Baby Bump Wednesdays - LATE: Week 38!

Love my husband - he will do anything to make me feel better and make me smile

How far along: 38 weeks
What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Leek/Pumpkin (my guess is she will be nicknamed pumpkin, too)
Average Size: 18.9-20.9 inches, 6.2-9.2 lbs
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney should have plumped up over the last week and all her vital organs should be in good working order. She also should have firm grasp which we will get to test out soon!
Total weight gain: 38 lbs.
Stretch marks: There is just no hope – I’m sure there are new ones and the old ones are not happy these days. I actually have had to switch to hydrocortisone 1% ointment, as my belly is itching so bad and the doctor noticed I was creating a rash because of the itching.
Sleep: If it’s not one thing, it’s the other. Between Tulley, Kelsey and London, I guess I won’t be getting much sleep until I am in the hospital. And then who knows how much I will get given I will want to be woken up for my pain meds. I will, however, take full advantage of the nursery.
Best moment of this last week: Cameron coming home and the two hour nap I got in on Sunday.
Miss anything: I just want my energy back and my body back to myself. I’m tired of sharing it.
Movement: Plenty and ready for that movement to be outside of me. It hurts! The girl wants to stretch out so badly. My bet is she will be taller than her sister at birth.
Food cravings: Sushi and sweets.
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: None. 6 Days! 1 1/2 work days!
Belly button in or out: Out
Wedding rings on or off: Off - hopefully it will be back on soon!
Mood most of the time: Tired. So ready for the 24th to be here.
Looking forward to in the next week: Seeing Sydney!

It’s a little hard to believe that the day is almost here whiel at the same time I am saying FINALLY and want the day to get here as quickly as possible! I am definitely ready to have Sydney join our family outside my body. This last weekend was really rough on me, even when we didn’t do all that much physically. My energy reserves seem to be completely gone. I can hardly wait for the weekend, with my parents arriving Friday afternoon who I hope will allow me to sleep in on Saturday and Sunday. Maybe even Monday and Tuesday. The big thing is just getting through these last few days of work.

We were a little worried Sydney was planning a surprise early arrival over the weekend. It seemed my energy levels completely disappeared. Of course, we had planned activities, but they weren’t long or exhausting. But by the time we made it home each day, I was zapped and couldn’t get much of anything else done.

This was driving me nuts Sunday night so I was trying to push through. Cameron wouldn’t hear of it and forced me to sit down and relax instead. That’s when we noticed how on top of me Jake and Tulley were. And when we thought about it, Kelsey had moved to sleeping on top of me versus next to Cameron snuggled up in her favorite green blanket. We began to wonder if I wasn’t about to go into labor. 
 
As a precaution, we texted Lynde an FYI and called Vicki, just to keep their phones close in case there was a need for us to run to the hospital in the middle of the night. Thankfully, that has not happened and as much as I am ready for Sydney to be here, I want her to bake as long as possible and I would prefer to not experience labor this time around. Only time will tell if that becomes the case or not.

There are still things I want to get done around the house before she arrives, but I’ve come to terms that these things may or may not get done before next Wednesday, and I’m ok with it. I’d rather put things on hold versus sending myself into early labor. People are so shocked that I am still working. If I were at home I’d probably push myself too much so it’s better that I get up and go to work, where I sit and work, and get paid for it, versus being physically active at home trying to get other things done. Plus, I’ll have 4 days to get some of it done before we head to the hospital. And since Monday I have had a beautiful bouquet of flowers to look at when I’m struggling to remind me that I need to take it easy and be at work. All thanks to Cameron.
This post is a day late, as I wanted it updated with the latest doctor visit as well. Our last appointment was yesterday afternoon. I only gained 1 lb in the last week. Weight gain has definitely slowed down. I may not hit th 40 lb mark after all, if just barely not hitting it. All is well with Sydney from what we can tell. The doctor gave us a run down on what to expect at the hopsital when we check in at 5:30 AM Wednesday. She said we will probably be ready for visitors around 10:30 AM or 11. We will definitely want some time to rest once Sydney is here.

Other than that, she suggested I take a Benedryl before bed to help with my itchy tummy and to help me sleep. I've gotten puffy in the last week and between my tummy and ankles I've been itchy. The other night not only were my ankles itchy but they were swollen and red like they were sun burnt. Given Sydney is moving plenty and my blood pressure is perfect, there isn't much to worry about, its just the increased histamines in me causing the issues. I do I have to admit I slept pretty well last night on the Benedryl.

When I write the next time about Sydney, it will be when she is here. Can't wait!

