Week 39 Updates

Am I seriously posting a week 39 update?? CRAZY. Maybe this will be the last one!

Weekly Questions

How far along? 39 Weeks. Insane!

How Big Is The Baby? If last week's ultrasound is correct, and I add the average 1/2 pound a week, then I'd have to guess that he's 7.5 pounds now. And I had an ultrasound yesterday where the tech commented on his "Not so little feet." Haha, so my little boy is very much a big boy and I love that!

Total weight gain: Today I weigh 168.6. That puts my weight gain at 27.6 lbs. I need to have this baby before I hit 30 pounds haha...

Maternity Clothes: Same answer as always-some maternity, some non-maternity. And at this point, just be glad I'm getting dressed. My skirt panels are unusually tight so I can't even pull them over my low riding belly!

Sleep: Ehhhhh. I'm waking up at about 3 wide awake, but hopefully that's just a temporary thing and not going to be the case for every single night!

Food cravings: No real cravings, I'm just hungry all of the time. It's like first trimester all over again. I can't get enough food!

What I miss: I choose this week to be pleasant and not complain because yes, there are a list of things I can't wait to have back after he's born.

What I am looking forward to: Meeting Cohen! It's going to be an amazing day.

Milestones: My appointment yesterday showed that I'm 4 cm dilated and 80% effaced. This just means that I'm getting closer and Cohen should be here any day now!! So awesome!!

Week 38 Updates

The picture is a little blurry this week but it's what I have! This week the survey is a little boring. I'm so very sorry for that...But hey, at least I managed to finish it!

Weekly Questions

How far along? 38 weeks. 2 more to go!!

How Big Is The Baby? My growth ultrasound said 7 lbs right now. We're looking at a cute 8 lb boy!

Total weight gain: Today I  weigh 166.6. That puts my weight gain at 25.6 lbs. My bump is measuring a little small, but after the ultrasound, my doctor determined that I'm just carrying him further towards my back. Or as she said, I'm "hiding my baby." Haha...

Maternity Clothes: Same answer as always-some maternity, some non-maternity.

Sleep:It's there. It's nothing very exciting to discuss. I'm not working anymore so I get to take afternoon naps which is seriously needed!

Food cravings: Nothing really. Just thirsty a lot...

What I miss: Longer walks without contractions hahaa. No but seriously, I'm just ready to meet my little boy!!

What I am looking forward to: It's almost due date time!!

Milestones: I'm officially done with work and that's a beautiful thing! We also had a birthing class and hospital tour this week (could've done without the tour, but that's a whole different story). My hormones have kicked in full gear this week so I'm all sorts of emotional. Our ultrasound tech turned on the 3D option at our growth scan and I got to see his face again--which made me want the birth to get here so much faster--and he is head down, ready to make his entrance! We also finally found a pediatrician for Cohen. A pretty productive week if you ask me!

Week 37 Updates

I totally forgot to take my dressy picture this week…so here’s me all casual and pregnant and super sleepy. Seriously, this was like at 7:00 am and I was TIRED.

Weekly Questions

How far along? 37 weeks. I’M FULL TERM!! Yep, I had to scream it, because it’s pretty exciting. Down to the last little stretch here…

How Big Is The Baby? BabyCenter says he weighs about 6 1/3 pounds and is over 19 inches long, but my doctor is guessing he is 6.5 pounds right now…which isn’t too far off of the “average” baby. Let’s just say, we’re looking at most likely having a baby about 8 pounds or bigger. All chubby and cute.

Total weight gain: Today I still weigh 163.8! No weight gain this week, which is nice since last week was a pretty big weight gain. So I’m still at 22.8 pounds total. 3 weeks to go and 2.2 under my goal weight…Haha, I’ll probably go a little over that though…

Maternity Clothes: Same answer as always-some maternity, some non-maternity.

Sleep: I’m still sleeping so that’s always great. I do still wake up with back pain, but I’ll have that until he comes out…

Food cravings: This week I craved peanut butter so much it was ridiculous. My snack would consist of a scoop of peanut butter. No crackers, bread, or fruit. Just straight peanut butter. So wonderful. I also really craved Cheesecake Factory’s Crusty Chicken Romano with White Sauce…Never did go eat it though.

