33 Weeks - Baby Shower!!!!

This weekend I had my baby shower. It was such an amazing experience.  So many people were able to make it out to support me and the baby. I truly am so blessed by the people that I am surrounded by.  My family put on an amazing shower for me and so many friends showed up.  The food was amazing. There was a fruit salad that looked like a baby in a carriage.  The cake was from one of my favorite bakers and had my most beloved duck theme.  I love ducks so much and my family incorporated it into the theme of the shower so perfectly!  I got so many amazing gifts.  I am so well prepared for the baby now. There are only a few things I have left to get, and for that I am so lucky.  I have so much to set up the nursery and I cannot wait to be able to do that! I showed Eric everything we got and he was just in shock at how giving everyone was.  He also got so excited to see all the baby furniture we get to put together. :) And everyone at the shower LOVED seeing all the little foster kittens that are in our house right now. The kittens were super social and said hi to everyone throughout the course of the afternoon.  The shower put into perspective just how soon I'll be having the baby and I am getting so excited.  I cannot wait to be a parent and cannot wait to see Eric as a father.


Without further adieu, here is my weekly update. I just wanted to give a little summary of the shower first.


How far along? 33 weeks
How big is the baby?  According to my app, baby is the size of durian fruit...whatever the heck that is.  The length and weight have a huge gap according to the app so no clue what my baby is measuring. 17.2-18.7 inches, 4.2-5.8 pounds...Baby Puentes is probably measuring on the higher side if I had to make a wager.  
Total weight gain: Doctor says that everything is looking great with my weight, so I'll just leave it as that.  
Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes and a maternity support belt...those are my crucial items right now.

Stretch marks? Still the fugly belly button scar ones. Note to young teenagers, belly button piercings are not always cute!

Sleep: Between the pregnancy and my new kitten, sleeping is quite rough! Preparing me to be a mother I guess.
 

My new kitty Zap

Best moment this week: Had my baby shower. It was such an amazing experience! All the support and love I felt for baby Puentes just made me overwhelmed with gratitude. I am VERY lucky to have such a supportive family and such great friends. This baby is going to be so lucky with all the love it will be surrounded by.  
Miss Anything?  I miss feeling in control of my own body. Everything hurts and I get exhausted so easily...it's a very odd feeling!  
Movement: Movement is frequent and strong. This baby sure likes to push on things that shouldn't be pushed on! 
Food cravings: No real cravings. Had a tiny craving for boneless buffalo chicken popper type things, but it wasn't very severe at all.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Some random nausea episodes but nothing too serious. I attribute it to a combination of acid reflux, allergies, and baby pushing on things. 
Labor Signs: No labor signs, although since I did my hospital tour, I guess when I DO go into labor, I am much more prepared. 
Symptoms:  Pick up "What to Expect When Expecting", go to the symptoms of pregnancy page, and that's what I am feeling. :)  Luckily I have a great chiropractor which is helping a ton with my hip/back issues. Everything else is completely manageable. I guess if being pregnant were easy, men would do it, wouldn't they?? But in all reality, it's really not that bad even with the negative symptoms. I am still fully functioning (with the exception of working out) and would gladly have ten times the issues I am having to have a healthy, happy baby. 
Belly Button in or out?: Belly button is still holding out. It is an ugly mess, but it is not popping out yet. I really thought that would happen a lot earlier.  
Wedding rings on or off? Depends on the day. With the heat and some days being more swollen than others, my wedding rings tend to get quite tight.  Most days I can still wear them with no problems, but there are some days where my fingers seem to swell all around them and I look like I have fat nugget fingers.  
Happy or Moody most of the time: So happy.  I am getting so excited to be a mother and get to meet my bundle of joy.  I just cannot believe what a blessing this is and I am trying to take in every moment.  
Looking forward to:My next sonogram May 7 and getting the baby's room set up.  
Next Appointment: May 3.  This one will just be a regular appointment with a weigh in. My next sonogram is now May 7. We'll find out then just how big the baby is and whether an induction is looking to be necessary.