~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesdays: 37 Weeks

How far along: 37 weeks

What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Swiss Chard/Winter Melon
Average Size: 18.9-20.9 inches, 6.2-9.2 lbs
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney’s hair length should be about ½” to 1 ½” long – if she has any. My guess? She has black hair only a ½” in length, just like her sister did. Sydney is considered full term now so her lungs should be mature enough to adjust to life outside, but we still would prefer her to stay in another 2 weeks. She should also be gaining about a half an ounce a day (Good Grief! I swear there is no more room!). And she is practicing some skills such as inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking.
Total weight gain: 36 lbs.
Stretch marks: This girl is determined to give me new ones, the way she hangs “out” literally. My belly has been itchy lately with all the growth and movement going on.
Sleep: One night I can’t sleep at all due to burning hips, overall uncomfortableness or the need to pee 5 times. The next night I will sleep like a rock I am so tired and only get up once to pee. And while I miss Cameron while he is away there is something to be said about having the bed to myself (ok, Tulley & Kelsey are up there too) with all the pillows to spread out and toss and turn without the worry of waking Cameron up. I’m sure he’s enjoying not being disturbed by my snoring and tossing and turning as well.
Best moment of this last week: Having a nice date lunch with Cameron before he left for SoCal.
Miss anything: The big ones right now are wine and running. That and just being comfortable and do what I want with my body.
Movement: Definitely there – she likes to push her feet into my ribs and scratch my hips. Not very pleasant to be honest.
Food cravings: Was having sushi cravings apparently. And then I was wanting pot stickers, but I took care of that last night.
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: None. 2 weeks (14 days) to go! 8 work days!
Belly button in or out: Out
Wedding rings on or off: Off
Mood most of the time: Tired. So ready for the 24th to be here.
Looking forward to in the next week: Dinner with London’s best friend, Evan’s mom Kristin tonight, Cameron coming home Friday, and the Pumpkin Patch on Sunday!

With Sydney full term now, if I go into labor, there is no stopping her. I still don’t think she is coming early though and honestly hope she doesn’t either as uncomfortable as I am. I really don’t need to experience labor again. I like that this time around is more along my terms and more in my control.

It will be interesting to see the differences between Sydney and London, since London came a week late and Sydney will be a week early. London really was a week old baby when she was born, wanting milk, not colostrum, and she was pretty strong, especially her neck. I hope Sydney’s strength, particularly in the neck, is similar to London’s as fragile babies make me nervous.

Supposedly now is the time that the nesting instinct can kick in. Ask Cameron and I have been nesting for months now. I’m an organized-type of person, what can I say. Being organized and prepared is the only way to 1) keep me calm and 2) keep me busy or I just go stir crazy. I’ve been preparing for Sydney’s arrival for a while now and still am when I can. Her room still needs to be organized and there is still a load or two of laundry to do. Plus, there are a few projects I would like to do for her room. I’d like to get it all done before she arrives but there is no guarantee that will be the case as between my body and Cameron, I have to listen and slow down. Just a week of work can take it all out of me and this past Saturday was a testament to that thanks to no sleep and burning hips Friday night.

By Fridays I really am just a lump on the couch until bed and everyone at work can tell I am exhausted on Fridays as well. At least I get to leave early this Friday to pick Cameron up from the airport and Thursday I leave early thanks to a doctor’s appointment in the afternoon.

The good news is I should be done with London’s dresser by the end of this weekend, and then I can truly focus on my Sydney projects, though I have done a little work on the silhouettes. If I’m really productive I may even have those projects completed by the time I am off for maternity leave.

~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesdays: 35 Weeks

How far along: 35 weeks
What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Honeydew Melon/Coconut - I must have been anticipating this as I ate a bag of dried young coconut meat last week!
Average Size: 17.2-18.7 inches, 4.2-5.8 lbs (I'll bet she is on the longer side)
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney’s kidneys are now fully developed and her liver can process some waste products. From here on out she is mainly putting on weight and may grow a little longer. Sydney’s sense of hearing is also fully developed and could possibly respond to high-pitched noises.
Total weight gain: 34 lbs.
Stretch marks: While I am quite good at using the Bio Oil I now know I will not escape some new ones – there is just no more room to stretch and I can see a few new angry ones.
Sleep: Restless. Kinda getting used to it. It was nice to sleep in this weekend with my parents getting up with London for me.
Best moment of this last week: Taking London to Fairy Tale Town with my parents and watching her eat her first ice cream cone.
Miss anything: Alcoholic drinks, running, spicy tuna rolls, being able to bend over easily, not being pregnant, having my body be my own
Movement: Seems constant sometimes and quiet at other times
Food cravings: None right now - my mom is feeding me well
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: None. 4 weeks to go! Let the countdown begin! 28 days to go!
Belly button in or out: Out
Wedding rings on or off: Off
Mood most of the time: Going back and forth between tired and energized.
Looking forward to in the next week: Seeing my husband – I do miss him when he is gone. Although, having to share the bed with just Tulley has been nice. Also, getting London settled into her new room and big girl bed and getting the loft picked up and all things organized for Sydney's arrival. 

