thirty-nine weeks.

Date/How Far Along: August 19, 2013 = 39 weeks and 2 days.  Five days until our Guess Date and no more than nineteen days until Baby Hammar is here! 

Size of baby:  Baby Averages at 39 Weeks: 18.9-20.9 inches long and 6.2-9.2 pounds.  The site I've been using gives the same averages from last week until forty weeks.  He'll come out soon enough and we'll know how big he is.  The midwife that I saw on Friday said she estimated he was somewhere around high 6 lb to low 7 lb.  I'm an completely happy with that! 

Sleep:  Sleep is different night to night.  Last night seemed really great, but it could've been because I was up at 6:15 and didn't nap.  I am still having to pee at least twice per night and it's getting harder to pull myself up to sitting from laying down.  All too soon I'll be up every 2-3 hours to feed him, so it's good I'm getting partly used to waking up now.     

Total Weight Gain:  I didn't gain any weight at my last appointment, so still I'm almost up thirty pounds total.  I have another appointment Thursday if we go that far, so we'll see then.  Apparently it's not unusual to lose weight right before delivery.   

Symptoms:  We were almost ready to start timing contractions last night.  We went for a walk and I had three strong surges, but still that would only put them about twenty minutes apart.  Our regular walking path is two miles and it now takes me an hour to waddle around the whole thing.  I started experiencing an extreme pressure in my pelvic area too.  I was scared and excited all at the same time.  During/after our walk my body continued to feel like I was getting my period.  I had a few contractions after I got home and John even commented that with one I was standing in the position he had read about (leaning on a chair a little hunched over).  We were so hopeful!  I took a bath and we both went to bed.  Nothing and now I'm sitting at work while Miss B is napping writing my 39 week blog.  So nothing yet.     

Movement:  He has slowed down during some parts of the day.  He usually naps after I have lunch, but he's very active after I eat supper.  He is still so strong and the movements lower in my abdomen are crazy hard.  In the tub last night it looked like I had an alien in my stomach or something.  It's such a miraculous event to watch for me.  It's probably one of the (only) things I'll miss about being pregnant :)

Maternity Clothes:  Yup.  It's a bummer too because some of the athletic clothes that I've been relying on are just plain too tight and uncomfortable now.  I finally started wearing a different pair of pants to yoga just last week because my Nike capris were getting too tight.  I guess I should be pretty happy I made it until 38.5 weeks in pre-pregnancy pants.  I'm still wearing pre-pregnancy yoga pants today too.  I'm hoping they shrink back down after he comes out because I love these ones.

Go-to eats:   I can't say I've had too many strong cravings.  I'm still remembering how good my salad was at Cheesecake Factory and on Saturday night John and I went to El Loro to eat spicy Mexican food to try and coax the baby out :)

Best moment/s of the week:  It was a slow/relaxing week.  My family came on Saturday to help us paint the exterior of our house (yes, at 39 weeks we painted the outside of our house), so it feels great to have that done.  I went on a walk with a friend on Friday and that was nice too.  Yesterday John and I did a lot of relaxing, which was so good for both of us.   

Hardest moment/s of the week:  I'm still sometimes discouraged with labor signs that seem to lead no wear.  Last night's episode of false labor was the hardest.  I just hope he's ready and he comes soon, even though it's just as likely that he comes the week after his due date.

Gender:  Our little boy will be here SO SOON!

What I wish people knew:  It's hard when people keep saying "He'll come when he's ready."  (Please don't feel bad if you've said this to me!)  I understand that logically, but it's very hard to find comfort in that when I feel as crummy as I do.  He will come when he's ready and I'll be happy when it's time!

What I’m looking forward to:  Having this baby!  (This category is not going to change until he comes!)

Milestones:  You are preparing for birth!  Bring it on babe!  I'm ready when you are, so is your daddy!

