Milk Bath Session

These pictures were totally out of my comfort zone, but I've seen them on Pinterest and when one of my go-to photographers offered a mini session so close to my delivery date, I had to jump on the opportunity, because I knew it would be the last and only chance I get. 

The shoot was at a downtown high rise hotel and the room and views were just amazing! I thought it would be totally uncomfortable and awkward, but it was literally the most relaxed shoot ever. I didn't have to look at the camera, I just relaxed in the bathtub (which smelled amazing because of all the fruit by the way) and chatted with the photographer and her assistant about my upcoming birth and Mr. Fox. 

I really love how these turned out, I was super nervous about opening the file when I received them back, but I think she did an amazing job. Katie still thinks these are weird and why would anyone ever sit in a milk bath and take pictures of their naked belly, but that's ok. She's always been a little weirded out by a pregnant belly, so I can see where she's coming from...haha.

And while I might not miss being pregnant for the rest of my life, I know that I will miss this belly, so I'm glad I got some shots of it only four short weeks before our little man's arrival. 

36 weeks pregnancy update

July 18, 2018

How far along:

36 weeks 

Baby is the size of a:

Romaine Lettuce or a Cabbage Patch Doll

Total weight gain:

I gained almost 4lbs this week and when I almost passed out on the scale after seeing this, Katie brought it to my attention that I ate nothing but Nutella Sandwiches all week long. Guilty as charged. I’m up a total of almost 40lbs at this point…eeks. 

Maternity Clothes?

Yes, kind of getting tired of my choices these days. 

Stretch Marks?

No.

Sleep?

Getting rough and this week was pretty miserable in the sleep department. I started to have a tooth ache on Friday morning and by Friday night it got so bad that I couldn’t sleep at all the entire night. I went to an emergency dentist on Saturday morning where they started a root canal, but lost a piece of instrument inside my root in the process, so they stopped and said I had to go see a specialist on Monday. What the hell? I was so miserable all weekend long and Monday couldn’t come fast enough. While the specialist was able to finish the root canal and get me somewhat out of pain, I still have to get a crown and after the baby is born I will have to go back, so they can slice my gums open to get that instrument out, because apparently that procedure is too invasive during pregnancy. Having to deal with that after a c-section and having a newborn sounds miserable to me, but it is what it is. I hope the pain can stay manageable until then and that I can get some better sleep soon. 

Best moment of the Week:

There were literally no good moments this week. A lot of pain, tears and sleepless nights. 

Movement:

I got a little freaked out this week after I had my root canal done because I realized that I didn’t feel the baby for hours, in fact, I couldn’t even remember the last time I felt him. I checked his heartbeat on the Doppler and finally found it, but still no movement. After drinking some chocolate milk he finally woke up and reassured me that he’s still doing good in there, but I was ready to head over to Labor and Delivery. 

Food Cravings:

Nutella Sandwiches? Not really a pregnancy related craving though.

Belly Button in or out:

In, but barely. With Fox I had a linea nigra running down my belly button and it didn’t fade away for a very long time after birth. I’m happy to see that I don’t have it this time, at least not yet.

Gender:

Sweet baby boy!

Symptoms:

Nothing too crazy, especially when I compare it to Fox’s pregnancy at this point. My swelling is still manageable and not too crazy, backaches come and go and are luckily not constant, same with the rib pains. I’m definitely a lot more tired during the day and feeling emotionally and physically drained, but that’s to be expected. 

Anything Making you queasy or Sick?

Nothing.

Have you Started to Show yet?

Getting bigger, although a lot of people tell me I still look small and it doesn’t look like I’m about to deliver in three weeks. I also “love” (insert sarcastic expression here) when people tell me that this pregnancy just flew by…because that’s definitely not how I’m feeling. Some days I feel like I can’t catch a break and I have one issue after the other, pregnancy related and not pregnancy related, emotionally and physically. 

What I miss:

Having energy and sleeping comfortable. Driving without pain. An ice cold coke. 

What I'm looking forward to:

Hmmm, that’s a tough one. We have a kids birthday party scheduled this weekend (a pool party) and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing my friends, because it has been a few weeks, but I think it might be a lot for me and I’ll be looking like a beached whale, but that’s okay…we will manage. 

What I'm not looking forward to:

Katie leaving tomorrow for four days and I’m a little concerned having to deal with everything by myself, work x2, school drop offs and pick ups, Fox, the dog, the house, all while being exhausted and still in some pain. I know I will be okay, but apparently I like to stress myself out in advance for no reason. 

I’m also not particularly looking forward to getting a crown this week and a c-section in three weeks. I know I chose this (the c-section) and I still stand behind that decision, but having major surgery like that makes me nervous. I do hear that the recovery will be a breeze compared to my emergency c-section with Fox and I hope that’s true. 

You can find Fox’s 36 week pregnancy update HERE!