Sydney and I now get to see the doctor once a week, but when you look at it, that is only 3-4 appointments, depending if they want to see me the week of the c-section. We saw the doctor Monday, where I was told everything looked perfect and sounded perfect. We just have to continue like this to make it to the scheduled due date, which I can hardly wait for and at the same time do feel there is still a bit to do before then.

Having my parents here has been great. Though London would normally have been in day care yesterday during my appointment, it was an afternoon appointment and I would have had to run home to pick her up. Instead, she was already home with them, and I was able to run several errands to get lunch makings and dinner makings for the week, as well as some last little stuff for London’s new room, like a secondary window lock for the window, a baby gate to place outside her room so she doesn't wander when we are asleep, and a bed guard rail so she doesn’t hurt herself rolling out of her new big girl bed - not that she is much of a mover when she sleeps.

All of us were remarking how far along bed guard rails have come since my day. I still remember mine – it was a bronze color, metal one with two horizontal bars. Not that the metal ever bothered me. London’s is mesh and on a normal bed can be flipped down for easy entry and exit. Of course, I picked a bed for her that it doesn't quite work as well on, but its enough.

And having my mom here means I am eating quite well. That’s probably why I haven’t craved anything – one night she made a bruschetta mixture using some of the last tomatoes from our garden and the yummy garlic bread from Costco, which she melted fresh mozzarella on top of first; and another night she made pasta with the fresh tomatoes, a red onion and Alfredo sauce.

~ Sarah

Preparing For Sydney Update

Looking at Sydney’s To Do list, it doesn’t look like I accomplished all that much over the last week:

But the one thing I was able to cross off, the organizing aspect of London’s old clothes, was a HUGE undertaking. Just take a look at the mess I made in the loft, to get started:

This is before the clothes came out of the tubs

And here is my little helper after all the clothes came out!

All the clothes are sorted and most are back in tubs. I even was able to reduce the number of tubs being used. I just have two tubs of clothes to fold nicely and close up. Then the tubs will go back into the closet.

Of course, I still have a lot of tubs full of non-clothes (full of other baby gear) to go through still. And this pile is waiting for my mom for washing: 

Can I just say I am so glad my mom will be out here in just over a week, for a week and is willing to help get the washing done? By then we should have a place to put the clothes once they are washed, too. Maybe by then, the room will be set up for Sydney. One can hope.

Don’t worry though; Sydney isn’t far from our minds these days. Last Friday, during our evening errands we needed to make a stop at Target. When we walked by the baby section, I couldn’t help but pick this little onesie up for her:

~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesdays

How far along: 33 weeks

What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Durian Fruit/Pineapple
Average Size: 17.2-18.7 inches, 4.2-5.8 lbs
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney can recognize and react to simple songs and when she is awake, she is keeping her eyes open. Sydney also has the potential to grow a full inch this week and I swear there is no room for her to do so! Plus, I better drink a lot of milk right now as her bones are hardening. So that’s why her movements are so much stronger! The girl has hurt me a couple of times recently.
Total weight gain: 30 lbs.
Stretch marks: Just to old ones looking angry
Sleep: Same old, same old.
Best moment of this last week: Crossing several to dos off our lists, including Cameron’s desk moving into the new office!
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls, being able to bend over easily
Movement: More and more.
Food cravings: My summertime pasta salad
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Haven’t had any contractions in the last week. 6 weeks to go!
Belly button in or out: Out
Wedding rings on or off: Off
Mood most of the time: Going back and forth between tired and energized.
Looking forward to in the next week: The BBQ Baby Shower at Matt & Lynde’s on Saturday

We saw the doctor again yesterday. I gained 4 lbs so I made up for the month I didn’t gain anything. All is looking good and Sydney had a strong heartbeat when we listened in. I actually saw Dr. Gordon during the visit. She performed my last C-section and will perform this one as well. She did inform me we have to be at the hospital at 5:30 AM on October 24. And we also went over my request for a stand-by shot of Demerol, as last time I shook pretty bad after the c-section. Dr. Gordon said she will note it in my chart but that this request is also best taken up with the anesthesiologist that morning, as they are more in charge of the drugs going into my system than she will be. All good information and things I will remember. Consider it my birth plan.

As the days go by, I am feeling Sydney more and more. She loves hanging out at the top of my belly and has jabbed me a few times to the point that she takes my breath away. I have a feeling she is going to be longer than London was, as I feel like she already has no room to grow in there and must be completely cramped. The next 6 weeks can’t go fast enough. My guess is they will go pretty fast as I’m very much keeping myself busy as much as I can.