 

Week 22 and Week 38.5

To check out my growing bump click here :)

A Letter to My Little One

Dear Sweet Baby Boy,

You were wanted before you were ever conceived!  Your daddy and I have dreamed of having little ones of our own someday and we're so thankful to be so close to meeting you!  We will do our very best to care for you, teach you, laugh with you, cry with you and love you.  You are already so loved little guy, so loved!  I don't want you to ever forget that!

Just so you know, you have the most incredible big brother and I hope you grow up thinking that!  He is going to smother you with kisses and love.  We are pretty sure he'll be very protective of you and he will allow you to crawl all over him if you will share your toys.  He can't wait until you're big enough to play fetch and go on walks with him.  As you get older we know he will be able to teach you what love is.  He loves your daddy and I no matter what.  I'm sure you'll love seeing him when we come home from places because he's always excited to see us.  I know you're already used to his barking because you've heard it a lot while you've been living in your baby palace inside me.  We can't wait for you to meet Comet!  You will love him!  I hope you guys are best friends :)

The next person I want to tell you about is your daddy.  He is the best.  He is elated that you're coming, dubing you The Dragon Warrior from the beginning.  I'm sure you both will have many viewing parties of Kung Fu Panda, it's one of his favorites.  I hope you grow up thinking he's a superhero because he totally is.  He works really hard for our family and that's why I get to stay home with you after you come.  He is very smart and he'll teach you what he knows and learn with you the things he doesn't know.  There are times when he will have you laughing and not even remembering what you're laughing about.  He hopes that you like hockey as much as he does so you can share that bond, but I promise there's no pressure (well maybe a tiny bit).  He likes to rub my belly and talk to you and you always respond, so I know you know his voice.  He talks about how excited he is to snuggle you and show you new places and things.  As we were walking yesterday he was talking about babywearing you around our usual path.  You will always have a special place in his heart as his firstborn.  He can't wait to experience life through your eyes.  I bet you'll be just as handsome as he is!

Lastly, there's me, your momma.  I can't really begin to explain how it's been to carry you for the past 39 weeks.  You truly are a blessing to me and it has been a priviledge to help you grow.  I hope to continue to help you grow and to nurture you after you make your debut into the world.  It has been emotional to be pregnant, but I would never trade that for getting you in the end.  I love to feel you kick and move and respond to my voice or touch.  I can't wait to snuggle you in my arms.  I hope you love to snuggle and Comet will be thankful I'm not forcing him to snuggle all the time.  I can't wait to witness all your "firsts" from yawn to hiccups to words to steps to solid foods.  It's just so incredible to me that your daddy and I get to be there for all of your accomplishments and even your disappointments.  Please know that I will always love you no matter what.  I will promise to be always be in your corner even if it doesn't seem like it.  You are my firstborn.  I love you.

 
Sweet babe, remember that daddy and I will always love you no matter what.  We will be here for you to the best of our abilities.  We can't wait to watch you experience new things and grow to have preferences.  We want to love you and take care of you.  We thank God every day for you sweet boy and pray that you grow up knowing Him and following His plan for you.  Hope to meet you so soon!

Love, Momma   

thirty-eight weeks.

Date/How Far Along: August 12, 2013 = 38 weeks and 2 days.  Twelve days until our Guess Date and no more than twenty-six days until Baby Hammar is here! 

Size of baby:  Baby Averages at 38 Weeks: 18.9-20.9 inches long and 6.2-9.2 pounds.  The site I've been using gives the same averages from last week until forty weeks.  He'll come out soon enough and we'll know how big he is. 

Sleep:  I feel like I haven't had to pee quite as much in the past week.  I am usually up twice, but it's rarely over three times per night.  I'm having more trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep in at this point.  The bump is just hard to work around.  I took a few naps last week and that helped to give me a bit more energy, but it doesn't usually change the time I'm ready for bed. 