 

32 Weeks

How far along? 32 weeks  
How big is the baby?  According to my app, the baby is the size of a squash.  Baby can be close to 3.8 pounds, although I am still guessing ours is bigger than my app says.  Every sonogram, the baby is measuring ahead, so I think a squash is a low estimate.  
Total weight gain: Enough to prove my baby is huge...  
Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes are a daily occurrence. Starting to debate whether to actually invest in some maternity/nursing pajamas so I'll be set for a couple months after baby as well.
Stretch marks? The stretch marks have begun.  They're developing around a scar on my belly button sadly.
Sleep: Sleeping is not all that great. It's getting to the point where I wake up multiple times a night to either go to the bathroom or readjust. Bring on the sleepless nights!
Best moment this week: Maggie felt the baby move this week which was a huge surprise to her! I think she may have never felt a baby move before because her eyes got HUGE. Also, I got my car seat set up in my car which made me feel like time is going so fast and baby will be here very soon!
Miss Anything?  I truly miss working out. I am used to being pretty active and now I can't walk 5 feet without getting winded and having abdominal/back pain. That's ok though, it's very worth it. I just cannot wait to be able to workout again. I'll have to start off slowly for sure though.  
Movement: Movement is becoming pretty frequent. I love feeling the baby move so much! I know baby is head down (at least he/she was in the last sonogram) so when I feel body parts pushing very hard, I always wonder what body part it is that I am feeling.  
Food cravings: Cravings have pretty much subsided. 
Anything making you queasy or sick:  Just my allergies.  
Labor Signs: No labor signs yet.  
Symptoms:  All of them. I am definitely at the point where everything is uncomfortable. But it is so worth it! And thanks to acid reflux medicine and sleeping propped up on 3 pillows, I am finally able to sleep most of the night without a heartburn episode. :)  
Belly Button in or out?: Still in. But it's bound to pop soon.  
Wedding rings on or off? As of right now they're still on. However, the heat is going to be here soon and that might change everything.  
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy. I am getting so excited!  
Looking forward to: My baby shower and setting up a nursery. I am also excited about starting to get my baby purchases finalized (like a diaper bag) so I can start getting fully prepared for baby.  
Next Appointment: April 17.  Not another sonogram until May 3.

30 Weeks

How far along? 30 weeks
How big is the baby?  According to my app, baby is the size of a head of lettuce.  3.2 pounds and approximately 18 inches. I feel like the inches may be accurate or even a little on the high size. The pounds though is definitely low. Considering over 3 weeks ago the baby was 2 pounds 10 ounces, I highly doubt the baby is just barely over 3 now.
Total weight gain: Well, I don't very much like this question anymore.
Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes are amazing. I don't know if I'll ever go back to other clothes...ever.

Stretch marks? Knock on wood, no stretch marks besides the one caused by my scar. I call that winning. 
Sleep: I try really hard to sleep well, but it's not happening. Luckily I am surrounded in a cocoon of pillows. Between my snoogle and the 4 other pillows on my bed, at least I am not at a loss for cushion.
Best moment this week: Booked our newborn photographer this week. I am REALLY looking forward to that photo shoot. I think newborn shoots are absolutely beautiful and I love the end result and I am just so lucky that my husband let me have this unnecessary expense. :) LOVE YOU ERIC!!!
Miss Anything?  I miss walking without getting winded, I miss working out, and I miss seeing my feet. I have no clue what anything below my belly button looks like. And it's Easter weekend, someone needs to help me shave so I can wear a dress.
Movement: Movement makes my day. However, baby HATES my maternity support belt. Anytime I wear it, baby pushes against it over and over and I can tell that it isn't ideal. But I gotta wear it little nugget, mama's quite large and needs the help!
Food cravings: Ice cream... sweetarts have been replaced by ice cream since I cannot eat sweetarts during Lent (gave up candy for Lent)...so now, BLUE BELL SAVES THE DAY!!