What I miss: Bending over to pick up things. Rolling over without sounding like I’m 90. Getting in and out of booths with all little more grace.

What I am looking forward to: Having Cohen. I still have 3 more weeks, but really, I’m ready today.

Milestones: Our baby shower at the church was amazing. We literally got everything we needed. Between that and the gifts from our families, we are completely set. Seriously, his nursery can’t hold anything else. I’m going to Target tonight to buy a few more storage bins and hangers, but we’re done. Also, I’m FULL TERM (thought I’d scream it one more time). Oh! And we felt a foot last night. And not like a little bulge where you know it’s his foot because they told you, but a really foot. Cohen stretched his little foot straight out and it was the tiniest little lump and I got so excited that I interrupted Tyler and made him feel it too. This pregnancy thing is amazing.

Week 36 Updates

Aw, look at me, all huge and pregnant! Let’s just assume that there won’t be any letters from here on out. I’m lazy. Well that and I’m desperately trying to get everything together before this little guy arrives!

Weekly Questions

How far along? 36 weeks. It’s weird to think that I only have 4 weeks left. One month. CRAZY.

How Big Is The Baby? BabyCenter says he weighs about 6 pounds and is over 18 inches long. Let me just tell you, that he puts all of his weight on my bladder and I can totally believe the 6 pound thing. I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s more than that at this point. My stomach just feels heavy.

Total weight gain: Today I weigh 163.8 which puts me at 22.8 pounds total. And yes, I gained 2.8 pounds in one week, but I'm not going to discuss that.
Maternity Clothes: Same answer as always-some maternity, some non-maternity. The outfit above is all maternity.

Sleep: I’m sleeping! My only issue is falling back to sleep once I wake up...But I’m also going to bed earlier so that’s helping some too!

Food cravings: Nothing really. But I’m eating a ton. I have to work on that. I think my body is trying to make up for all those times I didn’t eat in first trimester. But I’m trying to only eat when I’m hungry and not every time I just think about food (that’s this week’s goal, look at my weight gain, it was clearly not last week’s goal!).

What I miss: Eh…I could keep up with my no complaints thing here…If I would’ve written this Monday when my pregnancy hormones were at an all time high, you’d have pages and pages of complaints to read through. Good thing those leveled off quickly.

What I am looking forward to: My baby shower is tonight! It’s going to be a lot of fun and I’ve been really looking forward to it. Also, my last day of work is officially March 18th so that’s a pretty huge deal too!

Milestones: There were a lot of milestones this week. I had my first internal, and I’m dilated to 1 and the baby’s head is in place, so that’s a huge deal. He has to hang in at least until March 19th though lol…for my convenience. We also installed the car seat—super weird to look in the back seat and see that sitting in there. My hospital bag is officially packed. I have a bag full of travel size toiletries, comfy pajamas, nursing pads, regular pads, socks, and a sleep bra and nursing tank. I also packed Cohen’s coming home outfit, pacifier, and some mittens. It’s very real now…Very, very soon we’ll get to meet our little boy (even if it is still 4 weeks away, that’s very soon to me!!).

Week 35 Updates

Oh boy. Look at that bump. And no, there's not a letter this week.

Weekly Questions

How far along? 35 weeks. It’s the big 35 week milestone: 35 weeks down/35 days to go!

How Big Is The Baby? BabyCenter says he weighs about 5 ¼ pounds and is over 18 inches long. My doctor felt him yesterday and said he’s a good size (She then clarified that she meant he wasn’t unusually small or large, just a good, normal size, not "good size" like I'm going to push out a 14 pounder).

Total weight gain: I'm now 161.0. I've gained 20 pounds so far...5 more weeks to go and my 25 pound weight gain seems a little harder to reach, but I still think I should be under 30 so that's good too.

Maternity Clothes: Same, same—some maternity, some non-maternity. The outfit above is completely non-maternity. Yep, that’s right, I actually wore a skirt that had a zipper. Sure, it didn’t zip the last inch of the way, but it’s always been a skirt that hits lower than most skirts, so I was able to wear it under my belly. And that shirt is insanely stretchy so of course it fits, but I'm not sure if it's always been that sheer haha.