I do have to force myself to slow down some of the time, though Cameron usually is on me about slowing down before I am. And I’m sure when my parents are here, they really will be on me to sit and relax.

~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesday: 32 Weeks

How far along: 32 weeks
What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Squash
Average Size: 15.2-16.7 inches, 2.5-3.8 lbs
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney now has toenails, fingernails and hair, plus her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in anticipation of her arrival.
Total weight gain: 26 lbs.
Stretch marks: A few more old ones are looking a bit angry here and there.
Sleep: Same old, same old. Still roasting most nights.
Best moment of this last week: Spending time with Devon, Randy and Zoey at Caper Acres in Chico and Cameron getting the baseboards cut and nailed in, in the office!
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls, being able to bend over easily
Movement: More and more.
Food cravings: Still enjoying my tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and balsamic vinegar
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Still having some contractions, mainly when I am stressed. 7 weeks to go!
Belly button in or out: out
Wedding rings on or off: Off
Happy or moody most of the time: Tired – seem to have caught another small cold or allergies are acting up.
Looking forward to in the next week: Getting all of London’s old clothes and newborn gear out to start getting ready for Sydney!

~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesdays: 31 Weeks

How far along: 31 weeks
What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Pineapple
Average Size: 15.2-16.7 inches, 2.5-3.8 lbs
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney apparently is headed for a growth spurt – I’m not so sure she has much room for this and I fear the repercussions of a growth spurt. She can also turn her head from side to side and is fattening up even more for her debut. All five senses are working and Sydney is going through major brain and nerve development.
Total weight gain: 26 lbs. - no weight gain again
Stretch marks: Some old ones are getting a little angry looking. I am being diligent with the body oil. If I can only re-stretch old ones, I will be happy.
Sleep: The dreams have seemed to calm down a bit in the last week. The trips to the bathroom have increased along with the burning hips.
Best moment of this last week: Finishing the decorative pillows for London’s new room and getting a lot of the needs for her room purchased. All this meant I felt I could sit down Saturday night and start Sydney’s stocking!
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls, being able to bend over easily
Movement: This girl is already ready to stretch out. I can feel her way up by my right lung at the same time she tickles my left hip! My guess is she will be like London and not like being swaddled. London always had to have at least one arm out of the blankets!
Food cravings: Enjoying lots of fresh tomatoes from the garden, chopped up with fresh mozzarella and soaked in olive oil and balsamic vinegar!
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Have had a few contractions here and there but nothing to signal an early delivery date. 8 weeks to go!
Belly button in or out: out
Wedding rings on or off: Off
Happy or moody most of the time: Energetic – our house gets a little cleaner day by day, especially on the weekends. Cameron says I am already nesting.
Looking forward to in the next week: Getting further on all our projects, including Sydney’s stocking.

Whoopsy. I have been diligent enough with my eating since I failed my blood glucose test by 1 little point or level, that I haven't gained any weight in a month! Not that I see this as horrible. I just want to make sure Sydney is getting what she needs to grow big and healthy.

Luckily, at the appointment with the nurse midwife this morning, she said not to be too concerned. Sydney is measuring a little large any way - she's at 32 1/2 weeks while technically we are only at 31 weeks, so she is growing. I just may be losing weight which results in a no change in weight overall.

The good news is my blood glucose test that I took on Monday came back fine, so definitely no GD! Which means I don't have to watch myself as well. I'm celebrating with a bagel and jam. I'm sure with Sydney due for a growth spurt, I'll bee gaining some weight soon any way. The only other suggestion the nurse midwife had was to drink a little less water and replace it with juice to add some extra calories.

~ Sarah

~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesday: 30 Weeks

How far along: 30 weeks
What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Cucumber/Head of Cabbage (Swear we have had these options already!)
Average Size: 15.2-16.7 inches, 2.5-3.8 lbs
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney’s skin is getting smoother and her brain more wrinkly. Plus she is now strong enough to grasp a finger. Hard to believe how soon it will be before she is grasping ours!
Total weight gain: 26 lbs.
Stretch marks: Still none
Sleep: I’m starting to wish for a night without dreams as they are getting weirder and weirder and are interfering with me getting a good night’s sleep.
Best moment of this last week: Going to the doctor’s and learning I didn’t gain any weight in two weeks! Plus, thanks to my mom, we secured the perfect comforter for London’s new room.
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, spicy tuna rolls, being able to bend over easily and right now especially, running.
Movement: Sydney is more of a wiggler and mover than a kicker, except when I have a contraction. Now I’m really glad for a scheduled C-section. As long as she doesn’t decide to come early I’ll avoid what I can only imagine would be a punching-bag marathon for labor.
Food cravings: Finally had my sautéed mushrooms last week. Not wanting anything in particular at the moment, except wine, and I can't satisfy that for a little while longer.
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Have had a contraction here and there but nothing to signal an early delivery date. 9 weeks to go!
Belly button in or out: out
Wedding rings on or off: Off
Happy or moody most of the time: A little anxious, and tired which has brought on the moodiness more.
Looking forward to in the next week: The weekend so I can get a little more sleep and getting baseboards up in the office.