Total Weight Gain:  I was at 162.4 at my appointment last Friday, so almost 30 pounds totally.  I'm still not experiencing much if any water retention so that feels good.  The nurse I always see continually comments on my ankles.  I should really tell her thank you for the boost in my mood whenever I hear her compliments :) 

Symptoms:  I felt a little off yesterday.  I've been having more cramping that doesn't feel like contractions, but I'd like to think it's a sign of early labor.  I'm just ready to birth this little guy.  I still have regular stabbing pains in my groin area/pressure down there that feels like the baby might fall out, so that's pleasant especially out in public.  Thankfully I haven't had anyone ask what's wrong while I'm half squatting with my legs flexed in the middle of Cub foods.    

Movement:  It hasn't changed a bit as far as intensity.  He only slows down when he's napping.  I've been feeling more and more movement down lower in my pelvis though.  My whole family was over on Friday night for pizza and he decided to be really active for them which was so much fun.  They were surprised how strong he is.  Hannah and Caite didn't really take their hands off my stomach for a half hour, even Caleb and his girlfriend Jessi felt him.  I love when other people experience what I get to feel on a daily basis.  It'll be so much fun when my siblings have little ones of their own.  

Maternity Clothes: Nothing more to say that yup :) and I have no shame. 

Go-to eats:   I satisfied my Alfredo craving last week and it was delicious!  I haven't really wanted anything specific lately.  I've just eaten our normal foods.  I did take out some ravioli for supper tonight.  I've read that carbo-loading for labor and delivery just like I did for the marathon is a good idea, so I'll probably try to have a few extra Italian meals over the next few weeks.   

Best moment/s of the week:  Great yoga last Wednesday.  Spending Friday with my mom.  She cried at my midwife appointment when she heard his heartbeat :)  While we were at Target a lady with an eight week old and I got to exchange compliments.  It was reassuring to me to see that she honestly looked thin and great for two months postpartum!  The rest of my family joined us for supper at our house on Friday night and that was great.  We all got to meet Erin and Ryan's new pup Charlie.  Yesterday John and I had a wonderful, relaxing day together.  We had Cheesecake Factory for lunch and took Comet on a four mile walk.  It has been a great week! 

Hardest moment/s of the week:  Dealing with pre-labor symptoms that really seem to mean nothing as far as a timeline, but at least they mean we're moving in the right direction. 

Gender:  We're having ourselves a little man!

What I wish people knew:  We're still so thankful for support.  We're thankful for family and friends who we know will be there if we need anything after the babe is born.  We're lucky to have such an incredible support system. 

What I’m looking forward to:  Having this baby!  (This category is not going to change until he comes!)

Milestones:  You are preparing for birth!  Bring it on babe!  I'm ready when you are, so is your daddy!

   

To check out my growing bump click here :)

thirty-seven weeks.

Date/How Far Along: August 6, 2013 = 37 weeks and 3 days.  Eighteen days until our Guess Date and no more than thirty-two days until Baby Hammar is here!

Size of baby:  Watermelon (See photo below)  Baby Averages: 18.9-20.9 inches long and 6.2-9.2 pounds.

Sleep: I've had to pee so much in the night, but I also drink lots of water before and while I'm sleeping.  It seems to keep my leg cramps at bay, so I'm not going to change that.  I'm still tired most of the time, but it's not going to change once he comes :) 

Total Weight Gain:  At my appointment last Friday I was 160.8 so I think that means I've gained 27 pounds total.  I can't remember if I started at 133.6 or .8.  Since I only have a few weeks left I hope that means only a little more weight gained.  I have appointments with the midwife every week up until he comes, so I'll have an update every week. 

Symptoms:  John is still being a gentleman and helps me get out of chairs or off the floor where I choose to put on my socks and shoes.  I've still been having a lot of groin pain and lots of pressure down there, which is apparently normal because he should be moving down.  I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions as well.  Thankfully my uterus is practicing :)      

Movement:  So much stretching and he is STRONG!  His feet stick out on my right side that it feels like I'm going to burst open.  It's crazy.  I love knowing when he's awake and when he's sleeping.  He is very active at night after I eat supper.  I'm worried that I'm going to feel sad that he won't be inside me anymore.  I'm ready to stop feeling heavy and sore, but I think I'm going to have to babywear a lot!