Sleep: Ehhhh, it’s another restless week. But that’s because my hips and lower back are really sore again. Doctor says my pelvic bone is starting to spread, getting ready for little Cohen to descend….Just another reminder that we’re down to the last stretch!

Food cravings: Nothing major..I still really, really, really like red meat and sweet foods.

What I miss: How about I don’t complain today? Haha, I have a list of what I’m ready for again, but right now I’ll just say I’m happy that I’ve made it this far in the pregnancy and that my baby is doing well!

What I am looking forward to: Cohen being an outside baby. Of course, I want him to hang in there and wait until he’s supposed to come out, but now that I’m even closer, I’m ready to meet this little guy

Milestones: We had a baby shower this weekend! My coworkers threw a nice little shower and we got a lot of cute gifts for Cohen. Now his nursery is a mess again, but I’ll get it cleaned up before our next shower. And of course, I hit the 35/35 milestone!! I also started making freezer meals so we'll have things on hand to eat when he gets here!

Week 34 Updates

I think my bump had a growth spurt this week. I look much bigger in this week’s picture than last week. And I love how awkward my smile is here, haha...I think Tyler took this while he was on the phone so I wasn't ready for the picture.
Weekly Questions How far along? 34 weeks!

How Big Is The Baby? BabyCenter says he weighs about 4 ¾ pounds and is about 18 inches long.

Total weight gain: Today I am 159.6, so that was only a 1 pound gain this week, which is good since last week was so awful! So I've gained 18.6 pounds so far in this pregnancy...6 more weeks to go, I really, really hope I can keep it at 25 pounds but that is looking a little bit harder. Guess it's time to lay off those late night ice cream snacks huh?

Maternity Clothes: Same as always—I’m mixing maternity with non-maternity clothes. I wear a lot of cardigans that I don’t button all the way up with maternity tank tops, or just long tank tops. Luckily, maternity tops haven’t been a huge necessity this entire pregnancy, although I wish I could fit a couple of non-maternity skirts. The outfit in the picture is all maternity though. Everything I'm wearing is stretchy, elastic paneled, longer in the front than the back, and tied to emphasize the bump and avoid looking like a tent. Yep, fits all of the maternity rules.

Sleep: Definitely better this week. I get sleepy really fast, but when I sleep, it’s fantastic.

Food cravings: Eh, no real cravings this week but turns out I looooved egg salad sandwiches. It wasn’t really a craving, just happened to be there, and I ate one and loved it. So, I ate 2 more. Classy huh?

What I miss: Clothes. Haha, I’m bored of my wardrobe and cannot wait to get back into my non-maternity clothes. That alone will be my motivation to quickly drop the weight after the birth. Well, that and Youth Congress and being with 17,000 other people who I want to look fantastic for. I sure have my priorities in order.

What I am looking forward to: We have our first shower this weekend! It’s being thrown by my coworkers and I’m a little excited. It’ll be cool to start getting our baby gear together!

Milestones: I get a lot of belly comments now. They range from “Wow, you look so small for being this far” to “Ooohhhh sister, you are HUGE” (thank you, little old lady at church, thank you for that comment). I guess the belly is growing and people are noticing, so everyone has something to say. Not really a milestone, I know, but still had to write about it. Also, Braxton Hicks contractions have been very, very there this week. They don't hurt, aren't really timeable, and aren't consistent, so it's nothing to worry about, but man they can get annoying sometimes.

Letter To My Little Bun

Dear Baby Cohen,

I haven’t written to you in a couple of weeks and I’m oh so sorry.

Mommy loves you so much and I cannot wait to hold you. I even pretended to hold you in my belly and your Mimi thought it was funny. She did not think it was quite as funny when I started rocking you, and clearly you didn’t either, because you started kicking around like a little crazy baby.

I love your little movements and I love your stretches and wiggles. I’m convinced you're claustrophobic and that’s why every once in awhile you flip out and start moving and kicking and elbowing like crazy. I imagine you’re yelling “Get me out, get me out, get me out!!”

Soon little boy, only 6 more weeks, and you’ll be out! You’ll be here with all of us, getting so much love that your little heart will be full. Everyone is very excited to meet you, and I don’t blame them, you’re going to be a pretty awesome little boy.

