39 weeks and 5 DAYS! - It could happen any day!!

How far along: 39 weeks and 5 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: A mini watermelon - He is looking to be about a little over 7 pounds according to the midwife on Wednesday. Total weight gain: 34 lbs. Exercise: Swimming (more floating than swimming), 1 prenatal yoga class (a little rough this week with the heat and new poses), multiple walks around the neighborhood with Matt Maternity clothes: Same as before, tank tops and shorts - anything to stay cool. Sleep: My energy level is basically depleted by mid afternoon, so I typically nap for about an hour around 2pm, which leaves me still tired enough at bed time. Best moment(s) of this week: My sister-in-law having her baby! He was born Friday night, his name is Cole Harper  Roth and he weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces. Yay for the Roth family! Miss anything: My cooler self. I am at least 5-10 degrees warmer than I usually would be b/c of the little heater inside my belly. Soon enough this heat wave will be over too, and that will help with the heat factor. Sure am thankful for A/C. Movement: He was kicking my ribs last night which was a new sensation, and his legs have now moved back to my right side, so he's still enjoying what space he has left! Can't wait to see what movements he makes outside the womb! Food cravings: Can't get enough cold water, Toto's pizza, Cucumbers from our garden, and homemade black bean burritos. Symptoms: Swollen feet and hands from the heat, fatigue Belly button in or out: There was a point in time this week that b/c of how he was positioned, I saw a glimpse of my old belly button! It was just how I remembered it. :) Wedding rings on or off: Permanent fixture to my finger. Looking forward to: Hopefully not a next baby appointment, but a delivery! Due date is on Monday, July 22nd!! 
And last but not least... a collection of the weekly pregnancy photos.. It is wild thinking that I was showing so much at 20 weeks, but looking at myself now, it was only the beginning. :) What a journey.

38 weeks - Getting So Close!

How far along: 38 weeks and 5 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: A pumpkin! - He is looking to be about 6 3/4 pounds according to the midwife on Wednesday. Total weight gain: 33 lbs. Exercise: A hike in the Wissahickon with my yoga friend Ali, 1 prenatal yoga class, and a 5 mile walk with Matt today - Phew! It's getting humid around here. Maternity clothes: Tank tops and shorts mainly - what a relief to not be pregnant in the winter - there would be too many items to wear! I'm glad I get to keep in simple.  Sleep: Still doing pretty well here, a little more difficult to roll over *imagine having a bowling ball attached to your stomach* but able to fall asleep once I get there. Best moment(s) of this week: Hanging out with two pregnant friends! Katie from the Bradley class we were taking, and Ali who is from the prenatal yoga class I go to. Such fun to meet and hang out with soon-to-be Mom's in the area! Miss anything: Nothing at the moment - just feeling thankful this week! Excited that I'm nearly 39 weeks pregnant and still truckin' along, getting out of the house, walking, etc. It's been an enjoyable pregnancy overall, and I'm truly thankful to say that. Movement: He's running out of room for sure! His legs are now on the left side only and I feel his little feet sticking out my side often. I feel like he's getting lower, but only time will tell! Food cravings: Still cold water, Mexican street corn - we've had that about 3 times this week (Thanks Kim!), Popsicles Symptoms: Swollen feet and hands after a long walk or standing for a long time, frequent bathroom breaks Belly button in or out: You know it's out. Wedding rings on or off: Stuck on... oops. Looking forward to: Next baby appointment on Wednesday and of course meeting our baby boy - could be any day!!
*P.S. - Next week look for a photo collage of all the weeks combined - so fun to see the changes!

37 weeks - Full term!

Only a couple more weeks!

How far along: 37 weeks and 5 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: A Bunch of Swiss Chard - He is looking to be about 6 1/2 pounds currently according to the midwife on Wednesday.  Total weight gain: 31 lbs.Exercise: No prenatal yoga this week due to 4th of July. :( Matt and I have gone on a few neighborhood walks and with his 4 days off we have been completing a lot of indoor/outdoor projects! Kayaking again today - we definitely took it a little slower this time, due to the 90+ degree weather! Maternity clothes: Matt's Adidas shorts are really coming in handy. Sleep: Getting a good night's sleep still, at least feeling rested each day, but come around 3pm I am ready for a nap. Best moment(s) of this week: Organizing the basement (I love organizing) and having 4 days off in a row with Matt. So thankful for our time together, especially as the days are few with it just being the two of us. Cherishing every bit of it. Miss anything: Not being sweaty. *see symptoms below Movement: He is a mover and a shaker! I'm not sure if he gets uncomfortable when he has hiccups or what, but he   seems to move around in many lumpy positions when hiccups are happening - I can't wait to see what his little movements are like in his early days of life on earth. Food cravings: Cold water, black bean burritos, cucumbers, watermelon Symptoms: Some rib soreness, swollen feet and I'm a sweaty mess all the time. Gender: At this point, I think we've waited so long with the name that we will wait to reveal on the day he is born! Mwhahaha. Belly button in or out: It is a little strange to have to wash what was previously the inside of your belly button, in the shower each day. Wedding rings on or off: On. Looking forward to: Next baby appointment on Wednesday and of course meeting our little guy, whenever that may be!

