Bumpdate :: The Beginning

I was going to title this "the end" of the bumpdates but "the beginning" make so much more sense. We are in a experiencing a new world because of Anton. Getting more comfortable every day. He keeps us on our toes and we will forever be learning from him. Now is the perfect time to admit how much I loved being pregnant. I kept waiting for it to change. I heard many people complain about this or that. I really never had much to complain about. I was really lucky to have had such a lovely experience. I'm also glad I documented each week with these photos. What an amazing transformation. 

Bumpdate :: 40 weeks!!

How far along: I actually shot this photo while I was in Labor. It's a little blurry which makes sense under the circumstances. Anton was born about 15 hours later.

Bumpdate :: 39.5 Weeks

How far along: 39.5 weeks. I don't usually post twice a week but this could be one of the last bumpdates, so I thought I'd throw it in.

Baby's size: Just right. I have to say, I don't feel horribly huge, or uncomfortable. I just feel like a mom. With a cozy healthy baby inside me. I'm trying not to get my hopes up for a due date delivery. If I were feeling miserable I'm sure it would be a different story.

  Sleep: Sleeping is fine. I wake up at least every two hours but I feel like its training me for the real deal.

Food cravings: Small amounts of warm delicious comfort foods.

Symptoms I have: At this point I need a little push to get out of the car or up from the couch, but I wouldn't call that a symptom.

Doctor’s Appointment: We have an appointment on Tuesday to be checked. I have to admit, we had our first little middle of the night scare last Thursday. Everything turned out to be perfectly fine, and we got to do a trial run to visit the labor and delivery wing of the hospital while we were at it. I woke up in the middle of the night and wasn't feeling any movement from the baby. I figured it would be better to be safe than sorry and called the advice  nurse. They had us come in for some monitoring and an ultrasound at about 1 AM. Wouldn't you know it. Baby boy started kicking up a storm as soon as we rolled into the hospital parking lot. What a little jokester. We left with a healthy report and were able to get a good nights sleep!

Movement: Movement is changing daily as he runs out of room. But still pretty active during certain parts of the day and night.

Gender: Boys will be boys.

What I’m looking forward to: Having family visit. It is going to be so fun to have both grandmas and grandpas in town for a while. :)

What I miss: Being more physically active. I have really been trying to walk each day, but just a couple of blocks and I'm spent.

Bumpdate :: 39 Weeks

How far along: 39 weeks. Getting so close!

Baby's size: Bigger Watermelon? It seems they are running out of fruits and veggies to compare this baby to. Maybe it's time we just say its as big as a baby ready to be born.

  Sleep: Sleep has been great. I feel so lucky!

Food cravings: I had a co-worker tell me Chinese food put his wife into labor so Ivalle and I tried it out. We went to a really silly american stye Chinese food place near our house on a whim. Eeek, how did I ever like that stuff. We just had a couple of bites and called it a night. 

Symptoms I have: Not much really. Excitement, nesting at work and at home. Some soreness in my feet from standing and walking all day. I don't think these wimpy flat feet are used to carrying this much weight around.

Doctor’s Appointment: My last appointment went well but the doctors were being very vague about when the baby will be here. It turns out, we have no idea. It's funny how you can try to plan so many things in life, but this is just not one of them. I think it's just more prep for the flexibility we will have to develop when we are parents.

I do have some non stress tests scheduled. A non stress test is just a way to monitor the baby's heart beat and check fluid levels to see if an induction is recommended. I still have about 8 days to my due date so things could happen at any time. I hear the first one is typically late. 

Movement: Lots of movement in the evenings. It is hilarious to watch!

Gender: Snips and snails and puppy dog tails!

What I’m looking forward to: Dressing the baby in all of the adorable teeny tiny clothes we've been receiving as gifts and hand- me- downs. I've been sorting and re-sorting every nook and cranny of the nursery lately. I just love to look at those little tiny hats, socks, and onesies.

What I miss: A warm winter cocktail. I'm looking forward to figuring out this whole pump and dump situation with breastfeeding so I can enjoy a nice cocktail or two during the holiday season. :) Oh, and wearing my wedding ring again. I took it off because I hear your fingers can swell at the end. It was still fitting but I didn't want to take any chances.

Bumpdate :: Week 38

How far along: 38 weeks. These weeks are going by so fast!

Baby's size: Pumpkin! What perfect timing. 

  Sleep: I'm pretty exhausted so sleep is really working for me right now. I also think the baby has dropped and any heartburn or breathing struggles are relieved quite a bit.

Food cravings: Halloween Candy......ugghh. I couldn't stop this week. The candy corn was outta control. 