35 weeks pregnancy update

July 11, 2018

How far along:

35 weeks 

Baby is the size of a:

Honeydew Melon or a kids backpack

Total weight gain:

Up two pounds this week, total weight gain is back to 36lbs

Maternity Clothes?

All the way. 

Stretch Marks?

No! Will I make it four more weeks without getting any?

Sleep?

Some nights I have to use the restroom twice per night now, which is exhausting. Rolling out of bed or simply turning over is a chore for sure and apparently baby only likes me to lay on my left side, because every time I switch to the right, he kicks like crazy until I turn over. Getting way more tired during the day now too.  

Best moment of the Week:

Katie gave me some alone time this weekend to just relax and to tackle my to do list, so that was nice. 

Movement:

All the time!

Food Cravings:

Nothing unusual.

Belly Button in or out:

Pretty flat

Gender:

Sweet baby boy!

Symptoms:

Backaches, Rib Pains, getting out of breath and exhaustion. I also get a lot of bloody noses and my feet and hands started to get swollen this week. My wedding ring always used to be pretty loose and now it fits perfectly. My shoes however are a struggle to put on and I go barefoot whenever I can, even at work. 

Anything Making you queasy or Sick?

Nothing.

Have you Started to Show yet?

Yes

What I miss:

Having energy and sleeping comfortable. My back is starting to hurt more and more and I can’t even sit on the floor with Fox for very long anymore, which makes me sad. 

What I'm looking forward to:

Nothing special planned this week, since it’s Home Show week once again.

What I'm not looking forward to:

I’m working 11 days in a row and following that, Katie is going on a 4-day solo trip to Hawaii, so I know I will be super tired for the next two weeks. 

This week it also hit me that I will have major surgery in four short weeks and I remembered all the unpleasant details that come with that (I will spare you with the specifics), so I started to freak out a little. 

You can find Fox’s 35 week pregnancy update HERE!

34 weeks pregnancy update

July 4, 2018

How far along:

34 weeks 

Baby is the size of a:

Cantaloupe or a Basketball Hoop

Total weight gain:

Somehow I lost two pounds this week, I’m up 34lbs total. Maybe I can stay under 40lbs weight gain this pregnancy. 

Maternity Clothes?

All the way. 

Stretch Marks?

No

Sleep?

It’s okay. Some nights are painful, others are okay. 

Best moment of the Week:

We had a good weekend and I even got to go out with my friends twice! Katie and I were also in total nesting mode and got a lot of stuff done around the house and purged like crazy. 

Movement:

Still constantly. He is sitting in the exact spot Fox used to sit in and hurting the same areas on my back and rib cage, just on one side though.

Food Cravings:

Nothing unusual. 

Belly Button in or out:

Flattening out

Gender:

Sweet baby boy!

Symptoms:

Backaches, Rib Pains, getting out of breath, Braxton hicks contractions, exhaustion. While I’m ready to not be pregnant anymore, it makes me super sad to think that these are the last few weeks of me EVER being pregnant. I will never have this belly again…! I’m sure it gets even more emotional when the baby is growing up and to think I will never have a newborn again, never experience certain things again…oh boy! 

Anything Making you queasy or Sick?

Nothing.

Have you Started to Show yet?

Yes

What I miss:

Sleeping comfortably and I can’t get over wanting an ice cold coke. 

What I'm looking forward to:

Nothing in particular. We have a CPR class scheduled this week, another doctor’s appointment (although it’s just with a nurse since my doctor is out of town, so I won’t get an ultrasound) and another set of maternity pictures (something completely different that I have never done before, it’s just a mini session…stay tuned). 

What I'm not looking forward to:

Sleepless nights. I’m actually terrified just thinking about it. I hope we’ll have a good sleeper!

You can find Fox’s 34 week pregnancy update HERE!

33 weeks pregnancy update

June 27, 2018

How far along:

33 weeks 

Baby is the size of a:

Pineapple or a Junior Tennis Racquet. He was 4lbs, 2oz this week when I saw the doctor!

Total weight gain:

36 lbs 

Maternity Clothes?

My maternity pants are getting a little uncomfortable already, but luckily I have a few dresses that I rotate. 

Stretch Marks?

Haven’t noticed any yet.

Sleep?

Could be better, could be worse. I’m not complaining.

Best moment of the Week:

Katie and I had a date night and saw Jurassic World, I don’t even remember the last time we saw a movie in the theater together! 

Movement:

The doctor said the area where I feel a body part pushing out, is the baby’s heel. Some kicks are definitely hurtful, but I was in much more pain with Fox. When we watched him on the ultrasound this week, the doctor said he was very expressive with his face, we saw him “chatting” and yawning and blinking. 

Food Cravings:

Nothing ever sounds good to me, I ate a lot of pasta and cereal lately.

Belly Button in or out:

Flattening out

Gender:

Sweet baby boy!

Symptoms:

Backaches and Rib pains, especially while driving and sitting down at work. Getting out of breath to the point that I feel like I’m hyperventilating and bending down is getting very painful as well. Emotionally I’m feeling much better, although I feel like I have very low patience these days. 