36 weeks - Maternity Photoshoot!

How far along: 36 weeks and 6 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: Honeydew Melon Total weight gain: 30 lbs.  Exercise: 1 day prenatal yoga, walk around the neighborhood with Matt, a hike in the Wissahickon with Rachel and lots of going up and down the stairs as I get the rest of the house organized before baby comes! Maternity clothes: I'm ready to wear some regular clothes again! My maternity cycle of clothing is wearing thin... especially with the warm weather we're having. One pair of shorts isn't really cutting it. Sleep: I wake up about 4 times now to go to the bathroom, but it doesn't seem to interrupt my sleep much. I'm normally not a morning person (love sleeping in until at least 9) but now I'm ready to go by 7:30 or 8, which is pretty exciting because I never thought I would be able to do that without feeling worn out. Baby is training me well! Best moment(s) of this week: Going to the Kutztown Folk Festival and trying some Dutch treats, getting awesome maternity pictures taken by Sheryl, and having a great baby appointment on Wednesday where my midwife said everything looks good and that he is average size. Keep on cooking little guy!

Miss anything: This doesn't have much to do with pregnancy, but more with living far away from my closest friends and family. I miss the deep relationships and the ability to spend time with people I have a history with. I don't know if that will ever get easier or not... Movement: All the time, and lots of hiccups. Hoping for a strong, healthy boy! Food cravings: Watermelon, cold water, salad, ice cream :) Symptoms: A little swelling this week when we were outside in the heat at the festival on Saturday - my feet and ankles ballooned up a little, but once we got home and I was able to lay down it was much better. Gender: I think we've got the name! But still not revealing it... :) Belly button in or out: So out.  Wedding rings on or off: On, but only swollen day, I didn't have a choice, there was no way they were going to budge. I had sausages for fingers. Looking forward to: Baby appointment on Wednesday and Matt having a 4 day weekend! Woo hoo!

35 weeks - Happy Birthday to Matt! And Nursery Pictures!!

How far along: 35 weeks and 5 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: Coconut - I'm guessing this is in comparison to the weight? - About 18.5 inches long. Total weight gain: 29 lbs.  Exercise: 1 day prenatal yoga, 3 mile walk to Chestnut Hill with Sheryl, 5 mile kayak trip with Matt for his birthday. :) Maternity clothes: Everything is just tight these days, my smalls and mediums even in maternity clothes are getting stretched to the max. Only a few more weeks left! Sleep: Still sleeping well, multiple bathroom breaks, but luckily I am able to fall back asleep quickly... However, Matt woke up this week in the middle of the night, and I somehow also woke up to see him sitting upright, and I asked him what was going on, and he said, "I'm just being a turtle." He then laid down, rolled over and didn't wake again until the morning, where I then proceeded to tell him about the nights events... and he never remembered a thing. Maybe too much time with our almost 3 year old niece? ;) Best moment(s) of this week: Celebrating Matt's 29th birthday today with a 2 hour kayaking trip atGreen Lane Reservoir and U-Pick Strawberries at Long View Farms. - What a year! Full of many transitions and celebrations, struggles and joys - There is no one else I would rather share life with than Matt. 

Miss anything: Nothing is really slowing me down at the moment, my energy level has remained strong in the last week, so I will continue to ride this wave! Movement: Sometimes he feels like a little frog in my stomach, bending his legs and straightening them constantly. I'm hoping he will be able to walk (after all of his leg strengthening exercises) when he comes out. :) Food cravings: English muffins with raspberry jam and butter every night for dessert.  Symptoms: Leg cramps at night if I flex my toes - ouch! - nothing else, just a growing tummy!  Gender: Boy - We have settled on a middle name! Hooray! That's all for now... Belly button in or out: Popped out.  Wedding rings on or off: On, I'm determined to keep them on! Looking forward to: My next baby appointment on Wednesday - it's always nice to hear a little update on my progress. Then I'll be going weekly from here on out! Woo hoo! He's almost here!

