32 weeks and growing!

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Well we have made it to 32 weeks now. I would be lying if

I said the last couple weeks have been easy. We have just had so much going on in our personal lives as well as the pregnancy. I am doing my best to stay as stress free as possible. It’s just crazy to me that everything can just seem to happen at once. Our grandma has been Ill and we are trying to get her moved to a nice place where she can be safe and closer to us. Plus I had literally 5 drs appointments last week plus work! Then on top of that Ricky texted me that our car just stopped working on the highway!!! Thankfully he was able to not crash and get it to the shoulder. We had it towed to the house and we’re hoping it was an easy fix. Nope of course it wouldn’t be… Apparently the whole motor just locked up and quit working! We almost had it paid off and I was really really excited to not have any car payments for a bit.

Maybe some good news though Kia is trying to get the motor covered under warranty because our year had recalls for bad motor issues. It’s extra stress though just waiting to hear if they will cover it or not! Plus only having one car is not ideal. So everyone pray and cross your fingers and toes that it can be covered. That would be such a relief at this point. Other good news is my Bistro MD meals came. They are a meal delivery service and you can get meals for diabetics! Honestly they are actually really good. It’s super simple and convenient and that’s what I like about it! I don’t have to worry or stress about if it’s good or not. So far all of my blood sugar tests have been great too! That’s such a relief for me.

The drs seem to think I will be just fine controlling everything with diet. Since I only had a few high numbers anyway. Baby girl is moving great and I am really trying my best to stop focusing on all the crazy and negative things going on in my life and enjoy these last few weeks of my last pregnancy. 😭

I really want to soak up every little kick and wiggle all the hiccups and rolls. She’s been a great little last belly buddy and I want to treasure this last little bit of time we have together. I know her whole family can’t wait to have her and she’s going to be so spoiled and loved. I just need to focus on enjoying these last few weeks and that’s it. 7 weeks or less now! It’s just going so fast. These are for sure my favorite weeks. Preparing for all the early labor signs and symptoms. Over analyzing each contraction thinking are these the ones? Hoping and praying my water breaks this time. Hoping she gets in that head down position! Wondering how long labor will take. Then that incredible high you get after birth and seeing so much Joy and happiness on someone else’s face. Knowing you had a part in that. Nothing can compare to that happiness and joy that fills a hospital room after birth. My heart always feels like it could just burst!

So these last few weeks my focus will be on this sweet baby girl and keeping her as healthy and happy as I can. Enjoying each and every movement and even pain knowing this is it. It’s all worth it! Now let’s see what baby Girl is up too this week.

How’s Baby Mac?

As Baby Mac keeps getting closer and closer to being born, they now measure in at 17-18 inches, are the size of a pomelo, and weigh about 4.3 pounds. Your little one’s head also has a coating of fuzz, and their skin is continuing to fill out. Baby Mac is still a little ways away from their first mani-pedi, but they already do have a full set of fingernails and toenails! In fact, one of your baby’s favorite activities right now is sucking their fingers, which is not only cute, but actually improves their coordination and familiarizes them with their body. 

And Baby Mac is really practicing for the big stage, breathing and “swimming” like crazy. Your baby is also probably already in the head down position with their head moving closer to your pelvis as they prepare for delivery.

What’s new with you?

This late in your pregnancy, you know your own unique symptoms pretty well. Symptoms are different for every pregnant person, but one of the most common symptoms of the third trimester is the increased need to pee. Hemorrhoids, flatulence, and constipation might continue as well. And you’ve probably reached a peak in the increased blood flow that’s, by now, been contributing to any number of symptoms. That extra 50% of blood does have a purpose though — currently it’s helping to keep Baby Mac snug and safe, and it’s also going to help make up for the blood you lose in delivery. 

It’s also time to start thinking more about your hopes and plans for labor and delivery, including thinking about if you may want to use any pain management. Talk to your provider about your options and what makes most sense for you. Epidural anesthesia is among the most common pain management options, though many opt for other medications, or elect to have medication-free births. It is also possible to labor without  analgesics (pain meds) but need other medications like pitocin and/or antibiotics. Ask your provider about the pain management options available to you and any other questions you have about labor and delivery. It does help to go into labor with an understanding of your options, but keep in mind that you can always ask more questions even when in labor if you change your mind then. Everyone’s desires and needs are different, and your provider and care team will help you do what’s best for you. 