Anything Making you queasy or Sick?

Nothing.

Have you Started to Show yet?

I’m not sure how I will fit six more weeks of growth in this belly?

What I miss:

Just being comfortable and sleeping on my back or stomach. I still want that ice cold coke too…haha. 

What I'm looking forward to:

We have a fun weekend ahead, two brunches with friends (one of them being a baby shower for my sweet friend who is due three weeks after me) and a birthday party for one of Fox’s friend. 

What I'm not looking forward to:

Sleepless nights. 

You can find Fox’s 33 week pregnancy update HERE!

32 weeks pregnancy update

June 20, 2018

How far along:

32 weeks 

Baby is the size of a:

Spaghetti Squash

Total weight gain:

34 lbs 

Maternity Clothes?

Nothing new, although I bought a nursing nightgown and a robe for the hospital this week. 

Stretch Marks?

Not yet.

Sleep?

Hit and Miss. Could definitely be worse though if I look back at my 32 week update with Fox. Turning over is a real chore these days. But luckily only one bathroom break per night. 

Best moment of the Week:

We took Fox on a short trip to California and spent a day at the beach, at Legoland and Disneyland. It was a much needed break from reality for everyone. 

Movement:

He’s been pushing out his limbs at me this week. Not entirely sure what part of his body it is, but it’s usually in the same spot and very hurtful and hard when I touch the area. 

Food Cravings:

Nothing special. 

Belly Button in or out:

In. 

Gender:

Sweet baby boy!

Symptoms:

Same as last week. 

Anything Making you queasy or Sick?

Nothing.

Have you Started to Show yet?

Definitely.

What I miss:

The old me…I’m done with pregnancy! 

What I'm looking forward to:

Katie and I have a date night planned this weekend and I’m also looking forward to my next doctor’s appointment on Monday! I hope he will do an ultrasound again!

What I'm not looking forward to:

Tackling my to-do list. 

You can find Fox’s 32 week pregnancy update HERE!

Disneyland

The next day of our short California trip was spent at the happiest place on Earth! Again, the beach house we stayed at was only about an hour or less away from Disneyland, so why not? We read that their Pixar fest was going on and that they had also brought our favorite light parade back for a few short months and we were excited to see it again...mostly Katie though, she was more excited than a kid on Christmas morning!

The Jungle Cruise, aka Grandpa's favorite ride. Fox was scared in February when we went, but loved it this time.

The only reason Fox wanted to go to Disneyland was Dole Whip. He had it in February and hasn't stopped talking about it since. He told us he would eat three huge portions, so we got him one pretty much in the first hour we entered the park and while he was excited to get it, he claimed that he didn't like it anymore and only ate half of it. This kid is the pickiest eater there ever was. 

Tarzan's tree house, always fun for him!

We usually visit Disneyland on a Friday and Saturday. This was the first time we've ever been on a Tuesday and we were shocked how crowded it was. June was definitely not the time to go! It was so hot too! Luckily Katie had bought the max pass, so we could get fast passes right on our phone, as well as order food through the phone and just pick it up, so that cut our wait times tremendously.

Katie really wanted him to ride Splash Mountain with her. I was super nervous about it, because he is scared of a lot of rides. I thought it would ruin the day for sure if she took him, but he said he wanted to try it, even after seeing the big waterfall drop, so off they went. This was his excited face right before the ride and it didn't change after the ride either...he loved it!

Another favorite of his, Autopia! 

I got to ride most of the rides on that day and only had to sit out a few times, which was much needed!

One day shy of 32 weeks! I'm not sure how much bigger this belly can get in the next six weeks!

The Light parade wasn't until 9pm, which is way past Fox's bedtime. Last time we went to Disney, he asked to go back to the hotel around 6:30pm, but he powered through on this day, even though you could tell he was exhausted. Seeing his face when the parade started was everything though! He loved it when he was 1.5 and he still did. I probably watched him more than the parade!

We were all exhausted after a long day of fun, but I'm glad we got to take him one last time before he becomes a big brother and trips like these will be more difficult for a little while. 

Let Freedom Ring...

You know I can't pass up a holiday without having professional pictures taken, right? My favorite photog offered a ten minute mini session for 4th of July and while I originally only planned to have Fox in the pictures, I was shocked when Katie agreed to join in with us and I'm so glad she did and we got some unexpected family pictures too!

These pictures were so low key and not stressful at all for me (shocker, right?). We didn't have to go shopping for clothes (besides Fox's shirt) and just had fun with it.

Fox was so crazy and wild during this shoot, even our photographer commented that this is not how he usually acts when we see her...haha. 

He told us he was going to hold a sparkler with us, but then chickened out last minute. 

I'm always surprised how many great images she can get in such a short time frame...now we just need to make some time to get our pictures from the last year printed to update our family wall!

Happy 4th of July everyone!