**And last but not least, here are the nursery pictures as promised! (A few photos missing from the walls still, but overall complete!)**

My craft area - Why does a tiny baby need a whole room to themselves when they are first born?

34 weeks - Live from Ocean City, NJ

Me and my sister-in-law Kim - Our due dates are 10 days apart!

How far along: 34 weeks and 5 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: Cantaloupe - About 18 inches long. Total weight gain: 28 lbs.  Exercise: 1 day prenatal yoga, and some walks around the neighborhood. I cancelled my gym membership because this was the last week of school and I won't be close enough to go during the week. :( Looking forward to more outdoor time and swim time at AFS! Maternity clothes: I like Matt's shirts and Adidas shorts these days.. especially around the house, not in public. Sleep: I feel well-rested, just waking up to go to the bathroom.. but nothing out of the ordinary! Best moment(s) of this week: Matt has been out of town this week for work, but it's been fun having dinner with Mike and Kim, and a slumber party with Rachel while he's been gone. And.. I can't forget - it was the last week of school! So many sweet surprises from families and a thoughtfully done book by Tamara that included quotes from each student about me and their pictures - definitely reminded me of how thankful I am for the year I have had at AFS. Miss anything: Wearing my normal summer clothes, but give me another month or two and maybe at least one of those pairs of shorts will fit! Movement: Went to the midwife again on Wednesday and she said he is still head down and will most likely stay there until birth - fingers crossed! His legs have been going from the left side to the right side, he's really making the most of the room he has left! Food cravings: Buffalo Chicken Pizza, all week long... Symptoms: I'm starting to wonder how much water actually stays in my body - considering every time I drink water, I have to use the bathroom about a half hour later! Baby hiccups daily - he's getting his lungs ready!  Gender:  The name conversation has come up again, and I think we went through every name possible, including many silly ones, and.. it's closer, but no actual decision. Well, we have the middle name, but not the first yet.. any suggestions?? Belly button in or out: I think it's as out as it can get..but I'll keep an eye on it.  Wedding rings on or off: Still on, but a little snug. There was actually a point in time today where I couldn't get it off. Looking forward to: Another shore trip on Sunday (today) with friends and family. Can't wait until we can play with our little one in the sand! But until then... Mommy and Daddy will just enjoy some sun bathing and relaxing without responsibilities.
*Next week will be the nursery reveal! The crib is now put together and everything is starting to look more organized. Just a few more things to hang up on the walls and we're set! Yay! 

33 weeks

How far along: 33 weeks and 5 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: Pineapple - About 17 inches long. Total weight gain: 27 lbs.  Exercise: 1 day at the gym, no prenatal yoga this week, but did some resting because of a cold. Maternity clothes: Anything with an elastic waistband is THE best.  Sleep: Still using the bathroom about 2-3 times a night, but have worked out a new strategy where I keep my eyes closed as I walk the five steps to the bathroom and keep them closed the entire time until I get back into bed.. it makes me feel like I haven't lost any sleep that way. :) Best moment(s) of this week: Feeling confident in Matt's birth coaching abilities as he answered many questions correctly in our Bradley Method class on Monday night. Miss anything: Rolling over with ease Movement: Well, his new trick is to stick his bottom up in the middle of my belly and then kick his legs straight out into my right side. Maybe he will be a tall little guy.  Food cravings: Bread, Trader Joes Handmade tortillas with melted cheddar cheese, roasted vegetables Symptoms: Frequent bathroom use, growing stomach Have you started to show yet: Not at all ;) Gender:  The name conversation has come up again, and we're definitely narrowing it down.  Belly button in or out: Changing shapes daily. Wedding rings on or off: Still on, but a little snug.  Looking forward to:  Going to the shore on Sunday with Mike, Kim, Dave, Sheryl and the kids, AND picking up our crib next weekend and getting the rest of the nursery set-up! Pictures to come soon. 

32 weeks - And the heat is on!

Silhouette?