We had a doctor’s appointment last Thursday, as we are now on the every two weeks schedule - the first signal that the time is drawing near. All is going well. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t gain any weight in between appointments as I know now is when I can really put it on. I actually didn’t see the doctor, but the nurse mid-wife. And I think she jinxed me. She asked if I had had any contractions. I’ve had Braxton hicks here and there, but not any true contractions. She warned us that they are more likely with a second child and told me that if anything becomes consistent to head for the hospital but not to worry if there were a few here and there.

Well, Saturday I had one. I had been doing stuff around the kitchen, not to mention the yard work and a walk. Still it caught me off guard. The second it happened, I quickly went and sat down as I took it as a sign to slow down and relax. I’ve only had one more since then and that was on Monday when we were walking around Costco. We’re fast walkers and being at Costco is no different. As soon as the contraction hit, I slowed it down, trailing further and further behind Cameron and London. I’m crossing my fingers that any more I have are just one-off instances like these and that I don’t go into full-fledged labor at all. Just let me get to October 24, please! Which is only 9 weeks away!
Sydney didn't seem to enjoy the contractions much herself. Man can she get going on me when one does hit - I definitely felt like a punching bag and in those moments they reminded me more of when I carried London. I may have had a contraction last night as well, as Sydney woke me up, punching bag style.

I can’t believe how fast time is flying by. Single digit weeks to go is a bit crazy to think about. And at the same time, the way I am feeling most days, the time can’t go by quick enough. I'm definitely entering that phase where I am uncomfortable more of the time than not. And the radiating body heat sucks! It’s finally cooling off at night again so we can have a fan going in the window to draw in the cool air, and Monday night I actually got to sleep with a blanket over me. It’s no fun when you go to hug your husband and he says that you are so hot you are making him sweat within seconds of the hug!

~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesdays: 29 Weeks!

How far along: 29 weeks

What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Butternut Squash/Acorn Squash

Average Size: 15.2-16.7 inches, 2.5-3.8 lbs

What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney’s muscles and lungs continue to grow as does her head to make room for her growing brain. Her white fat deposits are also growing under her skin, providing her with more energy.
Total weight gain: 26 lbs.
Stretch marks: Still none
Sleep: Sleeping well is touch and go. Some days I can’t sleep at all and others I am out for the count!
Best moment of this last week: Seeing paint up on the walls in the office
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls, being able to put shoes on without hurting my belly
Movement: Sydney is definitely moving more, but still not kicking me like London did.
Food cravings: Sautéed Mushrooms – still haven’t satisfied this yet! But we have been making yummy, healthy meals.
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Nope. 10 weeks to go!
Belly button in or out: out
Wedding rings on or off: Off
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to in the next week: Working on craft projects for London’s room and getting closer to the office being done!

Here's some baby bump pics for you too:

29 Weeks

My protector is never far away

 ~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesdays: Weeks 27 & 28

How far along: 27 weeks

What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Cauliflower/Rutabaga (Didn’t I just have these two recently?)
Average Size: 13.6 to 14.8 inches, 1.5 to 2.5 lbs
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney’s sleeping and waking at regular intervals (which I can tell by her movements) and has more brain tissue developing. She is also becoming more active and is capable of getting the hiccups, which I noticed she got once this last week.
Total weight gain: 20 lbs.
Stretch marks: Score of the week – I found my Bio Oil at Costco, which meant I got an additional 2 FL OZ to the usual 4 FL OZ for the same price I would have paid for only the 4 FL OZ at any other store! We’ve put the Palmer’s oil aside until I run out again. Just not digging the smell of the Palmers at all.
Sleep: Sleep since Thursday has been rough thanks to the usual pregnancy side effects and a massive head cold that is the result of allergies.
Best moment of this last week: London being an angel on Saturday when I was feeling my worst from the cold/allergies.
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls, being able to put shoes on without hurting my belly
Movement: More and more each week. Sydney still likes to move and put pressure on me in certain areas, but I also get the little kicks more and more. She really loves to put pressure on me when I can’t adjust to compensate – like driving. At least she still lets me fall asleep.
Food cravings: Sautéed Mushrooms
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: out
Wedding rings on or off: Off
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy and anxious
Looking forward to in the next week: Starting Sydney’s stocking and getting closer to completing the office.

