Anyways..I plan on posting my updated list of "Pregnancy Must Haves" soon as well as my hospital bag purchases so far. It's never too early to get your bag packed!

I'll leave you with some of my baby pictures I dug up over the past weekend...

I wasn't lying about the melon head.

Luckily, I got cuter..and yes my mother always dressed me like this.

xoxo.