How far along: 32 weeks and 5 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: Large Jicama - About 16.7 inches long. Total weight gain: 26 lbs. - I think I may have actually stayed the same this week - due to the large amount of sweat I have emitted from the recent 90+ degree days.  Exercise: 1 prenatal yoga class, not gym exercise, but sweating, lots of sweating. Maternity clothes: Loose and flowy Sleep: Well, this has sure been an interesting week for sleep... with hot weather, and having to get up to go to the bathroom 2-3 times a night, sleep has been somewhat interrupted... until... Matt installed the AC unit in our room! Woo! Thank you Matt! So wonderful to have cool and comfortable sleep the past two nights.  Best moment(s) of this week: Great visit with the midwife, saying that baby boy is head down in theLOA position, which she believes he will stay in until he is born.. right where he needs to be! Yay! Lots of fun moments at school as well, with Beach Day for the kids, and sewing costumes for their class play, the year is winding down.  Miss anything: Nothing at the moment, just getting more and more excited to hold and snuggle with our baby boy each day. Movement: He loves to make his bottom stick out on my belly and I feel lots of kicks and hand movements on the right side. He's always shifting around and getting cozy, which is exciting to know he's active and healthy. Food cravings: Ice cream, COLD water, fruit, cucumbers Symptoms: Heartburn is new this week, so I'll have to stray away from the spicy foods and bagels with cream cheese? Strange, I know... but every morning after I have a bagel with cream cheese the heartburn sets in... Have you started to show yet: Showing and growing daily! Gender:  Strangely enough, I have had two grown men in different locations state that I am having a boy, based on what I'm looking like. One man in Home Depot even decided it was appropriate to chant, "It's a boy, it's a boy, it's a boy!" - How do they know??? Belly button in or out: I've never seen this part of my belly button before... Wedding rings on or off: ON Looking forward to: Hanging out in the sunshine all weekend, and getting the nursery finished (pictures hung, crib set-up, clothes washes, cloth diapers washed)... it's getting closer!

31 weeks - Surprise Baby Shower

How far along: 31 weeks and 5 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: Pineapple - Over 16 inches long. Total weight gain: 26 lbs.  Exercise: 1 prenatal yoga class, 2 gym days Maternity clothes: Anything comfortable... sometimes Matt's shirts? Sleep: Definitely tired by the end of the day and ready to fall asleep. Still getting up once at about 5am to go to the bathroom. Best moment(s) of this week: Well... technically this was last Saturday, but we'll call it this week. My sister-in-law Kim and her sister Sheryl put together a surprise baby shower for us where Matt's family from Pittsburgh came along with friends from the Philly area. Kim also got in contact with some of my friends and family from Oregon and had them send items/cards to the shower, so it felt great to feel so loved from across the states. 

Me, my niece Lena, Kim (sister-in-law), Laura (sister-in-law) and Mom Roth

Miss anything: Just feeling like my old self. Don't get me wrong, I love being pregnant, but it will be great to be more mobile once the baby is born. Movement:I think he's been in every possible position this week - side to side, head up, head down, diagonal---let's just hope he gets head down and stays there in the next few weeks. Food cravings: Bagels with cream cheese, Salad with cucumbers, cranberries, sunflower seeds and ranch and spicy foods Symptoms: Just feeling a little low on energy, but still truckin' along.  Have you started to show yet: Mmmhmm, people are starting to wonder if I am really due in July. Gender: Still a boy! Belly button in or out: Out! Wedding rings on or off: Same as before, still on. Looking forward to: A nice long 3 day weekend with Matt and then going to the midwife on Wednesday. Hopefully he's still doing well in there!

30 weeks

How far along: 30 weeks and 5 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: Head of Cabbage - 15 3/4 inches head to heel. Total weight gain: 25 lbs.  Exercise: 1 prenatal yoga class, a walk from our house to get ice cream at the Trolley Car Diner. -- Good thing the gym membership is only $10 a month... not getting too much use out of it this last month.. definitely need to make myself go more often! Maternity clothes: Short sleeves, tank tops, capris, dresses - the weather has been great! Sleep: Just trying to get comfortable... but sleeping well overall. Best moment(s) of this week: Appointment at the new midwife practice, and feeling like we made a good choice about switching. Our midwife said that he was head down, and growing at a very good pace! Can't ask for anything better than that! Miss anything: The ability to carry heavy things. Movement: The midwife told me that when there is a big bump showing on my stomach that it is most likely his bottom, and he's definitely not shy about doing that.  Food cravings: Salad with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and ranch, ice cream, and homemade pizza. Symptoms: Foot and leg cramping at night. Just got the TDAP (Whooping Cough) vaccine on Wednesday and my arm has a swollen, hot, sore circle about 3 inches in diameter at the injection site... have been told this is a common mild allergic reaction, but it looks about like any part of my body would like after I get a bee sting. Hopefully, it will go down soon. Have you started to show yet: Bigger and better every week! Gender: Still a boy! Belly button in or out: I had one of my students tell me that it was the baby's big toe! Wedding rings on or off: Small indent on my finger, but still able to take them on and off. Looking forward to: Seeing the Roth side of the family this weekend when they come to visit. 