I wish I had lots of time to write to you, but I’m working right now so I can’t. But just know that I’m counting down the days when I get to hold you in my arms for the first time! And if I’m crying, it’s not because I’m sad, it’s because I’m so insanely in love with this little boy who I’ve been trying to patiently wait to meet and it’s going to be one of the best days of my life.

I love you my sweet, sweet little boy!

Love, Mommy

Week 33 Updates

Okay, this picture is kind of funny because of the shirt I’m wearing. It’s a ruffled shirt and I didn’t realize that when I took the weekly picture in it, the ruffles would block where my belly starts. But still, my belly is undeniably large and constantly growing.

Again, there’s no letter this week. I’m one lazy and tired mama and I’ll hopefully get one written for next week.

Weekly Questions

How far along? 33 weeks!

How Big Is The Baby? BabyCenter says he weighs about 4 pounds and is about 17 inches long. He totally feels like he’s run out of room because I can feel every movement he makes. It scares me to know that I still have 7 weeks and that he has to fit somewhere!

Total weight gain: Today I’m at 158.6. Yep, I had a huge weight gain this week. I would love to say it’s because the baby has gotten so much bigger and not take any of the blame, but honestly, I’ve eaten like a crazy person this week so I have no one to blame but myself. I guess this week I really should try to eat something a little more nutritious than just Gushers and potato chips for a late night snack. Anyways, that puts my total weight gain at 17.6 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: That shirt I’m wearing in this week’s picture is so not maternity and it was super uncomfortable. Haha, I can still wear some non-maternity tops, but I should really avoid the ones that are too short and have to keep pulling down. So my wardrobe is mixed with maternity and non-maternity tops. And of course, when I get bored of what I have, I go shoe shopping, thus the fantastic red shoes in the picture above (thanks Mom for shoe shopping with me J)

Sleep: This wasn’t the best week. I had a little more back pain, and with Cohen’s constant movements I’ve been pretty sleepy. Plus, I want to be in bed every night by 9 and even then I still take constant naps. Maybe next week I’ll find my energy again!

Food cravings: Eh, no real cravings this week. It’s nice.

What I miss: Buckling my own shoes. It’s finally warm enough to break out the wedges and sandals again but man, putting them on is a pain. I don’t even try to do it…So far Mom and Tyler have been my shoe people. And Amanda was a sweetheart and gave me a much needed pedicure (French tipped and everything)—I don’t have dragon toes anymore!!

What I am looking forward to: There’s nothing big happening this week in the baby world for us. I guess I should take a look at the list of pediatricians that my doctor wants me to choose from and if I actually did that, that would be something to look forward to.

Milestones: I had my 33 week check-up. Everything went well but I can’t be in any stressful situations for the next 7 weeks-turns out I’m having mini panic attacks and really, that’s not good for anyone. Cohen has finally reached my ribs. So now when he’s doing these adorable rolls that I can feel near my belly button, I also get these nudges up near my ribs on the side (according to the ultrasound it has to be his feet kicking my bones). But it’s fun to watch him roll around in there. Poor baby, all squished up, nowhere to kick.

32 Weeks

No letter this week...I'm not even busy. Just really, really lazy.

Weekly Questions

How far along? 32 weeks!

How Big Is The Baby? BabyCenter says he weighs almost 3.75 pounds and is 16.7 inches long.

Total weight gain: Today I’m at 155.2. Eeshkkk that’s a 1 ½ pound gain this week, and overall gain of 14.2 lbs. It almost hurts to type that haha…

Maternity Clothes: I’m wearing a maternity dress in this week’s picture. And I basically wear maternity clothes all of the time. Unless I can wear long maternity tank tops and non-maternity button up shirts/cardigans and just leave it unbuttoned over my belly…

Sleep: No real complaints. Food cravings: Not real cravings, just when I want to eat something, I’m really specific how I want it. For example-cooked, sliced black olives seem disgusting, but eating them straight out of the jar seems like a fantastic idea (and they have to be whole). I’m just being weird now.

What I miss: Rolling without grunting, and bending over to pick things up and not look hilarious doing it. Oh, and not having foot cramps…Holy cow, those are not good.