Anything making you queasy or sick:  I had a couple random nausea episodes this week, but I am wondering if that was just baby switching positions and pushing against something new.
Labor Signs: No labor signs, but I had ANOTHER dream this week of delivering the baby. This time it didn't tear through my stomach, so that's a good thing. It came out the good old fashioned way, but early...again. 
Symptoms:  Acid reflux, exhaustion, uncomfortable, belly pain, my eyelashes have somehow lost their curl...just straightened out. Very odd.  I get out of breath very easily, just thinking of walking exhausts me. My heat intolerance is even worse than it was before.  Pregnesia has kicked into over drive, somebody should take my license away. Oh, and my clumsiness is worse than a drunk toddler (have you ever seen a drunk toddler, because I haven't but I imagine they are NOT that graceful). I know I am missing some symptoms, but that's ok. You get the main idea - I have every symptom. However, it's so worth it. I am truly enjoying pregnancy even with some of the not so pretty side effects. This is an amazing blessing.
Belly Button in or out?: Still in. I don't understand how this is happening. And no linea negra yet either (knock on wood)
Wedding rings on or off? Still wearing them...somehow. My sausage fingers just have to hold out ten more weeks.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Moody yet happy. I am SO happy to be pregnant and to be having the baby so soon, but I am definitely moody in other aspects of my life. So walk on eggshells around me...or just bring up the fact that I am pregnant. That will put a smile on my face.
Looking forward to: My baby shower. Found out my date is April 20th! That's coming up SO soon. I can't wait to see everyone and celebrate my little mystery.
Next Appointment: April 5.  This one will just be a regular appointment with a weigh in (booo hisss), HB check, BP check, and tummy measure. Not another sonogram until May 3.

28 Weeks

How far along? 28 weeks
How big is the baby? Baby is the size of a head of cabbage, but I don't put much stock into that because our baby is measuring bigger. 
Total weight gain: None of your business
Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes are crucial
Stretch marks? Sadly I have some around a scar from a belly button piercing that went horribly wrong. Take note teenagers - belly button piercings are not always cute and can even haunt you years later!
Sleep: Sleep is pretty awful. If I am not uncomfortable, I am hot, or going to the bathroom, or having weird dreams. It's totally worth it though when the baby wakes me up to some kicking!
Best moment this week: Nothing super exciting happened this week, but I like that movement is getting more frequent and we are in the third trimester! Counting down with less than 12 weeks sounds amazing! OH! Actually, when I was holding my friend's newborn baby Kaden, my little nugget kicked Kaden really hard and I thought it was adorable because my baby was saying hi to him and welcoming him into the world! Oh and I just remembered another great moment this week, got the results back of my glucose test and I do NOT have gestational diabetes. Nor am I anemic. I am healthy as a (fat) horse!

Miss Anything?  I do really miss working out. And I miss margaritas. It's getting to be patio weather and I could go for a nice refreshing cucumber margarita!
Movement: Movement is getting more frequent and I can definitely see it from the outside at times now.
Food cravings: No new cravings. Sweetarts are still pretty high up, cuties are slowly tapering off.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  No, my stomach is pretty tame in nausea regards. Heartburn is another story though.
Labor Signs: No labor yet, but I keep having dreams that I am delivering early. Symptoms:  All of them. Random heartburn has transitioned into full blown acid reflux...constant. Sleeping with 3 pillows basically upright is my new position. Good news - sleeping upright to help with the reflux has helped with my back pain. :)
Belly Button in or out?: It is slowly making its way shallower and shallower, but as of yet it is still tucked in. Granted, with that lovely belly button scar and stretch mark right at the scar, my belly button is HIGHLY unattractive so it might as well just go ahead and pop.
Wedding rings on or off? I have no clue how these suckers are still fitting.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Depends on the day. So I guess in that aspect, moody. But SO excited and getting really happy for the baby to be here.
Looking forward to: Starting my every 2 week appointments. I feel like that will make it go by SO much quicker!
Next Appointment: March 22, this one will just be a regular checkup, but it is officially my first of the biweekly appointments!