29 weeks - Babymoon Weekend!

How far along: 29 weeks and 5 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: Butternut Squash - 15 1/2 inches head to heel. Total weight gain: 25 lbs.  Exercise: 1 prenatal yoga class, 1 gym day, some hiking around with Matt on our babymoon. Maternity clothes: Just cycling through the same outfits week after week, ready for summer so I can wear some shorts! Sleep: I've realized that I sleep on my left side all night, and then wake up on my back at 5am. Then I roll over to my right side. I guess once my body gets comfortable, it just stays in one spot. Best moment(s) of this week: Our babymoon at The Glasbern Inn! Matt and I are having a great time so far, only getting locked out of our room twice (not baby brain related... Matt...:)), getting massages together, enjoying the view of a bull and his mate with a baby calf outside our porch, and looking forward to a yummy 4 course meal tonight! What a treat! Miss anything: Endurance Movement: He has been getting himself into some pretty wild positions lately, where my belly feels really hard in one place and squishy in another.  Food cravings: Cucumbers and ranch, salad, homemade burgers by Matt Symptoms: Foot and leg cramping at night, upper back soreness by the end of the day Have you started to show yet: Definitely. Gender: Still a boy! Belly button in or out: Very out. Wedding rings on or off: Still on, I hope I don't have to take them off! Looking forward to: Meeting with a midwife at a new practice on Wednesday, hoping that it goes well and that we are able to have the natural birth we are hoping and praying for.

28 weeks - Third and Final Trimester!

How far along: 28 weeks and 5 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: Eggplant - 15 1/2 inches head to heel. Total weight gain: 24 lbs.  Exercise: 1 prenatal yoga class, a nice walk to the local Wawa for a blue raspberry slushie, and a walk to the Trolley Car Diner with Matt for some ice cream... I guess if I'm walking, I am hoping for some kind of treat in the end. :) Maternity clothes: The demi-band pants are not working so hot anymore, I have graduated to full-panel pants now, or else really stretchy waist pants. He's hanging out pretty low, so most everything I have is really tight around the waist! Sleep: Sleeping well... hot showers before bed are still necessary. It is definitely getting harder to roll over, because I really have to put some effort into moving my belly, so I mostly just sleep on one side. Best moment(s) of this week: My sweet Aunt Joanie and Uncle Jay generously bought us a much needed nursery item, a comfy glider and ottoman! I can't wait to use it once baby Roth is here! Pictures to come... Miss anything: Spontaneous trips, but... luckily the weather has been great here so there have been plenty of fun things to do locally in the sunshine. Movement: He has been getting himself into some pretty wild positions lately, where my belly feels really hard in one place and squishy in another.  Food cravings: Graham Slam Ice Cream (if you haven't tried it, it's amazing), frozen yogurt, slushies,  Symptoms: Some foot and leg cramping at night, but no heartburn yet! Have you started to show yet: I did get asked if I was having twins yesterday... Gender: some kind of giant? Belly button in or out: Very out. Wedding rings on or off: Still on, I hope I don't have to take them off! Looking forward to: A much needed haircut this week!

27 weeks!

How far along: 27 weeks and 5 days. Fruit/Vegetable Comparison and Size: Head of cauliflower - 14 1/2 inches head to heel. Total weight gain: 22 lbs.  Exercise: 1 prenatal yoga class, 1 gym day. The weather has been so nice, so I'm always out and about once I get off work! Maternity clothes: The weather is getting warm again, and it's so nice to not have to wear a jacket anymore. Sleep: Still sleeping well, can't complain at all! Best moment(s) of this week: Going to the my baby appt. on Friday and having a lot of positive conversation with my nurse practitioner about how things have been going, and the road to natural birth. Everything is still low-risk and baby is moving and growing well. Also, passed my glucose test, and all blood tests. Woo hoo! And.... today we bought our crib!! Matt finally decided on one and it is made in the U.S.A. - It will arrive in June, so excited. Miss anything: Simply bending over without having to squat. Movement: He's definitely an early riser, but not too early...  every morning when my alarm goes off at 6am, he starts kicking away. Food cravings: Strawberry pie, that I made this week.. Unfortunately (but really, fortunately) Matt doesn't enjoy strawberry pie, sooooo... there may or may not be a whole pie for me to eat. Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope! Have you started to show yet: Yes, yes, yes...  Gender: A big boy. Belly button in or out: It's o-u-t, out. Wedding rings on or off: On, but getting tighter... Looking forward to: Baby appointments every two weeks! It's starting to become real...