What I am looking forward to: Nothing huge to look forward to this week, I have an appointment Monday, but that’s going to be a quick appointment so nothing huge there…

Milestones: This week I feel his stretches even more and he sticks his little butt (or back, who really knows) up a lot now making my stomach lopsided, it’s fun. Otherwise, no huge milestones this week either.

Letter To My Little Bun

Dear Cohen-

How're you sweet little boy? I know Mommy hasn't been super consistent with these letters the past few weeks and I'm very, very sorry. But turns out, the further I am in the pregnancy, and the busier I get, the more tired I am too!! I wanted to you have a letter each week, and for the most part you do, so ignore the weeks that you don't.

Last night we got to see you sweet tiny little face. Oh boy, do you have a chubby little face!! I LOVE it. I love your chubby little cheeks (or as our ultrasound tech called them-chubeeks). I cannot wait to kiss your nose that looks just like your daddy's and your thin little lips. You're a sweet little boy!!

You're already head down and according to the ultrasound your head is pressed against my cervix and putting way too much pressure on my bladder. Of course, I didn't need him to tell me that, I feel you all day pushing as hard as you can against my poor bladder. Haha, it's okay though, I suppose if you're comfortable, then stay there.

Only 9 more weeks until I get to hold you little Mister. I'm literally counting down the days, I cannot wait!!

I love you a million times over and it may sound weird, but I miss you. I know that's hard to imagine because you're in me right now and I've never held you, but it's true. My heart is so filled with love for you that it's so hard that I can't hug you and kiss you and take care of you just yet. But very soon I will. You'll see.

I love you little boy--

Love,
Mommy

Week 31 Updates

Weekly Questions

How far along? 31 weeks! Only 9 more to go. I’m in the single digits now…so weird!

How Big Is The Baby? BabyCenter says he weighs almost 3.3 pounds and is 16 inches long.

Total weight gain: Today I’m at 153.8. So that's 12.8 pounds so far.

Maternity Clothes: Well I’m bored of them. And I still have forever to go to wear them. There just aren’t enough options unless I’m willing to go broke….and I’m not. So I’m not buying anymore. The shirt above is actually from the junior department at Wal-Mart and it’s perfect because it’s all flowy around my belly. Perfect space for baby! Plus, it’s cute so I can wear it when I’m done with maternity clothes too.

Sleep: It’s been a fairly good sleep week. No actual complaints. Food cravings: I still crave those stupid Cheese Cup of Noodles. And red meat.

What I miss: Walking around while we’re out shopping and not feeling exhausted as if I ran a marathon. Haha, I’m winded pretty much all of the time.

What I am looking forward to: This weekend we’re celebrating my birthday. It’s my last birthday before I have a little one to take care of so that’s pretty exciting!!

Milestones: My doctor appointments are now every 2 weeks and very uneventful. I met my new nephew Casey and he is just so sweet and cute. It made me want to meet our little boy so much more! We had our 3D/4D ultrasound last night and my word, this little boy is oh so cute. I cannot wait to kiss those little lips...I'll end this survey with a picture of his cute face:

Week THIRTY Updates

Okay, so this week's picture was hard to take. First, I normally take them at night after I'm dressed up for church. That didn't happen this week so we had to quickly take a picture after a long day of work. There were lots of weird shadows so it took a million different tries to get this picture. So that's why my face looks really unergetic. Plus, it's a weird angle of my belly...but the bump is very there.

Finally, before I get on with the questions...there's no letter this week. It's been another one of those busy weeks at work that I wasn't expecting so I haven't had the time!!

Weekly Questions

How far along? 30 weeks! Only 10 more to go. CRAZY.

How Big Is The Baby? BabyCenter says he weighs almost 3 pounds and is 15.7 inches long.

Total weight gain: Today I’m at 152.2. So that's 11.2 pounds so far.
Maternity Clothes: Yep. I'm wearing them. The entire outfit above is maternity...including the tank top sticking out of the bottom. The length is really important because my baby likes to sit low, so my belly has to stay covered. Except of course when I'm home. Then I wear t-shirts that barely fit before I was pregnant and walk around pretending that I look cute with a giant belly hanging out. Haha, Mom and Amanda got to see a little of that when they came over....