Maternity Clothes:  Yup.  My athletic clothes are starting to get tight.  I've been wearing these "Simbad" pants, as John calls them.  They are actually pre-pregnancy pants from Victoria's Secret.  I think they're meant to be a swimsuit cover-up.  I got a robe to bring with to the hospital :)  

Go-to eats:   Salad and cheese.  Ice cream.  Last night I wanted alfredo so bad, but we didn't have any.  It was a big bummer.  I actually still really want it.  I might have to stop on my way home.  I've been craving Mexican food too.  

Best moment/s of the week:  Getting closer and closer to our guess date.  Having time with John and Comet.

Hardest moment/s of the week:  I'm doing great.  I'm just ready to be done :)

Gender:  He's going to be my sweet boy!

What I wish people knew: Breastfeeding is a little scary.  I'm nervous it'll be hard and I won't be able to do it.  It's just something that is very important to me and I really want both myself and the babe to be successful at it. 

What I’m looking forward to:   Hanging out with my momma on Friday to celebrate her birthday.  She gets to come with me to my midwife appointment.  It'll probably be one of the last times I get to hang out with her without babe.  Having him be in my arms.  I cannot wait!  I can't wait to watch John hold him either.  I'm almost sure my heart is going to burst!

Milestones:  You are preparing for birth!  Bring it on babe!  I'm ready when you are!
  

To check out my growing bump click here :)

thirty-six weeks.

Date/How Far Along: July 30, 2013 = 36 weeks and 2 days.  Twenty-six days until our Guess Date and no more than forty days until Baby Hammar is here!

Size of baby:  Baby Averages from 36 Weeks: 17.2-18.7 inches and 4.2-5.8 pounds.  

Sleep: On Saturday night I slept six hours without waking up.  It was so wonderful :)  Otherwise sleep has been fine.  Uncomfortable sometimes, but for the most part I still can't complain.  He'll be out soon and I'm sure my sleep will be worse than it is now. 

Total Weight Gain:  I have another appointment on Friday, which starts my weekly appointment schedule, so I will know about gain every week from now on.  I'm so close that a few extra pounds don't really bother me.  (At least when I say it out loud, seeing it on the scale might produce a different taste in my mouth.)

Symptoms:  I'm waddling and sometimes have to have John help me out of chairs.  I previously thought to myself I never wanted to be "that" pregnant lady.  I've been humbled :)  I'm still experiencing the weird groin pain and lots of hip pressure/pain/stiffness.  I'm not sure if John would say this but I feel like I've been more emotional too, at least over the weekend.     

Movement:  He was SO active last night and I even captured some on video.  While I was taping though John looked over and was so excited that he could see it too.  I love when he's excited about the baby.  He's going to be such a great dad.  I've still been feeling lots of hiccups and lots of wiggles, not so much jabs anymore, but that's normal when they get bigger and have less room to move around. 

Maternity Clothes:  Yup, bought my first few nursing tank tops and a bra.  It felt funny.  Sidenote: John and I don't take plastic bags from stores if we only have a few things and I forget my reusable bags in the car.  The cashier at Babies R Us was so funny because we told her that and she very adamantly said, "She doesn't want anyone seeing her bra!"  John and I got a good chuckle out of it because I honestly could care less if people see my bra or any other unmentionables I buy :)  I've been trying to pack our hospital bag, which currently is spread around on the kitchen table, and I can't decide which clothing to bring.  I've gotten suggestions from friends, so hopefully that'll help narrow it down.   

Go-to eats:   Taco Salad!  We're having it for supper and I've been looking forward to it since Saturday when we decided that's what we were going to have.  I've been craving fresh fruit, so I've eaten lots of peaches and raspberries from our bush outside.  

Best moment/s of the week:  We had a very great week.  We got lots of walks in, three with John and one with a friend.  I got to see a few other pregnant friends and my sister Erin on Friday and see my family on Saturday for breakfast.  John and I got a lot done around the house and bought a few things we didn't have yet for the baby on Saturday.  It was a very productive weekend even though I'm exhausted today.  Looking forward to our taco salad will keep me going. 