I know I should have started the stocking last week, but I focused on smaller projects instead. And we definitely did not meet my end of July deadline for the office, given Cameron was in Tahoe Friday night and most of Saturday. He then focused on London most of Sunday since I was still feeling pretty crummy. He did get the sanding done, so we are one step closer. And I’ve ordered the fabric needed for London’s new room’s curtains, so once it arrives I can get to work making those and picking colors from it to add depth to her room. The bed I want for London is on sale through Sunday so we’ll be making a trip out to IKEA to get it before then. We’ll get there soon (I Hope!)

How far along: 28 weeks
What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Chinese Cabbage/Eggplant
Average Size: 13.6 - 14.8 inches, 1.5 - 2.5 lbs
What’s going on with Baby’s development: can blink her eyes, which are also equipped with eyelashes now. Her brain continues to develop as is her baby fat.
Total weight gain: 26 lbs.
Stretch marks: Love you bio oil – still no new stretch marks and I swear the old ones look better
Sleep: Sleep has been really great lately. Only getting up 1-2 times night and with the occasional cool nights I can actually sleep under a sheet which is comforting. Of course, poor Cameron is freezing on these nights. Luckily he has Tulley and even Kelsey Lou snuggled up next to him, so he’s not suffering too bad.
Best moment of this last week: Feeling better!
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls, being able to put shoes on without hurting my belly
Movement: We went to see the Dark Knight last night. Some of the music included drums and Sydney kicked anytime that music was on! Cameron even got to feel a few.
Food cravings: Sautéed Mushrooms – still haven’t satisfied this yet!
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Nope. 11 weeks to go!
Belly button in or out: out
Wedding rings on or off: Off
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to in the next week: Working on craft projects for London’s room and getting closer to the office being done!

We saw the doctor last Thursday on our Anniversary. We’re all set to meet Sydney on October 24 at 7:30 AM! Which means we have to be at the hospital long before I would like to be up. Oh well, it will be worth it. I also had my blood glucose test last week, which involved two hours of my life, a 12-hour fast and 3 needle pricks. The sad part is I failed it by 1 step – the doctors and nurses all said that wasn’t fair, that people with gestational diabetes fail by 30 to 40 steps. So I’ve been asked to watch the carbs and sweets and I’ll have to do some form of test in a month to see if anything has changed for the better or worse, but they do not feel I have gestational diabetes at this time.

And as expected, I am anemic, so I am now on iron pills, just like I was with London. The doctor said this is normal for 60-70% of pregnant women.

I also got a 4th needle prick for the week with the Rh shot since I have a negative blood type and both Cameron and London have a positive type. I forgot how much that shot hurt – and where you have to get it. I had a red welt on my butt the rest of the day and it hurt through Sunday! And guess what, if Sydney is positive I get another one when I am in the hospital!

The best result of the doctor visit was him putting me on antibiotics for my head/nasal congestion. He said considering I was sick at the beginning of July and was again for the last 7 days, I probably had something antibiotics could help. I was feeling better by Saturday and normal by Monday. Too bad I didn’t get on them in time to prevent the 2 hour coughing fit I experienced in the early hours of Friday morning.

I also start going to the doctor every two weeks since I have finally made it to the 3rd Trimester! We’re in the home stretch which means we really need to get cracking on the office and London’s room!

~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesdays: 26 Weeks

How far along: 26 weeks

What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: English Hothouse Cucumber/Lettuce
Average Size: 13.6 to 14.8 inches, 1.5 to 2.5 lbs
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney’s ears’ nerve network is better developed so not only can she hear me, but she can probably hear her daddy and sister. Sydney also has eyelashes and her eyes are forming and will soon start to open.
Total weight gain: 20 lbs.
Stretch marks: Trying to be diligent with the oil to avoid any more than the ones I got from London, but when its bed time, all I want to do is fall into bed. Also, switched from Bio Oil to Palmer’s Skin Therapy oil, only because that was what the store had when I actually remembered I needed more. Darn pregnancy brain. I have to say it is working from what I can tell, though I like the smell of the bio oil much better.
Sleep: Considering I slept from 7:30 PM to 6 AM Monday to Tuesday, only waking up to Cameron coming to bed at midnight, that’s not bad. Still have pain in my hips here and there but it’s not consistent, yet.
Best moment of this last week: Completing London’s Disneyland “First Ears” frame
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls, being able to put shoes on without hurting my belly
Movement: Healthy. She still prefers to move so I have pressure on one side more than kicking like London did. And she still leaves me alone when I am falling asleep.
Food cravings: Sautéed Mushrooms
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: out
Wedding rings on or off: Off
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy and anxious
Looking forward to in the next week: Starting Sydney’s stocking!