Sleep: Every night I find something else to add to my list of helpful sleeping tips so it's getting better. Warm baths relax my back, pillows propped under my back help the heartburn and allergy problems (the allergy problems aren't pregnancy related, but it's nice knowing what to do after the baby gets here to help me sleep through wonderful San Antonio allergy season!). Basically, it's not as bad as it's been.

Food cravings: Cheddar Cheese Cup of Noodles. Probably the grossest thing to crave because their super high in sodium, and it's cheddar flavored noodle soup. Not really the classiest thing to eat. But for 29 cents, I give into that craving and look forward to eating all of the noodles out of the styrofoam cup...and I'm not kiddnig when I say I'm a little sad when it's all gone. Maybe that craving will quickly go ahead because it's so disgusting.

What I miss: Nothing really this week. Oh...except I really wanted to go to Six Flags today. And then I got sad because I wouldn't be allowed to ride the rides and had a pity party for myself. The whole scenario was ridiculous. It's like 55 degrees right now and the park isn't even open. I'm not sure why I got so wrapped up in that thought. Haha..

What I am looking forward to: Tonight is my breastfeeding class. 3 hours of talking about nursing should be super interesting. Plus, Tyler's Mom and Des and Casey are coming to San Antonio this weekend! I finally get to meet that little boy :)

Milestones: Mom and Amanda came over and helped me finish up the nursery! Well, it's not finished, but everything is finally hung on the walls and we got a lot of little things put away. Once I have my 2 showers I'm sure I'll have a lot more to do in there. But for now, everything has a place and his wall hanging are up. It's a cute little room! Tyler and I watch my belly every night and watch how much Cohen moves around in there. Seriously, he's very active and we really don't even need a TV right now...he's our entertainment! I have a doctor's appointment Monday...I'm now at the stage where I'll see my doctor every 2 weeks!

Letter To My Little Bun

Dear Cohen-

Hey little boy!

Well this week your bones are starting to harden and your brain is developing even more! You're such a little boy now....you've come such a LONG way since you were the size of a teensy poppy seed!!

We haven't hit any huge milestones this week that we need to talk about, so I thought instead, I'd prepare you for the life you're going to be born into in the next 11 weeks or so (10 if Mommy has her way).

Your Daddy and Mommy are very involved in church. We love God so much and we love working for Him. Because of that, we're in a few different ministries at church like Music, Sunday School, and we even lead the Youth Group. I'm just giving you a warning: you're going to be a busy little boy. But I promise, no matter how much we seem like we're having meetings, or going to class, or having parties, you will love it. Your Mommy and Daddy love it so we know you will too. Mommy has done this her whole life, ever since I was a very little girl, and I don't know any other way of doing it. If I'm not busy with ministries, I feel like I'm not doing enough for God.

When you're a smaller baby you'll have to be with Mommy a lot at youth things since I have to feed you, but once you're older you'll be able to stay with Poppy and Nana on those nights so you don't have to worry about sitting for so long. But let me give you fair warning-Poppy and Nana also do a lot at the church, so unless it's youth stuff, you'll probably be there right alongside all of us. You get to go to Youth Congress in August when you're just 4 months old! You're very lucky because it's a pretty amazing conference and most don't get to go until they're about 15 years old! You're already super cool.

We want you to always live for God, little boy. You  have so many people praying for you on both sides of the family. You can't give up on God. Sometimes, it may seem hard, but you have to know that you always have God to turn to. He has done a lot for your family, so we can't give up on Him now!

You may be born with your tiny little feet already running, but at least you'll be running towards God!! And learn this scripture now: Colossians 3:23: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

Okay, enough of that from me.

I love you so much little Mister. So, so much.

Love you,

Mommy

Week 29 Updates

Haha, this week’s picture just makes me laugh. How tight is my shirt?

Weekly Questions

How far along? 29 weeks!

How Big Is The Baby? BabyCenter says he weighs 2 ½ pounds and is 15 inches long.

Total weight gain: Today I’m at 151.2. So that's 10.2 pounds so far. And we're not going to discuss the stretchmarks I found on my boobs. That's just depressing.

Maternity Clothes: Definitely more comfortable at this point because of the length. Obviously, that’s not what I’m wearing in that picture. Well the skirt is, but not the shirt. But clearly that was the last time I’ll be wearing that top for awhile!

Sleep: I’m not going to complain about my non-sleep habits again this week. I will say that my sleep has improved some, but I’d still like to wake up without back pain.