Old Wives Tales

I have been keeping track of the "old wives tales" and what the result SHOULD be regarding baby "X". Once the baby is born, I will compare to what the baby should be/look like to the real outcome. I think a lot of these are full of shenanigans. Some I hope are true, and some I don't see how anyone came up with them. It's like someone somewhere just grabbed things out of thin air. But that's what makes it fun! I love the guessing and I love the idea of this being a surprise. Anybody know of any that I forgot to add on here? I would love to be able to add to my table to give me more to "debunk" after the birth. 

Wives Tale	Description	My Result
How I carry	If you are carrying “high”, you must be having a girl. On the other hand, if you are carrying your baby “low”, it must be a little boy.	Girl
Baby’s Heart Rate	A fast heart rate (one over 140 beats per minute) is usually a girl. Heart rate below 140 beats per minute? The old wives tales say that you are having a boy.	Girl– Usually the HR is 150’s to 160’s. Rare occasions the HR is below 150.
Swinging Ring Test	If you tie your wedding ring to a string and hold it over your wrist or belly, if it swings circular it is a boy. Back and forth is a girl. Opposite is true for necklaces with pendants.	Girl
The Key Test	A friend or family member places a key in front of the pregnant woman and asks her to pick it up. If the pregnant lady grabs the key by the narrow end, it means a baby girl. However, if she grabs the key by the fat part, it means a boy is on the way.	I haven’t done this one, I think it’s silly. I feel like everyone would pick it up from the fat end. And now that I know this one, if someone tried to test me I would cheat.
Cravings	If you’re craving sweets, you’re having a girl. Salty, meat, or cheese? Then a boy is on the way.	Girl
Oranges	If you dislike orange juice when you are pregnant, then you’re having a boy.	Girl
Nose width	If your nose is widening during pregnancy, then you’re having a boy.	Girl– everything is widening but I don’t think my nose is.
Dad’s weight gain	If the dad gains weight along with the mom, then it’s a girl. If the dad loses weight or gains minimally during the pregnancy, paint the nursery blue.	Girl– Eric blames this on less cardio. I think it’s our unborn baby doing it.
Math’s the Key	If the sum of your age at conception and the number of the month of conception is an odd number, then you’re having a girl. Even, a boy.	Boy
Heartburn	If you have acid reflux/heartburn during pregnancy, then your baby will be born with a full head of hair. No heartburn? Bald baby!	Hairy baby!
Chinese Gender Chart	No description other than the crazy Chinese people made a chart to predict the gender of babies.	Girlaccording to most charts. Boy according to some.
Beauty	Acne: Yes = girl, no = boy Dry hands: Yes = boy, no = girl Cold feet: Yes = boy, no = girl “Glowing”: Yes = boy, no = girl	Girl Boy  Girl Girl
Morning sickness	Sick during the first trimester? Girl.  Easy breezy first trimester? Boy.	Girl– although my morning sickness wasn’t that bad, I did have it.
Sleeping	Sleeping on your right? A Girl is in sight. On your left? It’s a boy.	Girl
Legs	If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy.  If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl.	Boy – I am getting really big everywhere.
Moodiness	If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you.  Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you.	Girl? Not sure. Some people would say I am extra moody. I would say, “I am just fat and uncomfortable and don’t have time for shenanigans.” So maybe Boy.  I don’t feel super moody.
Dreams	If you dream that you are having a boy, then you’re actually having a girl. Dreaming of pink? Then you’re having a boy.	Boy– all my dreams have been of girls.
Clumsy vs. Graceful	If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl.  If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy.	Boy…except I was clumsy before I got pregnant so not sure this one holds much weight.
Toddlers	If a toddler boy expresses interest in a pregnant woman, she is having a girl.  If he doesn’t show interest, she’s having a boy.	Girl– but not sure this one counts. Of course my toddler nephews show interest in me. I am awesome.
Intuition	They say that moms know what they’re having…	Girl– wishful thinking or intuition? I’ll find out in a couple months!
Headaches	If you’re having headaches, then you’re having a boy.	Boy – but I got headaches all the time before pregnancy so…