It seems this pregnancy is flying by. I have my next doctor’s appointment next week on our anniversary, at which time I start going every two weeks until week 36. I also have my blood glucose screening test next week, which means I get to spend two hours of my life at Quest, drink some yucky sugary drink and get pricked 3 times! With London I only had to do the 1 hour test but apparently the 2 hour is more conclusive which prevents more of the 3 hour tests.


We are also under 100 days until Sydney arrives. The office is still not finished so I can’t begin to start on London’s and after we get London in her new room I’ll need to focus on getting things ready for Sydney. I know there are still two full months to go, but I also know my energy levels are going to begin dropping again. The good news is my mom and possibly my dad for a few days will be out in September to help me with London while Cameron is in Canada for a hunting trip. I’ve already warned her that she may be tasked with a few loads of laundry to get ready for Sydney.

My goal had been to have Cameron out of London’s room by the end of July. Not sure that is going to happen as we only have week left in the month, he’s swamped with work and has a trip to Reno planned this weekend, and has sanding, texturing, painting and floor boards, and possibly crown molding still to do. I’d love to have London in her new room at the start of September so she can be well adjusted to her new room before Sydney arrives. Time will tell.


~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesdays: Weeks 23, 24 & 25

Ok, here are the last 3 weeks of Baby Updates:

How far along: 23 weeks

What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Large Mango
Average Size: 11 inches, 1 lb
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney’s sense of movement is well developed and her hearing is increasing – time to get Tulley barking and vacuuming so these sounds don’t phase her when she arrives.
Total weight gain: 13 lbs.
Stretch marks: Loving the Bio Oil as still no new ones – we’ll see what happens in the last month
Sleep: Same old, same old.
Best moment of this last week: Having a fun night out with Cameron and friends when we attending the Lambda Chi Alpha reunion and London using the toilet at home for the first time!
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls
Movement: Definitely feeling Sydney more. Last night while watching a movie I felt her shift to one side of the belly – a pretty funny sight to see.
Food cravings: Sushi, nectarines
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: working on that outtie, or the 3rd nipple as Cameron calls it
Wedding rings on or off: engagement ring only and luckily, still!
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy most of the time
Looking forward to in the next week: A quiet weekend at home for the first time in ages!

How far along: 24 weeks
What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Ear of Corn or Cantaloupe
Average Size: 10.5 – 11.8 inches, 12.7-20.8 oz
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney’s body is filling out proportionally although she is pretty lean these days and her brain is quickly growing as her taste buds continue to develop. Her lungs are developing the branches of the respiratory tree.
Total weight gain: 20 lbs. The doctor says I have little hope of not gaining 40 lbs. just like I did with London. Guess I’ll just have to focus on losing it once Sydney is here.
Stretch marks: Bio Oil Baby!
Sleep: Difficult this week thanks to a summer cold or allergies. I’ve been laid out for two days now.
Best moment of this last week: Celebrating our country’s independence with our neighbors setting off fireworks. We had 5 or 6 houses represented.
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls
Movement: Definitely feeling Sydney more. And Cameron got to feel her kick for the first time last week as well. This was the first time we tried to get him to feel a kick and Sydney obliged. London would always stop kicking whenever Cameron had his hand on my belly.
Food cravings: nectarines, jelly beans
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: It’s all the way out now.
Wedding rings on or off: Sadly, my engagement ring came off just after the 4th of July. I’m not swelling like I did with London, but I swelled enough to leave ring indentations on my finger one day so as soon as the swelling went down, the ring came off. So sad!
Happy or moody most of the time: Moody – this cold isn’t helping
Looking forward to in the next week: Feeling better!

How far along: 25 weeks
What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Rutabaga/Cauliflower
Average Size: 13 ½ to 14 ½ inches, 1 ½- 2 ½ lbs
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney is starting to add some baby fat to her body and if we could see her hair we would know what color it was. Sydney also has a sense of equilibrium, knowing which way is up and which way is down – that may explain the drastic movements I feel when I switch positions quickly!
Total weight gain: 20 lbs.
Stretch marks: Bio oil – need to get some more too as I’m down to my last few drops just as I am feeling bigger and bigger every day. Time to stay diligent on it.
Sleep: Beginning to feel the searing or burning hip pain when I haven’t moved in a while.
Best moment of this last week: Watching London and Evan play at Evan’s 2nd Birthday party.
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls, being able to put shoes on without hurting my belly
Movement: More and more. I think she was moving a lot the other night as I had dreams about it.
Food cravings: Junk food unfortunately. Luckily we made a rule last week that we wouldn’t eat out for the rest of the month – and that includes lunches.
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: out
Wedding rings on or off: no more rings – oh how I miss them! And oh how I feel like an unwed hussy when I’m out by myself, which is rarely ever, thankfully.
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy now that I am feeling better
Looking forward to in the next week: Starting Sydney’s stocking!