Hardest moment/s of the week:  Being exhausted.  Knowing that we're getting closer and closer to the labor and delivery part.  I'm so excited to meet him and know that we'll have a baby regardless of how he ends up coming into the world, but I'm still a little anxious.  

Gender:  The babe is a boy.  I'm sure he'll be handsome like his daddy. 

What I wish people knew:  I am so thankful for all the thoughtfulness people have shown us throughout this pregnancy, whether it's gifts for the babe, a kind comment or an offer of help around the house.  We're so blessed by family and friends. 

What I’m looking forward to:  Seeing John's mom tonight, we have to bring her to the airport early tomrrow morning.  I'm actually looking forward to my midwife appointment on Friday.  Having lunch with John's grandparents next Sunday.

Milestones: You're shedding the downy hair that's covered you for the past few months and your hearing is fulling developed.   

To check out my growing bump click here :)

thirty-five weeks.

Date/How Far Along: July 23, 2013 = 35 weeks and 3 days.  Happy birthday to Uncle Karl from baby!

Size of baby:  Baby Averages from 35 Weeks:  He's probably a little over 5 pounds and it between 16-20 inches long.  One source said he's the size of a roasting chicken.  Possibly one of the worst references yet. 

Sleep: I feel like a light switch went off and now I have to get up at least twice per night to pee and then getting comfortable again is near impossible.  I'm still getting some good sleep, but I'm usually tired.  The pillow still does help, but it is just not easy between bathroom runs, a huge bump and back pain. 

Total Weight Gain:  I had gained nothing at my last appointment and the midwife said that was just fine.  He probably had a growth spurt before my last appointment.  I was also measuring a week bigger than I was supposed to which also can indicate a growth spurt.  Due to how happy I was about not gaining another 4.5 pounds I got Wendy's for Comet and I on my way home. 

Symptoms:  I asked the midwife about the groin pain and apparently it's totally normal and lots of women actually experience it.  It just has to do with all the pressure down there.  It's gotten tolerable and John is less worried every time I have to stop because of it.  I have been having lots of back pain this week which I assume is just the extra weight plus having to carry Miss B around at work.  I just try to continually change positions throughout the day in hopes that I ease the stress on my muscles.  I've been having very positive dreams about labor, delivery and breastfeeding as well.  It makes my mornings so much more positive.  I know he's coming (in no more than 6.5 weeks) and I know I can do it.    

Movement:  He's still wonderfully active even when it hurts :)  John has been touching my tummy more often to feel him and I love that.  The baby also seems to be especially excited when John and I talk to each other and he can hear both of our voices.  I've been feeling lots of hiccups!  Apparently my movements have also changed, my sweet grandma said to me on Sunday, "You know you're walking more like a duck these days."  I swore I didn't want to be the pregnant woman who waddles around and can't get out of chairs without help, but it's happened and I wouldn't trade it :)

Maternity Clothes:  Still a mix of both, but depending on what I'm wearing it can be more of one or the other.  I wore all regular clothes yesterday.    

Go-to eats:   I haven't had any strong cravings except for today.  I am meeting a friend for lunch and we decided on a place, but I couldn't stop thinking about a sandwich at a different place so she graciously said she'd go there with me instead.  I have been craving sushi so much, so that's another reason I will be so happy when this baby comes out.    

Best moment/s of the week:  We got to tour the birth center last Wednesday and that was reassuring.  It was still under construction when we saw it the first time, so it was nice to see what a room with a birthing tub looked like.  The tubs look great too which makes me more excited for our water birth!  I also got to see lots of family this weekend because we had our last baby shower.  It was such a blessing to have my grandparents drive up here from Nebraska for it.  I want them to be as involved as possible in the baby's life, so it was so nice.

Hardest moment/s of the week:  My sister and brother-in-law's puppy Sandy got hit by a car.  We are heartbroken and I feel worse because I know my sister is really sad about it.  We will really miss her!  Erin said though that she just got sent up to heaven for our grandpa's first heaven birthday.  I'm sure they're up there running and playing :)

Gender:  We are so excited about bringing a boy into the world. 

