39 Weeks

How far along? 39 weeks

Total weight gain? 27 lbs

Maternity clothes: Of course, nothing else would fit ;)

Stretch marks: none

Sleep: Still getting good sleep!!

Best moment this week: Bret took three days of work and it was WONDERFUL to spend the extra time with him!!

Worst moment this week: When my right hip started hurting and now I walk like a cowboy who has been on the trail for two weeks & forgot how to walk. 

Miss anything? Easily moving around. I feel like I have think through my actions before doing them!

Movement: He's running out of room in there, but he still has his moments of big movements. Usually it's a foot pushing out. 

Food cravings: sweets!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nothing 

Belly button in or out? Stretched!

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy, but a little achy

Nervous about: When he will be here. I am such a planner, it's hard to remind myself that it is all up to God. 

Looking forward to: Meeting William!

Next appointment: 

Dec 16: to start the induction process, unless he decides to show up before that!

Down to single digits!

What??? How can we be just single digits away from William's due date? It seems like just yesterday we were deciding to go through IVF to be parents. Bret and I were in William's room this morning looking at his first picture (when he was just a little embryo!) and saying that it's crazy that our baby is almost here to meet us.

We are ready (as ready as you think you are before having a baby) and excited to meet the little man. He is going to totally rock out world and change life as we know it. And we cannot wait for that! 

We hope the little guy will always know the prayers we sent up for him and how very much wanted he was/is. All of the needles and medicine and waiting and tears will be totally worth it when we get to meet William and kiss his sweet face. 

Nemo, we love you!

38 Weeks

How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain? 24 pounds

Maternity clothes: of course!!

Stretch marks: still none :)

Sleep: Still sleeping well throughout the night. Waking up two or three times a night to go to the bathroom. 

Best moment this week: Bret is taking two days off work this week, so we get more time together!!

Worst moment this week: Uncomfortable hips and lower back

Miss anything? Still the energy in the evenings. The sun going down early doesn't help me being tired early. 

Movement: Big movements in the evening and tightening (Braxton Hicks)

Food cravings: sweets :)

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope!

Belly button in or out? Stretchy

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy and looking forward to being a mom soon!

Nervous about: What the contractions will feel like as well as the whole birthing process. But that's what hospitals & doctors are for!

Looking forward to: Meeting the little man!

Next appointment: 

Dec 10

Dec 17

37 Weeks -- Officially Full Term!

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain? 24 lbs

Maternity clothes: oh yes! 

Stretch marks: none!!

Sleep: My sleep is still pretty amazing for being this far along! I get up at least twice a night to use the bathroom. Good thing is that I can usually get back to sleep pretty easily. I'm enjoying the sleep before it all disappears with the new bundle of joy ;)

Best moment this week: Having three extra days off work for Thanksgiving Break! Having more time with Bret and not having to set an alarm are simple, but amazing things.

*Also, ONE MONTH 'TIL MY SISTER IS HERE!!! 

Worst moment this week: My hips and lower back have started to hurt. This is uncomfortable, but it means that things are getting closer to baby time!

Miss anything? Still the energy in the evenings and the dependence on others

Movement: The evenings are Nemo's favorite time to move all around. He flips around and finds a comfortable place in my belly. He's running out of room in there, so his movements are stronger in that I can see them more on the outside as well as feeling them from the inside.

Food cravings: Nothing major, I actually don't feel as hungry much of the time. Unhealthy foods are currently my favorite. I try to mix in fruits also with my burger & fries.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nothing!

Belly button in or out? in & stretched

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy and excited about the things to come. Unless I'm hungry, then steer clear ;)

Nervous about: The actual laboring process! Every birth is different, so there's no way to know what to expect. I keep telling myself that thousands of women give birth each day and I will be in a hospital full of doctors so all will be okay.

Looking forward to: Thanksgiving with family!