It’s also important to prepare for life after delivery — you want to be as prepared as you can be for Baby Mac’s arrival, since you’ll be busy with your little one before you know it. If you’ve finished with some of your baby prep basics — Crib? Check! Diapers? Check! — and want another project to keep you busy as you count down the days to your little one’s arrival, it’s never too early to start with some baby-proofing. Putting up baby gates, getting some cabinet locks and door knob covers, and mounting furniture (like dressers, changing tables, or bookcases that can tip over) to the wall so it’s not a fall hazard are all items that can be added to your baby-proofing to-do list, whether now or later. Certainly, Baby Mac is several months away from trying to climb dressers or explore under the kitchen sink, but if you have some extra time to do some of this prep now, you’ll be glad to have dealt with any potential safety hazards long before your little one is particularly mobile.

My stretch marks are really coming out now!
My amazing friend and client got me a survival bag! 😂 Ps the jolly ranchers are delicious

31 weeks and diabetes update.

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Well I have been tracking my numbers all week like they said and I sent them in this morning. I didn’t hear anything back so I waited for my appointment today when I got there. They hooked me up for my non stress test and I waited. They finally came in to tell me what I was dreading hearing. They said I have gestational diabetes. I honestly was a little surprised because I only had 2 elevated numbers. All my other numbers were well with in range. She basically said any spikes indicated I had it. I’m sad and angry if I am being honest. It’s a lot to take in. She was very kind explaining that I should have no problem controlling it with my diet so I wouldn’t need insulin or anything. I just didn’t want to worry about this. So now next week I have to have a two hour zoom meeting with a nutrition specialist on Tuesday and Wednesday at 8am I have another ultrasound and non stress test and then Thursday I am meeting with the doctor again to go over the diabetes stuff again right after that we have a 4d ultrasound in wentzville. I’m wondering how to not be stressed for these non stress tests with so many appointments in one week! 😂 I know everything is going to be fine and I know I will do whatever I need to so that I can keep her safe until she is ready to go home with her mom and dad but it just sucks and that’s how I feel right now. It’s a lot to try to understand with good carbs and bad carbs. All the blood checks and monitoring of numbers.

I want to try to look at the positives and maybe this will help me be extra healthy and I can get really skinny and hott after this last pregnancy! 😆 (wishful thinking) But this will be good things to learn and use in life. She’s doing great in there and wiggling and just being adorable. She already has the cutest pouty face you have ever seen. She’s basically going to get whatever she wants. She’s been getting the hiccups a lot and the ultrasound tech said that’s actually a great thing because she’s working her diaphragm muscles.

Karen and Roger took the news better then me. I can’t help but to feel like they could have picked a younger better surrogate then me but they said they are still happy with their choice. I know it’s really nothing I did and it’s the placenta that causes GD. The Dr made sure to tell me that. Tonight I’m going to my best friend’s wedding and it’s going to be a great night and I’m excited to celebrate her and her new husband! I’ll post all the normal stuff now and I’ll update again next week. Thanks for all the prayers and keep them coming!


Baby Mac is also working on some final preparations prior to delivery, as their senses are now intact, they continue to add on that baby fat, and their immune system is nearly ready to fight and prevent illness all on its own — Baby Mac will just needs some time outside of the womb for it to fully develop.

Your little one’s brain and nerves also continue to develop under what is still a very soft head, which is still quite soft because the bones that make up their skull are not yet fused together. This is so that your baby can pass as easily as possible through the birth canal. These soft spots, or fontanels, won’t close until Baby Mac is about two years old.

Just look at this perfect face! Her hand is on her head because she’s also upset about us having diabetes. 😂

30 weeks with not great news.