~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesdays: 22 Weeks

How far along: 22 weeks

What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Spaghetti Squash/Papaya
Average Size: 11 inches, 1 lb
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney is developing tooth buds under her gums and her lips, eye lids and eyebrows are becoming more distinct. She can also hear what is going on outside the belly.
Total weight gain: 13 lbs.
Stretch marks: Loving the Bio Oil as still no new ones – we’ll see what happens in the last month
Sleep: Same old, same old.
Best moment of this last week: Having a fun night out with Cameron and friends when we attending the Lambda Chi Alpha reunion and London using the toilet at home for the first time!
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls
Movement: Definitely feeling Sydney more. Last night while watching a movie I felt her shift to one side of the belly – a pretty funny sight to see.
Food cravings: Sushi, nectarines
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: working on that outtie, or the 3rd nipple as Cameron calls it
Wedding rings on or off: engagement ring only and luckily, still!
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy most of the time
Looking forward to in the next week: A quiet weekend at home for the first time in ages!

~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesdays: Week 21

How far along: 21 weeks

What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Carrot/Pomegranate
Average Size: 10 1/2 inches, 12.7 oz Starting this week babies are measured from Head to Toe – prior to this, babies are measured Head to Rump.
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Sydney now has eyebrows and eye lids and her taste buds are now working.
Total weight gain: 13 lbs.
Stretch marks: Loving the Bio Oil as still no new ones – we’ll see what happens in the last month
Sleep: Same old, same old. Did have one night this last week that I didn’t wake up but that may have to do with the fact that I went to bed too late. I was still tired the next day!
Best moment of this last week: Getting the carpet installed in the office and getting the carpet patched in the family room – no more rug to cover up the destruction and nails!
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls
Movement: Definitely feeling Sydney a bit more than before. So far she leaves me alone when I go to bed, unlike her sister!
Food cravings: Sushi
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: half-way out with the top almost all the way out
Wedding rings on or off: engagement ring
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy (most of the time) Did have a moment last week where I just lost it and actually cried over spilt milk – that I spilt!
Looking forward to in the next week: The Lambda Chi Alpha reunion in Chico this weekend with Cameron and all his fraternity brothers and many of their wives. Should be a great time.

~ Sarah

Baby Bump Wednesdays: 20 Weeks!

We're half way there (actually less since we will deliver a week early) and yesterday we had the super, duper ultrasound where vital organs and bones are checked. I was told we had a beautiful baby growing, measuring for a November 4 due date. Since that is still very close to the October 30 due date, we will likely still be delivering around October 24. London did the same thing - she measured later than originally thought but also caught up over time.

And...we found out we are expecting another little princess! London is going to have a little sis to love and torture. And Cameron will forever be surrounded by beautiful women. We will be naming her Sydney Lee. Yes, we have a theme to naming our children but they are also family names - London was my maiden, now middle name and Sidney was my grandfather's name. We just changed the spelling to reflect the gender. Lee is Vicki's middle name, so each girl will carry one of her grandmother's middle name too.

Ok, now for the fun stuff:

How far along: 20 weeks

What Fruit or Vegetable size is Baby: Banana
Average Size: 6.5 inches, 10.5 oz.
What’s going on with Baby’s development: Baby is practicing swallowing and taste buds are now working.
Total weight gain: 13 lbs.
Maternity clothes: Yep
Stretch marks: Loving the Bio Oil - I think it is helping reduce my old stretch marks!
Sleep: Same old, same old. I did wake up with my first leg cramp/charlie horse when we were in Monterey. It took 2 days before my calf wasn’t sore from it. I blame my lack of drinking water on Saturday. I totally forgot about these cramps and am now drinking even more water to prevent them! That and Cameron woke me up last night when he found me lying on my back. I might need a second body pillow - one on either side so I can't roll onto my back.
Best moment of this last week: Spending time with London and Cameron in Monterey and going to the Aquarium. Loved the cool weather.
Miss anything: Wine, Corona, running, spicy tuna rolls
Movement: Still nothing more than some moments of quick pressure here and there.
Food cravings: Thanks to Monterey I went through just under a pound of Salt Water Taffy in 3 days, but not aching for anything today.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Have you started to show yet: Uh, yeah!
Gender: Girl!
Labor signs: Nope.
Belly button in or out: half-way out with the top starting the poke out more.
Wedding rings on or off: engagement ring
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy
Looking forward to in the next week: Finishing up the office and having the carpet installed! Then I can get to dusting – the entire remodel process has been pretty filthy throughout the whole time.

~ Sarah