Symptoms I have: Sore back. Strange feelings in my hips and leg muscles. I'm thinking things are starting to loosen up.

Doctor’s Appointment: I was checked at my last appointment and they said the baby's head was very low and engaged. I'm getting the feeling things will be happening soon. Next appointment is Tuesday.

Movement:I think this little guy is trying to stretch out. I'm feeling feet in my ribs and hips these days.

Gender: Boy boy boy!

What I’m looking forward to: Having days at home with my new little family. Snuggling during the winter months.

What I miss: I can say that I won't miss the rainy half hour commute every morning. Time for a break. I can't wait to meet this baby and introduce him to friends and family.

Bumpdate :: Week 37

How far along: 37 weeks! FULL TERM!

Baby's size: A watermelon? Really?  The other option was as long as a stalk of swiss chard, but somehow that one didn't feel right. I feel much more like I'm carrying a watermelon than a stalk of swiss chard. I could carry a whole bushel of swiss chard.

  Sleep: Not bad, except for the bathroom visits. I inherited a huge body pillow from a friend which was a little too much for me. Although, Ivalle has taken a liking to it. So now it looks like his side of the bed should be hosting a pregnant woman. Pretty funny sight.

Food cravings: Not much, I'm trying so hard to steer clear of sugar, but it just keeps finding its way into my mouth. Tis' the season I guess. I balance it out with a huge healthy smoothie in the morning with fruits and veggies combined with prune juice and some nuts. (it sounds bad, but tastes delicious!)

Symptoms I have: Starting to get a ton of Braxton Hicks contractions. Luckily they don't hurt or slow me down much.  I've also been exhausted by the end of the work week. I am LOVING the weekends lately, which is nothing new I guess.

Doctor’s Appointment: Next appointment is Monday. I'm getting the flu shot and pertussis vaccination. I'm also looking forward to hearing what my midwife thinks about the baby's size. It might be my last visit with her since she is pregnant too. The next visits will be with a different OB. Both are great though. I also found out I'm Strep B negative, which is a good thing!

Movement: I love the movements! It's funny when people can just watch him roll around from the outside. A little creepy for them, but fun for me!

Gender: Boy boy boy!

What I’m looking forward to: Holding my sweet baby in my arms! And seeing this little guy with his daddy. Ivalle has been such a great partner and support through this whole thing. It really puts my mind at ease. :)

What I miss: Getting out of bed and off of couches quickly. I'm kind of sloth like when I go from sitting to standing these days.

Bumpdate :: Week 36

How far along: 36 weeks! I'm getting excited to meet this little guy!

Baby's size: A honeydew melon - 5-6 pounds. Eeek! No wonder my back hurts.

  Sleep: Sleeping like a rock until about 4:30 AM. That's when my mind races a bit, but I can usually get myself back to sleep. I also get up to use the bathroom 4 or 5 times. I think I'm in training for waking up with a baby.

Food cravings: I've actually lost my appetite a bit. I don't think I have much room for food at this point.

Symptoms I have: Some backaches and little tiny contractions when I walk around really fast. Working still feels great and I'm glad I'm there each day. It's the perfect balance of walking, standing and sitting.

Doctor’s Appointment: Next appointment is October 29th. My last appointment went really well. I don't have strep B, The baby is head down, and my cervix is already softening. I'm not placing any bets, but it sounds like all is set up for a delivery near my due date. I am preparing to go longer or earlier just in case.

Movement: Movement is starting to be a little less intense. I think he as less space to move now.

Gender: Oh joy it's a Boy!

What I’m looking forward to: My first pr-natal massage! A gift for my birthday back in July from Ivalle. Normally I'm not a massage person, but this time I'm really feeling like I could use a rub down.
This weekend we are doing some important house chores like checking the smoke detectors and hanging some last minute items in the baby's room. I'm looking forward to feeling ready to leave work. I'm still not quite prepared, but getting there.

What I miss: Sunshine. Sleeping on my back and stomach.

Bumpdate :: Week 35

How far along: 35 weeks! 

Baby's size: A Coconut

  Sleep: Sleeping  well. Feeling lucky about this. Hoping it continues.

Food cravings: Anything I don't have to cook myself. Ivalle and I have been told to go on as many dates as possible since we might not get a chance for a while. I love that idea of course. We've been trying out a fun restaurant or food cart every couple of days.

Symptoms I have: Little backaches here and there. 

Doctor’s Appointment: October 15th.

Movement: I feel movement frequently, however he must be running out of room because the movement is mostly in the same place each time.

Gender: Boy!

What I’m looking forward to: Finishing my sub notes and wrapping things up at work. I'd like to be ready early if we have any surprises.