Next appointment: 
Dec 3
Dec 10
Dec 17

36 Weeks

How far along? 36 weeks

Total weight gain? 23 pounds 

Maternity clothes: Definitely!

Stretch marks: None!

Sleep: Still sleeping well as long as I stay in the right position 

Best moment this week: Quiet time at home with Bret

Worst moment this week: Retaining water in my feet, these things are ballooning up like crazy!

Miss anything? Energy in the evenings

Movement: Moving all around and kicking like crazy

Food cravings: Salty snacks

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nothing

Belly button in or out? In but stretched

Happy or moody most of the time? 

Nervous about: Being ready to become a momma

Looking forward to: Thanksgiving break next week!

Next appointment: 

November 25

December 3

December 10

December 17

35 Week Update

How far along? 35 weeks

Total weight gain? 21 lbs

Maternity clothes: Oh yeah! And my non-maternity yoga pants are just low riders now 

Stretch marks: still none, still lotioning up each day and after each shower 

Sleep: sleeping well and getting good rest, pretty lucky for this!

Best moment this week: Bought a stroller & car seat which makes us feel more ready to have a little one. 

Worst moment this week: nothing really

Miss anything? Having extra energy in the evening 

Movement: He's punching and kicking all the time

Food cravings: salty snacks

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope 

Belly button in or out? In/stretched 

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy unless I'm hungry

Nervous about: Being sure my classroom and students are ready for me to be gone

Looking forward to: weekly Dr updates

Prayer for baby:

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the classes and people to support us while we prepare for Nemo. Our friends & family have been so generous to give us gifts and resources to help us be parents. Thank You for the time You have given to Bret & me to adjust to becoming parents together. Although our journey to pregnancy was not the easiest, the actual pregnancy has been painless & easy. Thank You for the comfort You have provided me. Please continue to be with us as we prepare our home & hearts for our baby. Help us keep in mind that he is Your child that You have entrusted to us. 

Next appointment: 

Nov 19 @ 4:20pm

Nov 25 @ 11:30am

Dec 3 @ 3:55pm

Dec 10 @ 3:55pm

Dec 17 @ 4:15pm

34 Week Update

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain? 20 lbs

Maternity clothes: For sure! The bump is growing at a rapid pace now :)

Stretch marks: Still none!

Sleep: Sleeping well and getting naps in while I can. Everyone keeps telling me to rest while I can, so I am doing just that!

Best moment this week: THE ROYALS WON THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!

Worst moment this week: Getting overwhelmed with making sure we are ready for Nemo. The list seems to be ever-growing. Trying to stay caught up!

Miss anything? I am missing not being dependent on others. I like doing things for myself, but I understand I need to rely on others as I get further and further along in this pregnancy.

Movement: Nemo is moving all the time! I think it's so fun to see his movements from outside my belly!

Food cravings: I'm loving food that isn't so good for me- mc 'n' cheese, pizza, sweets, etc. Trying to get myself to drink water and eat fruits instead.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nothing!

Belly button in or out? Not in or out, just stretched out.

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy most of the time, unless it's mealtime and there's no plan for what to eat. Being hangry is a real thing, people!

Nervous about: When labor will start! Trying not to focus on the fact that it could happen while Bret is at work :/

Looking forward to: My next appointment this Thursday, love to hear the little man's heartbeat! We will now be going to the Ob each week!!

Next appointment: 
November 12th
*November 14th- Childbirth Prep Class, Session II
November 19th
November 25th

In-Laws Baby Shower & Work Shower

Brown/Dinkel shower

My amazing in-law family threw my a shower on October 25th. I am so very blessed to be a part of these two families. They are very loving and I have never felt like an outsider looking in when at family events. My husband and I have been together since we were 16, so about 14 years now. I grown up with them! My sister-in-law and two of Bret's aunts hosted the shower for me & Baby Nemo. I was overwhelmed by the love & support they showed me. Of course, I teared up at the end of the shower thanking everyone for coming :)

Work Shower

I have taught 3rd grade at my school for eight years. I have taught on a range of teams of 3 to 6 people. For two years, I taught with the two lovely ladies in the picture below. Jen & Mallory have been INCREDIBLY supportive throughout our infertility struggles and pregnancy journey. I could not have created a better team to work with. We read each others' minds and our strengths balance each other out. Plus, it doesn't hurt that we have a blond, brunette, & a redhead working together (Hello Charlie's Angels!)