Food cravings: Nothing really. I mean I prefer some foods over others, but I don’t crave anything to the point where I have to have it right then.

What I miss: No back pain.

What I am looking forward to: Next week I have a breastfeeding class, so that’ll be cool. PLUS, I’ve almost hit 30 weeks. That’s a pretty big deal.

Milestones: Mom bought Cohen his dedication outfit and I cried. The crying isn’t the milestone, just the outfit. The crying happens often (thanks for the airport story Mom, every time I think about it, I get all misty-eyed). Other than that, no big milestones this week. If there were any, and I forgot, well I’m sorry, my brain is mush right now. It’s not my fault.

My Eric Carle Library

We're currently working on building Cohen's Eric Carle Library and since I'm neurotic and love to make lists, I made a list of all the Eric Carle books! This way, as we find them, we can cross them off of the list and know which ones we're still hunting for. These aren't listed in order of publication, and some of them I've never even heard of, but it's a fun list to look through! Also, he's not the author of all of these books, sometimes he just did the illustrations. This is a very, VERY long list that will take a very, VERY long time to complete, but you know me, always up for a project!

((I know this list is missing a few, but after I searched some of them, I found that with some books he was just an illustrator for a collectors edition and those books were super expensive and not at all interesting looking. SOOOOO, I took them off the list. Don't judge me.))

My Eric Carle Library

-Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?--Illustrator
-1,2,3 to the Zoo--Author
-The Very Hungry Caterpillar
-Pancakes, Pancakes!
-The Tiny Seed--Author
-Feathered Ones and Furry--Illustrator
-Scarecrow Clock--Illustrator
-Do You Want to be My Friend?--Author
-Rooster's off to See the World
-Secret Birthday Message--Author
-Walter the Baker--Author
-Do Bears Have Mothers Too? --Illustrator
-Have You Seen My Cat?--Illustrator
-I See a Song--Author
-My Very First Book of Numbers--Author
-My Very First Book of Colors--Author
-My Very First Book of Shapes--Author-My Very First Book of Words--Author
-Why Noah Chose the Dove--Illustrator
-All About Arthur--Author
-The Hole in the Dike--Illustrator
-The Mixed Up Chameleon
--Grouchy Ladybug
-Watch Out! A Giant!--Author
-Mister Seahorse--Author
-Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?
-10 Little Rubber Ducks--Author
-The Rabbit and the Turtle--Author
-The Very Lonely Firefly--Author
-Little Cloud--Author
-From Head to Toe--Author
-Flora & Tiger: 19 Very Short Stories from My Life--Author
-Hello, Red Fox--Author
-Very Clumsy Click Beetle-Author
-Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother Too?
-Dream Snow
-Slowly, Slowly, Slowly Said the Sloth--Author
-Where Are You Going? To See My Friend!--Author
-Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?
-Honey Bee and Robber--Author
-Otter Nonsense--Illustrator
-What's For Lunch--Author
-Chip Has Many Brothers--Illustrator
-Very Busy Spider--Author
-Foolish Tortoise
-Greedy Python--Illustrator
-The Mountain that Loved a Bird--Illustrator
-All Around Us--Author
-Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me
-A House for Hermit Crab
-The Lamb and the Butterfly--Illustrator
-My Very First Book of Sounds--Author
-My Very First Book of Foods--Author
-My Very First Book of Tools--Author
-My Very First Book of Touch--Author
-My Very First Book of Motion--Author
-My Very First Book of Growth--Author
-My Very First Book of Homes--Author
-My Very First Book of Heads--Author
-Eric Carle's Treasury of Classic Stories for Children--Author
-Animals, Animals--Author
-The Very Quiet Cricket--Author
-Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?
-Dragons, Dragons--Author
-Draw Me A Star--Author
-Today is Monday--Author
-My Apron--Author

28 Weeks Update

I never feel like I look quite as huge as these pictures make me look. Who knows…But the point is, my belly is growing bigger every week (obviously, I’m growing a human, it would be weird if it wasn’t growing at this point). I apologize in advance if this blog entry is snarky, crabby, or not really all "Yay! I'm so happy this week!" Honestly, I'm just tired and I need some sleep (insert Friends Quote: I need some Richard). I'll figure out the sleep thing soon, I have to!!