What I miss: Summer! The rain finally kicked in and I'm having trouble finding a raincoat that fits my midsection.

Bonus: Here is a silhouette photo that Ivalle took. This was our original bump date idea but it turns out its hard to get my husband to be ready to take photos when I'm ready to model so mainly I've been doing the mirror self portraits. I love these silhouettes though. I think it will be fun to put them together at the end and see the progress. Maybe we will try to squeeze in one more before baby arrives.

Bumpdate :: Week 34

How far along: 34 weeks! Getting BIG. And we have our camera back!

Baby's size: A Butternut Squash

  Sleep: Sleeping really well. I get up several times to use the bathroom, but I've always done that. Lately I've been longing for a little more sleep when I wake up in the morning. The mornings are starting to get dark and chilly. I'm trying to get sleep while I can. 

Food cravings: Fruit still. I love the fall apples. Honey Crisps are heavenly.

Symptoms I have: Just the same old backache in the same old spot each day when I drive. I'm getting a prenatal massage in a week or two.

Doctor’s Appointment: October 15th. I had an appointment last week that went really well. The doctor said everything looks great and the baby is a normal size with head down for now.

Movement: Lot's of movement. I can feel that he is getting much longer. I feel movement in many different areas at once now. 

Gender: Boy!

What I’m looking forward to: The 80's baby shower hosted by my Portland friends this weekend. My co-workers are also hosting a baby sprinkle next week! 

What I miss: Normal posture. I've been noticing my back is compensating for my larger front lately.

Bumpdate :: Week 33

How far along: 33 Weeks (Good News. Our real camera should be back next week.)

Baby's size: A Cantaloupe

  Sleep: Sleeping like a baby. It is so nice. I'm savoring every moment while I can.

Food cravings: I'm back on a sweets kick. Still really enjoying a morning smoothie and sneaking in some kale.

Symptoms I have: Backaches while driving and sitting still. I've also had these strange foot cramps that are really intense but tend to go away if I stretch my feet. I think its the adjustment from being at work on my feet all day.

Doctor’s Appointment: Nothing until October 15th

Movement: I'm getting really comfortable with the baby's routine. Every morning when I wake up, he wakes up too and does some exercising.

Gender: Let's hear it for the boy!

What I’m looking forward to: Going to the coast this weekend for a Bachelorette party! Woo Hoo!

What I miss: Bending over to pick things up and tie my shoes.

Bumpdate :: Week 32

How far along: 32 Weeks (Another blurry iPhone picture. Camera still getting repaired.)

Baby's size: A Squash 2.5 - 4 pounds!

  Sleep: I'm sleeping really well. Occasionally I wake up around four am to a wild bunch of punches and kicks but then fall back to sleep easily. I've been having some really fun vivid dreams that usually involve going on vacation with my friend Korinn.

Food cravings: Tomatoes. My dad gave us a huge box from his garden and I ate them all in one week.

Symptoms I have: Nothing negative to report this week. I've decide I love being pregnant.

Doctor’s Appointment: We had an un-eventful appointment on Monday. They took blood pressure, listened to heartbeat and checked my size. All normal and healthy. Now My appointments will be every two weeks.

Movement: It's been fun to watch my belly moving around. I'll try to capture some of the moves on video.

Gender: Boy Boy Boy!

What I’m looking forward to: My Friends are throwing an 80's baby shower in Portland. I am so excited! I've already picked out my 80's maternity outfit.

What I miss: Zumba Class - SUSHI!

Other: My mom's friends threw a really sweet book baby shower for me last weekend. We are so lucky to have so many books on hand to read to our little babe. We already put them on the bookshelves and the nursery is nearly complete.

Bumpdate :: Week 31

How far along: 31 Weeks (yucky picture! Our camera lens had a little mishap this week. It's getting repaired. So till then we have some iPhone replacements)

Baby's size: A Pineapple

  Sleep: I am sleeping like a champ! Can't complain. I'm soaking up sleep while I can. Being back to work makes me tired in the afternoons so I'm glad sleep is working at the moment.

Food cravings: Nothing comes to mind.

Symptoms I have: Back pain is starting to get a bit worse but only when I drive or sit still too long. I also have this weird muscle ache right at the top of my ribs. Almost like my muscles are falling asleep.

Doctor’s Appointment: Next appointment is September 17th. Ready to know what position the baby is in. I'm so curious!

Movement: Baby has been kicking like crazy while I'm teaching. Maybe he is reacting to my loud teacher voice.

Gender: Boy Oh Boy!

What I’m looking forward to: My baby shower in Medford this weekend and seeing friends and family.

