Growing Baby Rote - 39 wks

How far along:  39 weeks

I’m feeling: Ready - still feeling really good but I've decided this baby can come at any time now

Total weight gain: 32.5 lbs

Baby Rote’s size: 7-8 lbs and 19-21 in comparable to a small pumpkin

This week: I noticed I started retaining some fluid this week, my face seemed a little puffier on some days and I've lost my ankles a little bit.
I turned 29 on the 24th and we got to hear the little one's heartbeat so that was a perfect birthday present. Without realizing it I guess I've been having mini contractions, I had one at our appointment and I just thought it was baby in an awkward positing pushing and making my stomach really hard - apparently not. Now if only all the contractions could pass by me unnoticed!!

Sleep: insomnia started to kick in a little bit more this week and finding a comfortable position is getting more and more difficult!

Best moment this week: Getting to hear our little one's heartbeat on my birthday and know that he or she is head down (nice and low in fact) and in perfect position.
Also the weather this week was perfect, we grilled twice and tested out our new patio furniture!!

Movement: This little one is still making waves across my stomach and it is so fun to watch

Food cravings: Sea Salt Covered Chocolates - I also had a craving this week for chicken salad so I had to whip that up quick!

Food aversions: nothing

Belly button in or out: out

Looking forward to: The arrival of this little one!
Also Steve's cousin and girlfriend (were due on the 24th) had their baby today, March 30th, so I can't wait to meet him!!

Growing Baby Rote - 38 wks

How far along: 38 weeks

I’m feeling: starting to notice the extra baby weight more and more but overall still feeling great!

Total weight gain: 30.5 lbs

Baby Rote’s size: around 7lbs and over 19.5in comparable to a Spaghetti Squash

This week: I developed a nice little rash this week, started on my belly and has gone away there but is now on my arms - nothing to worry about, it is just an annoying (itchy) pregnancy symptom.

Sleep: nothing new in the sleep department

Best moment this week: I started a bible study through IF and am really excited to see how this will help me grow in faith that I can pass on to this little babe

Movement: I can't wait to kiss these sweet little toes that keep jabbing me!!

Food cravings: mint chocolate chip ice cream - I compromised and made a mint chocolate shake using essential oils for my mint flavor. It was AMAZING!!!

Food aversions: nothing

Belly button in or out: out

Looking forward to: My birthday and getting some last things hung up in the nursery!

Growing Baby Rote - 37 wks

How far along: 37 weeks

I’m feeling: I'm still feeling great, some slight shin pain from the extra weight but nothing to complain about.

Total weight gain: 29 lbs

Baby Rote’s size: 19-22in and 6.5lbs comparable to a Winter Melon

This week: Met with our midwife on the 14th and had a good checkup. Babe's heartbeat was 145bpm and our midwife doesn't think baby will get past 8lbs, that made me feel pretty good!

I have a cousin expecting in May and their baby shower was on the 12th, I'm excited to have cousins on my side and Steve's side who are expecting right now!!

I must appear very large and slightly uncomfortable to people because no one thinks I should be at work when they see me - I think I need a neon sign with a countdown to the due date so people stop wondering why I'm still around!!

Maternity clothes: Bought some nursing tanks that are super soft and comfy from Target - if you have a favorite nursing tank or any postpartum clothing item let me know!!

Sleep: finding myself slightly more restless as the weeks go on but still getting plenty of sleep

Best moment this week: Hearing baby's heartbeat and knowing he/she is head down getting closer for the big arrival day

Movement: I love feeling baby move and enjoy how responsive they are when I poke and prod my belly hehe

Food cravings: nothing

Food aversions: nothing

Belly button in or out: out

Looking forward to: our next appointment that happens to be on my 29th Birthday!!

Growing Baby Rote - 36 wks

How far along:  36 weeks

I’m feeling: besides the fact that I woke up with a head cold I'm feeling good!

Total weight gain: 28 lbs

Baby Rote’s size: around 19in long and weighing around 6lbs - comparable to a Ripe Papaya

This week: Celebrated our oldest niece turning 9 on the 3rd - crazy to think how fast they grow up!
Steve's cousin is expecting on March 24th (my birthday) so I attended that baby shower on Saturday and then Sunday we had our maternity photos.
I also started packing our hospital bags this week - let me know if there is anything we NEED!!

Maternity clothes: Bought some nursing bras, I'm hoping they will be big enough in a few weeks - seems like such a guessing game!!

Sleep: still sleeping great!

Best moment this week: Having our photographer come out and take lifestyle maternity photos - she is so sweet and I can't wait to have her capture the birth of our child too!!

Lindsay Kaye Photography

Movement: Kept trying to get movement on video this week but I think the little bugger is camera shy - must take after dad!!

Food cravings: Craved more chocolate this week than normal

Food aversions: nothing

Belly button in or out: out

Looking forward to: Our upcoming 36 week appointment

Growing Baby Rote - 35 wks

How far along:  35 Weeks

I’m feeling: Large

Total weight gain: 27 lbs - almost 3 pounds in a week, yikes!! Baby is making up for no gain between weeks 33 & 34.

Baby Rote’s size: Between 18-19 in and 5-6 lbs - comparable to a Bunch Of Carrots, a Honeydew Melon, or a Pineapple

This week: Super busy week. Baby appointment on the 24th - everything still measuring right on track, heartbeat was 148bpm.
Had Baby Shower on the 26th.

Sleep: getting comfortable is becoming more of a challenge but once I'm asleep I have no problem staying asleep, except of course for the 3:30am bathroom break

Best moment this week: The Baby Shower was amazing and overwhelming all at the same time. We are so loved by our family and friends and I can't thank my sister enough for all the adorable details she put into it. I spent 2.5 hours opening gifts and the whole day was a wonderful blur!
Very thankful too for the guys in my life that helped in cleaning up the shop so it didn't totally smell of cow poop (hehe) it was so nice to have the shower right in my own back yard!!

Movement: Baby either likes car rides or dislikes them, I haven't figured that out yet but it seems whenever I get in the car it is time for a dance party in my belly!

Food cravings: Picked up a bag of Cuties (mini orange things) and those are so delicious I couldn't get enough of them this week

Food aversions: nothing

Belly button in or out: more out than in

Looking forward to: Maternity photos on the 5th