27 Weeks

How far along? 27 weeks
How big is the baby? Baby is the size of a head of cauliflower!! Doctor said ours is measuring at 2 lbs 10 oz. We are measuring 13 days ahead in size too. 
Total weight gain: None of your business
Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes are crucial
Stretch marks? No, but last night I actually had a dream that one showed up...let's see if its true.
Sleep: Sleep is pretty bad, sadly.  I wake up most of the night because every time I switch positions, it hurts either my abdomen or my back. Turning is no longer something easy.
Best moment this week: Seeing the baby again at our sonogram! HR was 156, baby was 14.1 inches long and 2 pounds 10 ounces at just 26 weeks 6 days. We are measuring at 28 weeks 5 days though.
Miss Anything?  I miss not having my own zip code! I got HUGE!!!!!
Movement: Found out I have an anterior placenta which acts as a shock absorbent  therefore keeping me from feeling a lot of movement. However, the movement is getting much stronger and more regular. I love feeling the little kicks even if they do wake me up in the middle of the night. :)
Food cravings: Sweetarts and cuties are still my number one foods. Sadly, due to Lent, I cannot have sweetarts though. But making a new appearance is berries. Strawberries/raspberries/blackberries and kiwi mixed together...mmmmm!!!
Anything making you queasy or sick:  No aversions anymore, except to skinny pregnant women and people who think that just because I am pregnant means they can give me advice.
Labor Signs: No, luckily not.  
Symptoms:  Lots of them, all of them.  Not too much swelling though, unless you count the fatness in my face and thighs swelling. But considering I can still wear my wedding rings, I do not think it is LEGIT swelling. So that's probably the only symptom I do not have. Worth it though every time baby Puentes kicks or pushes me.
Wedding rings on or off? Somehow I am still able to wear my wedding bands. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: I would say moody most of the time. I am extremely happy, but due to hormones and lots coming up the next few months, my moods are definitely swinging.
Looking forward to: Counting down the days until I get to officially be a mother. I am so excited!

24 Weeks

How far along? 24 weeks
How big is the baby? Baby is the size of an eggplant!! 
Total weight gain: None of your business
Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes every single day, all day.
Stretch marks? No new ones ;)
Sleep: I am not sleeping well at all. Toss and turn all night. I just want a nice night's sleep!
Best moment this week:Nothing new happened this week. But it was pretty nice hitting the official "viability" stage!
Miss Anything?  I miss working out and I miss not feeling guilty when I eat junk food. Now that I eat for two, if I eat something bad I feel guilty afterwards. I am not used to that!
Movement: I feel movement, but not as often as I want to. Baby REALLY likes sugar and moves a lot after I eat something junky.
Food cravings: Sweetarts and cuties...and recently chocolate has sprung up as a crucial element. That's a new one.
Anything making you queasy or sick:  No aversions anymore, except to skinny pregnant women.
Labor Signs: No, luckily not.  
Symptoms:  Point to any symptom in a pregnancy book and I have it. None are that bad though, except the body aches. The rest I can deal with.
Wedding rings on or off? Somehow they are STILL on. I really expected these suckers to come off a lot earlier.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I would say that depends on the situation. I am VERY happy about having a baby and starting our family, but I am pretty moody too. Especially when it comes to body image, that gets me really down. And people are starting to really annoy me lately...
Looking forward to: Every time I feel the baby move and my next appointment since I get to see the baby again. :)