What I miss: Cocktails to relax after work :)!

Other: I am still feeling great about dressing the bump. It is fun to see which of my dresses stretch around my belly just right. I feel like most of my body has stayed the same so some things are fitting ok still. It's nice to try to stay in regular clothes if I can. Very thankful for all of the maternity hand me downs I've received too!

Bumpdate :: Week 30

How far along: 30 Weeks

Baby's size: A large Cabbage

  Sleep: Not bad. Going back to work has made me very sleepy in the evenings so I have been able to sleep well at night and through to morning.

Food cravings: Cheerios with almond milk. Vitamix fruit smoothies.

Symptoms I have: Back pain. Mostly when I sit in the car on the way too and from work. I feel much better when I can move around and stretch.

Doctor’s Appointment: Next appointment is September 17th. Looking forward to hearing the heartbeat again and getting to know what the estimate of his size is.

Movement: I have been really loving the feeling the movement and kicks, although they are getting quite strong and sometimes stop me in my tracks.

Gender: Boy Oh Boy!

What I’m looking forward to: The routine of going back to work and having a consistent schedule to keep my mind off of the pregnancy a bit.

What I miss: Running after work to relieve stress. But not much. I am still very thankful that I'm feeling so great.

Other: We are getting very close to having the perfect name picked out. I'm pretty sure we will keep it a secret between the two of us as long as we can. I think it will be fun to announce when our baby is born.

Bumpdate :: Week 29

How far along: 29 Weeks

Baby's size: Acorn Squash. Hmmmmm.... is fall in the air?

  Sleep: OK, I think I'm starting to feel a little anxiety about going back to work. I've had an icrediblly productive summer so far but have been back to my classroom to set up and reality has set in. I have a lot to do to get ready for the year and sometimes I lay awake at night thinking about it.

Food cravings: I caved and had sushi. Luckily there is a sushi restaurant in Portland that caters to pregnant women and makes sure the fish is farmed and safe. It. was. Heaven!

Symptoms I have: Nothing much to report. I get pretty winded when I exercise. I guess you could call that a symptom.

Doctor’s Appointment: Next appointment is September 17th. We will be seeing a new doctor since my last midwife will be having a baby the same week as me. I'm excited to meet a new doctor and like the idea of meeting with several different people with different perspectives.

Movement: It's been fun to actually figure out which body part you can feel. Sometimes I think I feel a foot or knee, and sometimes a little bum.

Gender: Boy Oh Boy!

What I’m looking forward to: Getting the nursery completely finished this weekend so I can go back to work knowing we at least have that part finished. I'm also looking forward to setting up our new Bob Jogging stroller. My relatives surprised us with it last weekend at a family reunion. We were planning on finding a used bob on craigslist, but to our surprise we have a new one. I'm really looking forward to getting back into running as soon as possible. I hope the baby likes to jog!

What I miss: I'm pretty sure I'm going to miss drinking beer during football games this fall. The first Oregon game is this weekend and I usually enjoy a beer or two so I don't get overly nervous about the score.

Other: I've made it an entire week without getting emotional about every little thing. Maybe I'm learning to control my wacky hormones. Also... Isn't the shirt in this photo adorable! Kerry found it for me at goodwill and suggested it for a maternity top. I love a thrifty gal!

Bumpdate :: Week 28

How far along: 28 Weeks HELLO THIRD TRIMESTER!!

Baby's size: Eggplant. Fitting since Ivalle made a giant batch of moussaka this week.

  Sleep: Pretty great. I've been trying to practice waking up before 7 so I am ready when school starts. I'm torn between that concept and sleeping as long as I can since these might be the last moments I get to sleep in for the rest of my life.

Food cravings: Pop Corn (This section is pretty ridiculous because I can't tell if these are cravings or if I just really like to eat. Basically I am hungry all of the time but get full really fast. I'm just noting things that taste really good.

Symptoms I have: Still getting a little (a lot) emotional about once a week due to all of the decisions we are going to be making about this wee one's life.

Doctor’s Appointment: Next appointment is September 17th. At my last appointment everything was measuring right on track. Oh, and I passed my glucose test!

Movement: Still lots of kicks and movement first thing in the morning.

Gender: Boy Oh Boy!

What I’m looking forward to: Getting the living room ready for baby. Ivalle had this brilliant idea to focus on making the living room more kid friendly which involved buying new couches. I was thrilled when he brought it up because he is not usually inspired to re-decorate. We found the perfect couches, a new tv stand with space for some toy boxes, and we are hoping to find a kid friendly rug as well. Possibly Flor carpet tiles.