My school shower was a blessing as well. Little Nemo received some adorable outfits and gifts that will make life easier. Again, I can't get over how generous people are to our little family.

Baby Shower and Questions for Mommy & Daddy

My sister & my neighbor hosted a wonderful shower for my October 24th. The theme was baseball and it was oh so convenient that the Kansas City Royals continued to play well in their post-season. Guests at the baby shower were asked to bring a book instead of a card. Little Nemo's library is growing and growing! We can't wait to read to the little guy!!

One of the games we played was a Mommy/Daddy question. Alisha (my neighbor) asked Bret and I questions and chose answers to give the guests. Guests then chose whether they thought Bret or I gave the answer. Here are the games & answers:

Do you want more kids? How many?

B- yes, enough to get our own TV show

E- yes, maybe 1 or 2 more

What are you most looking forward to?

B- watching him grow up

E- going to sports games

Where are you most looking forward to taking him on vacation?

B- Big Brutus (West Mineral, KS)

E- Disney World

The thing I'm least happy about giving up as a parents is...
B- sleep, I like sleep
E- the ability to go wherever, whenever

What trait do you hope the baby inherits from you?
B- athletic ability
E- ability to read a map & know directions (plus a love of reading!)

Most important lesson you will teach him
B- how to put others before yourself
E- always make memories, live in the moment

What trait do you hope he gets from the other parent?
B- book smarts
E- blue eyes

The baby milestone I am most looking forward to?
 B- first steps
E- first time he says "I love you"

What are you most nervous about in becoming a parent?
B- explosive diarrhea
E- he will be a picky eater (like his mama)

How soon will you leave the baby with a non-family member or close friend babysitter?
B- never!
E- 3 or 4 months

In just a few words, how would you describe this pregnancy?
B- better than I could have imagined
E- a dream come true

The baby shower was amazing and I could not have asked for a better way to welcome our son into the world. I had so much fun with my family & friends!!

33 Week Update

How far along? 33 weeks

Total weight gain? 19lbs

Maternity clothes: for sure!!

Stretch marks: none!

Sleep: My back hurt very bad a week or so ago, from sleeping on my side and the extra weight of my belly. I went to a chiropractor and he fixed me right up. Sleeping is much better now :)

Best moment this week: Having my sister & nieces in town for a long weekend. Plus having two baby showers for the little guy in one weekend! Also, the Royals are in the WORLD SERIES!!

Worst moment this week: Being exhausted after those two showers in two days

Miss anything? Margarita!!

Movement: He's flipping around all over the place! Nemo likes to kick a nerve near my ribs that makes me a bit numb. Must be a fun game he likes to play ;)

Food cravings: Pancakes! Had them over the weekend (bacon, too!) and I fell in love with them over the weekend. 

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope!

Belly button in or out? Stretched sideways

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy most of the day, but cranky in the evening. Just tiredness 

Nervous about: Being sure we have everything ready for the little man!

Looking forward to: My baby shower at work on Wednesday

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank You so much for the opportunity to be parents. We are so excited to meet the blessing You have put in our lives. Please keep Baby Nemo safe and healthy as he develops move over the next few weeks. Thank You for the generosity of our friends & family at the showers over the weekend. We are so very lucky to be surrounded by so many who love us and love our baby already. 

Next appointment: 

November 12

November 19

November 25

3rd Grade Halloween Suggestions

Today, I asked my 3rd grade students what I should be for Halloween this year I got lots of different costume ideas. Most wanted to know if I was really going to pick one of theirs to become for Halloween. 