What I wish people knew:  I don't mind when most people touch my belly.  I haven't had a complete stranger do it yet, so that might be a little silly, but for the most part I haven't minded at all.     

What I’m looking forward to:  Another weekend of just our family of four, John, Comet, baby and I.  We'll probably try to get some more housework done, but hopefully we can find time to relax and enjoy each other's company.  I'm excited to see the few friends I get to see this week too!

Milestones: You are really focusing on gaining weight.  Most of your development is complete, so gaining weight is the next step to preparing for your entrance into the world. 

To check out my growing bump click here :) 

Have fun running and playing with Grandpa Morris little Sandy girl!  We love you!

thirty-four weeks.

Date/How Far Along: July 15, 2013 = 34 weeks and 2 days. It's only 40 days until our guess date and 54 days until we are 42 weeks.  The midwives will not let us go later than 42 weeks, so in 54 days or less we'll have a baby to hold in our arms.  Holy buckets!  Yay!

 

Size of baby:  We quit trying to compare his size to an object.  Here's baby averages for 34 weeks:  17.2-18.7 inches long and 4.2-5.8 pounds.

 

Sleep:  I think I have to say it's still going well.  There are nights that are worse than others and it is getting harder to find a comfortable position, but I'm still getting more than I'll get after baby comes.  For that I'm thankful.

 

Total Weight Gain:  I'm hoping it's not a large amount more than at my last appointment, but I have an appointment on Friday, so we'll see. 

 

Symptoms:  The worst part is my upper thigh and groin muscles.  I'm not trying to be too graphic about it, but they are sore.  Sometimes they feel like they're being pulled so tight that I have to stop walking or doing whatever I'm doing.  It's weird.  It's not something I've heard others talk about or that I've read about.  

 

Movement:  He's so active and it's wonderful, but not always.  haha!  Honestly sometimes his twists and turns hurt.  He's so strong.  For the longest time it felt like he only sat on the right side of my abdomen, but now it feels like he's everywhere in there.  Poor guy is probably running out of room.  His movements have started to feel more like twists and turns too, opposed to kicks and jabs. 

 

Maternity Clothes:  Not today, but I'm only wearing athletic clothing.  I'm surprised at how well some of my regular clothes still fit.  If I knew I may not have bought as many maternity pieces.  I haven't bought a lot, but good fitting pants/jeans/bottoms have been really important to me.  T-shirts have no been quite as important.  I know I still have a little ways to go, but I can't imagine growing out of all my shirts by then.  We'll see though I guess.       

 

Go-to eats: For a long while I was loving chocolate covered raisins, but the last few days they made me feel sick.  We're having taco salad tonight or tomorrow and I'm definitely looking forward to that.  I've been craving Pizza Hut bread sticks, but I haven't eaten any because I've had such an issue with salt.  I don't want to eat them and then feel nasty afterwards.   

 

Best moment/s of the week:  We had the entire weekend to ourselves.  We got some house projects done, although the house looks worse than it did when we started.  We went to Menards.  We got breakfast together on Sunday morning.  We got to go to church.  We played with Comet.  It was so blissful and I'm so thankful for it!  I also got to meet a friend's baby and see my last nanny family :)

 

Hardest moment/s of the week:  There wasn't really anything hard about last week.  I'm thankful for that.

 

Gender:  Little Hammar is a Mr.

What I wish people knew:  John has been my greatest support through all of this.  He's great. 

 

What I’m looking forward to:  We are touring the birth center on Wednesday evening and we have our last baby shower on Sunday.  My grandparents from Nebraska are coming so it will be fun to see them.  I'm so happy to get to include them in this exciting part of our lives. 

 

Milestones: You can recognize simple songs.  I told your dad I'm trying to get you to love country music before you even come out, so hopefully they're simple enough :)

 

To check out my growing bump click here :)