What I miss: Not much really. Putting on my shoes without propping my feet up on a chair.

Other: I feel absolutely amazing this week. I couldn't be happier and more excited about my little man and my growing family! I have to say, taking these bump photos seemed a little silly at first, but now that I have a bunch under my (expanding) belt, it has been super fun to go back and look at the transition. I'm really glad I did it and can't wait to see the full set at the end.

Bumpdate :: Week 27

How far along: 27 Weeks 

Baby's size: Rutabaga - should be over 2 pounds!

  Sleep: It was very HOT in Portland this week. I loved it. I know it's not for everyone, but I happen to be one of those weirdos who actually sleeps well in the heat. We have  a little window shutting, fan blowing, wet washcloth routine, but somehow it works!

Food cravings: Ice Water

Symptoms I have: Nada - Oh,unless you count extremely emotional again. I cried at the Olympics pretty much every time anyone won, lost , or smiled. Just the sight of the torch would put me over the edge.

Doctor’s Appointment: Next appointment is August 20th. I also have my glucose test that day. Hopefully I pass, as I have been on a little bit of a sugar kick these days.

Movement: The big kick fits have switched from right before bed to right when I wake up. I even captured some of it on video as you can see all kinds of punching and stretching from the outside now. Fun stuff.

Gender: Boy

What I’m looking forward to: Baby showers. I can't wait to celebrate with friends in the next couple of months.

What I miss: Going all out in aerobics classes. I have been going to body pump, step, and Zumba Class, but have to be really easy on my self and the little guy and be careful with my weight limit and my balance. I still feel really great about exercise though. After our birth class last weekend I'm even more convinced the physical aspects of labor are something you really need physical stamina for. It also helps me mentally prepare. I feel much more relaxed after exercising than before.

Other: We had our first birth class last Saturday and we have another class tomorrow. So far we really like the teacher and topics. It has been really fun to see Ivalle get some coaching in what he can do during the labor and delivery. He has become my coach and I know he is going to be a life saver on the big day.

Bumpdate :: Week 26

How far along: 26 Weeks 

Baby's size: Lettuce - Average size is 1.5 to 2.2 lbs!

  Sleep: I'm sleeping fine, I just keep finding things to do late at night and have no incentive to go to bed.

Food cravings: Berries

Symptoms I have: Some back pain, but nothing too extreme. I feel pretty amazing right now.

Doctor’s Appointment: Tomorrow is our first birth class. I'm looking forward to hearing about how to get this little guy out.Next appointment is August 20th.

Movement: Lots of kicks all day long. My mom even got to feel her grandson kick while I was visiting.

Gender: Boy

What I’m looking forward to: Taking the baby on some mini road trips.

What I miss: Not much. I'm pretty content at the moment.

Bumpdate :: Week 25

How far along: 25 Weeks 

Baby's size: Cauliflower

  Sleep: Would be great except I keep staying up too late to watch the olympics

Food cravings: Strawberries/Cherries

Symptoms I have: None- Unless you count the constant kicks from the babe

Doctor’s Appointment: Next appointment is August 20th. Ivalle and I start our birth classes next Saturday.

Movement: Lots of kicks in the evening and right before bed.

Gender: Boy

What I’m looking forward to: Finishing the nursery. I was sewing curtains all day yesterday. I hope this little guy appreciates my decorating skills :)

What I miss: Running!

Bumpdate :: Week 24

How far along: 24 Weeks 

Baby's size: Cantaloupe

  Sleep: Amazing! I'm usually a horrible sleeper and right now I'm sleeping like a champ. 

Food cravings: Peaches, Frozen Yogurt

Food aversions: None

Symptoms I have: NESTING!, some aches in my back if I sit for very long.

Doctor’s Appointment: Last Monday. Everything was great and it was fun to hear his little heartbeat again. I also found out my midwife is pregnant and due the same week as me so I'll be switching soon. Next appointment is August 20th.

Movement: Lots of kicks in the evening and right before bed.

Gender: Boy

What I’m looking forward to: Doing art and science projects with this little man. And taking him camping. I'm starting to get a little ahead of myself I think.

What I miss: A cold glass of white wine.

Bumpdate :: Week 23

How far along: 23 Weeks 

Baby's size: Grapefruit (Yum that sounds Great)

  Sleep: Good!

Food cravings: Ice water

Food aversions: None

Symptoms I have: NESTING!

Doctor’s Appointment: July 23rd

Movement: Ivalle felt him kick for the first time! So cool.

Gender: Boy

What I’m looking forward to: Washing little tiny clothes (crazy I know, but we got a brand new washer and dryer which makes it fun!).

What I miss: A normal sized tummy.