This is one of my boys idea:

He must know a thing or two about how tired pregnant ladies can be! 

Here are a few others:

31 Week Update

How far along? 31 weeks

Total weight gain? 17 lbs

Maternity clothes: yep, working on filling them all the way out, too!

Stretch marks: still none

Sleep: Since I sleep on my side, my back/shoulders curve in, leading to a backache each morning. I have tried propping myself up with pillows so I am less at an angle. That has helped the past couple of nights. Getting about 7 hours with a middle of the night bathroom break. 

Best moment this week: Having Friday off! A whole day with Bret is amazing :)

Worst moment this week: Longs days at work with instructional inservices & parent-teacher conferences. Exhausted each evening I got home!

Miss anything? Carrying and doing more stuff on my own. It's hard to be dependent on others :/

Movement: The little man is a night owl & late sleeper! He starts getting moving around 10/10:30am and moves a bit all day. But he really starts moving around 8pm all the way until I am trying to sleep. And then he wakes up again during my late night bathroom break.

At our sonogram on October 15th, the nurse got out an actual cowbell (!!) to try to wake him up and get him moving. But it was about 9:15am and it wasn't his waking hours yet. He actually turned his head and stuck out his tongue at us. He wasn't ready to be awake ;)

Food cravings: nothing really

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope, thankful for this!

Belly button in or out? Getting stretched!

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy and looking forward to the next couple months!

Nervous about: Being sure everything is ready for him. I am a list-maker a heart so I have made lots of to do lists and shopping lists to check off. Ohhhh, the satisfaction of checking off a list!!

Looking forward to: My sister and nieces coming to visit next Thursday!

Next appointment: 

October 29 at 4:20

November 12 

November 24

Present from a former student's family :)

30 Week Update

How far along? 30 weeks

Total weight gain? 16 lbs at last Dr appt

Maternity clothes: full on, there's no hiding this belly in 'normal' clothes; if I do wear non-maternity clothes, they are a size up

Stretch marks: none :)

Sleep: I'm averaging about 7 hours a night with one bathroom break. Always wake up with a backache, just can't get all the way comfortable.

Best moment this week: knowing I have some work time in my classroom this next week with conferences. 

Worst moment this week: A very good friend of mine lost her two-week old baby. Her oxygen levels and circulation just couldn't keep up with her. 

Miss anything? Nothing this week

Movement: Lots of punches/kicks, I have seen my belly move but Bret hasn't caught Nemo moving yet. I shout at him to look, but Nemo stops moving, of course. 

Food cravings: Soup currently, but that could be the fall weather influencing me

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope

Belly button in or out? In, but stretching sideways

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy, getting antsy 

Nervous about: All the things that still need to be done before Nemo gets here! One of the pregnancy apps I have gives a countdown. We are at 9.5weeks left which does not seem like enough time!

Looking forward to: Seeing my baby on the sonogram this week!!

Next appointment: 

October 15

October 29

November 12

November 24

Bump Update

29 Week Update

29 Week Update

How far along? 29 weeks

Total weight gain? 16 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yep! And larger size shirts. Just went shopping for some more maternity shirts so I have more to choose from. I am sleeping in maternity tanks or shirts of Bret's 

Stretch marks: None yet, hoping it stays that way!

Sleep: Still sleeping well, flipping sides halfway through the night

Best moment this week: Starting to organize Nemo's room! Two baby showers later this month, so that room is going to fill up soon. Also, I passed my glucose test!

Worst moment this week: Bret worked OT on Saturday, so we didn't see each other very much 

Miss anything? This week I've wanted a deli sandwich 

Movement: He's flipping all over the place now! I feel like he flips completely over now, my whole belly moves along with the movement. Bret is able to feel Nemo kick all the time now. 