Weekly Questions

How far along? 28 weeks!

How Big Is The Baby? BabyCenter says he weighs 2 ¼ pounds and is 14.8 inches long. Holy cow, I’m growing a giant already. And when he stretches out using my bladder as a foot stool, I totally can feel all 2 1/4 pounds of him.

Total weight gain: Today I’m at 150.2. So that's 9.2 pounds so far.
Maternity Clothes: Definitely more comfortable at this point because of the length.

Sleep: Sleep? People actually sleep? I don’t believe it…It’s sure not happening here…Do I sound cranky about that? Well, I am. If you know me but at all, you know to have a happily functioning Ashley, she needs to sleep, and to sleep well. This waking up every 2 hours to roll, then to turn on the fan because I’m hot, then to pee because I’m already up thing is KILLING me. I miss sleeping through the night. I guess I have to give that up for awhile huh? I’m sure that sentence was supposed to be hyphenated but today, I can't care less. I sure am a pleasant blogger today.

Food cravings: No real cravings. Except Snicker Bars. I could eat one 2-3 times a day. I don’t, but I really could. And I’m trying hard to work past this chicken thing, but man, every once in awhile in sneaks up on me and I gag.

What I miss: Did I mention sleep?

What I am looking forward to: This week I have a 28 week appointment and I get my regular doctor back! She’s back from maternity leave and I have missed her!!

Milestones: Braxton Hicks started this week for me. I get probably 2-3 a day and they don’t hurt, just uncomfortable at times. Also, random strangers ask me about when I’m due, so I clearly look pregnant now. I passed my glucose test! And our registries at Babies ‘R Us and Target are completed (thanks Mom for really helping us figure that stuff out!). And I now pee sneeze. It’s beautiful. I should’ve been practicing my kegals. Better get started on that before it gets worse.

Oh and look how I stick out so much more from the front now too:

Week 27 Updates

First, ignore my booty in this picture. It looks rather large and I’m convinced it’s just because my back is arched. Haha, yes, I know, I have a large rear, but not THIS huge.

Weekly Questions

How far along? 27 weeks!

How Big Is The Baby? According my doctor and the website I use, he’s 14.5 inches and about 2 pounds.

Total weight gain: Today I’m at 149.6.8. I’m now 8.6 lb past my pre-pregnancy weight. I really don't want to discuss that. Blah.

Maternity Clothes: Definitely more comfortable at this point because of the length.

Sleep: Just okay. My hip nerve/sciatic is killing me so it makes it more difficult to sleep.

Food cravings: Eh, no real cravings this week. But I love spicy food…Not a craving though. And some of my food aversions are a little strong this week, creamy, saucy foods and melted cheeses kind of gross me out. Maybe that’s just temporary this time!!

What I miss: Not having back pain.

What I am looking forward to: Nothing too eventful this week. Just a regular week with no appointments!

Milestones: I hit third trimester!! Woohoo! Also, he know kicks me in the side which is totally new. It’s cute because I can feel his little body through my sides.

Letter To My Little Bun

Dear Cohen-

Hey sweet, sweet little boy. How're you this morning?

I'm thinking you're doing really well since you've been squirming and kicking around since about 6:00 this morning. I don't mind though, I like feeling you move! After Daddy and I went to bed you started moving around so much that I couldn't sleep. I had to just put my hand on my belly and smile as I pictured you in there stretching and moving around. You're so cute.

BabyCenter says that you're now sleeping and waking up at regular intervals and I definitely agree. You are really awake at night and during the morning, but right around noon, you stop moving and I think you're in there sleeping away. You're also opening and shutting your eyes now and man, I cannot wait to see those little eyes of yours!

We only have 13 weeks until we meet you little boy. I cannot wait!

You did awesome at our last doctor's appointment. You beat your heart so well and I think you were doing it to show off for your Nana. She loved hearing it.

Can you do one teensy, tiny favor? You know that nerve in there where you think it's so fun to play? Could you please lift off it and move? I love you and I love feeling you move, but you are on this part of my nerve that is giving me terrible hip pain and it's killing me. That's all I ask of you this week.

I love you my sweet, sweet little Mister.

Love,

Mommy