Food cravings: none, need to eat more fruits & veggies

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope

Belly button in or out? In, but stretching

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy 

Nervous about: All the stuff that comes along with a baby, knowing what we need & don't need

Looking forward to: Seeing my sister & nieces later this month (17 days!!)

Prayer for baby:

Dear Lord, Please watch over our little one. Watch over him develop healthily and give him strength. Give Bret & me strength as well as we are entering a new life stage and are not exactly sure what to expect. Show us where we need to grow & what we should be doing to prepare to become the parents you want us to be. 

Next appointment: 

October 15th at 9am with sonogram 

October 29th at 4:20pm

28 Week Update

28 Week Update

How far along? 28 weeks

Total weight gain? 15lbs

Maternity clothes: full on maternity pants & mostly maternity shirts, I'm nervous the non-maternity things I wear will get stretched out and not fit after

Stretch marks: still none, my sister's regime is magical

Sleep: I start out the night on my left side and usually about 3:30am switch over to my right side. I still miss sleeping on my back!

Best moment this week: bought a new sectional couch & glider, can't wait til they are delivered!

Worst moment this week: woke up fully awake from 2-4am one night this week, rough morning!

Miss anything? A glass of wine after a long day at work

Movement: Nemo is regularly doing somersaults in my belly. Bret is able feel him moving while is just so fun!!

Food cravings: none

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope

Belly button in or out? Still in

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy & excited, love feeling Nemo moving around!

Nervous about: the glucose test & waits for its results

Looking forward to: finishing up the nursery

Next appointment:

-Sept. 28 @ 1:10pm

Recent Bump Pics

26 Week Update

How far along? 26 weeks

Total weight gain? 14 lbs, right on track according to my Dr

Maternity clothes: Maternity pants for sure! I can still mix in some of my more flowy non-maternity shirts. Trying to get some good deals on maternity clothes right now. I don't have a lot of warmer clothes for the fall & winter. 

Stretch marks: still none, my sister's regime is magical (so are my genes!)

Sleep: sleep is going well, getting used to being a side sleeper now; still waking up for the bathroom run at least once a night (the worst is when it's within an hour of my alarm going off!)

Best moment this week: getting the nursery shaped up, almost done!

Worst moment this week: continuing be to adjust to Bret's work schedule; loved all the time we were able to spend together over the summer

Miss anything? a margarita sounds delish!

Movement: He's definitely kicking and punching in there! Bret felt him move this week, said it was one of the best moments in his life!! ♥️

Food cravings: nothing lately, just need water AS SOON AS POSSIBLE when I wake up in the morning 

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope

Belly button in or out? Still in

Happy or moody most of the time? 

Nervous about: glucose test is coming up at my next appt

Looking forward to: fall weather, sweatshirts, craft fairs, & pumpkin bread!

Next appointment:

-Sept. 24 @ 3:05pm

Why Nemo?

Ever since our implant surgery, we have called our baby 'Nemo'.

http://hero.wikia.com/wiki/Nemo

Bret came up with this nickname. After our egg collection & fertilization, we had three viable embryos. Our first IVF implantation, we put two eggs in. We thought, if they both implant we will have twins & it's a better chance to put two in instead of just one at a time. When we watched the embryos being sent into my uterus on the screen, my RE mentioned they are sandwiched in there like a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. So That's what Bret started calling them during our time of waiting to see if they implanted. Unfortunately , they did not implant.

So we were left with only one embryo. Just like in the movie, "Finding Nemo" there was just one baby left. Bret decided this was the perfect nickname for our (hopefully) growing embryo. We continued to call the baby Nemo as we were told the embryo implanted correctly & was growing at a healthy rate. Even at 20 weeks, we still call our baby Nemo. Now it fits even better with Nemo being our baby BOY!

We are very lucky that our Nemo has grown at a healthy rate throughout my pregnancy. I hope he continues this trend for the second half, birth, & thereafter.

We love our little Nemo!