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So last Thursday and Friday I had my appointments. One with regular OB and one with the specialist in the hospital since I am old and we have a two vessel cord again. My OB appointment went great on Thursday then on Friday I went for the specialist and they did the scans and then said they wanted the Dr to talk with me. That’s never a good sign. So I texted Karen and told her this should be something she was on the call for too. It sounded important. They said I had extra fluid and baby was measuring bigger then she should be. 4.2 pounds. The Dr told us it could be that I actually do have gestational diabetes and the tests just didn’t pick it up. Or it could be a fluke but they need to know for sure. So I am now doing at home blood sugar levels multiple times a day to check and see where I am at. So far they have all looked pretty good. I did have one high reading after I ate a super big carb heavy meal and the next morning was at the top of the range but within range… The dr said to just eat this week like I normally would and on Friday I will send over all my numbers and they can let me know what they think. I also have to do weekly ultrasounds and non stress tests now until baby is here. That is because of the high fluid levels. They call it polyhydramnios. I really didn’t know you could have too much fluid. I assumed more is better then not enough. Obviously I was wrong. Emotionally I’m doing ok with all this I guess. It’s hard to not worry and feel like I am not providing the best home for her. I did talk to another surrogate who also had this issue and she said she felt fine until the end and that’s when she could really feel the extra fluid. She said she was pretty uncomfortable and did end up on a little bit of bed rest at the end. I am hoping I don’t need any bed rest but whatever this little girl needs we will do. I am hopeful that even if I do get diagnosed with gestational diabetes that I will be able to control it with my diet. All I want is a happy and healthy baby. I knew the risks go up each and every pregnancy for things like this to happen plus with my age. It’s obviously not what I wanted or expected but we will deal with whatever comes our way.


Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)

Polyhydramnios is where there is too much amniotic fluid around the baby during pregnancy. Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds your baby in the womb.

Too much amniotic fluid is normally spotted during a check-up in the later stages of pregnancy.

It is not usually a sign of anything serious, but you’ll probably have some extra check-ups. You’ll usually be advised to give birth in hospital.

Will I have a healthy pregnancy and baby?

Most women with polyhydramnios will not have any significant problems during their pregnancy and will have a healthy baby.

But there is a slightly increased risk of pregnancy and birth complications, such as:

  • giving birth prematurely (before 37 weeks)
  • your waters breaking early
  • a problem with the position of the umbilical cord (prolapsed umbilical cord)
  • heavy bleeding after your baby is born because your womb has stretched
  • your baby having a health condition

You’ll need extra check-ups to look for these problems. You’ll usually be advised to give birth in hospital.

Symptoms of polyhydramnios

Polyhydramnios tends to develop gradually and there may not be noticeable symptoms.

Some women have symptoms like:

These can be common problems for pregnant women and are not necessarily caused by polyhydramnios. Talk to your midwife if you have these symptoms and you’re worried.

In rare cases, fluid can build up around the baby quickly. Contact your midwife or doctor if your tummy gets bigger suddenly.

Let’s see the fun stuff now on what baby Mac is up to these days. All 4.2 pounds of her! ❤️

How’s Baby Mac?

Baby Mac is growing like crazy, now 16-17 inches, the size of a cantaloupe, and probably weighing somewhere near three and a half pounds. At this point, most babies will start to move from the breech position (head up) to the birth position (head down) where their heads are delivered first. If your healthcare provider says Baby Mac doesn’t appear to be moving from the breech position, you can ask them about exercises to encourage Baby Mac into a head down birth position. In all likelihood, though, your little one is already rotating towards that birth position as you both move closer to that special day! 

How else is your little one developing this week? Baby Mac’s lanugo, the furry coat that’s been keeping them warm in the womb, will begin to fall off this week as they put on enough fat to keep them warm without it. Your little one is going to start putting on up to a half pound each week until they’re born — they’ll be far less little in just a few weeks! 

Your baby’s eyes are also still developing. And while they can open their eyes, right now their vision is extremely poor. It will continue to improve while Baby Mac is in the womb, and soon this development will speed up. They might reach the point of being able to track objects moving horizontally and vertically in just a few short weeks, and by week 34, they’ll probably have vision that’s just as strong as it will be at birth.

What’s new with you?

Around now, you might notice a return of the mood swings you may have thought you left behind in the first trimester. You also might have paradoxical symptoms, like increased tiredness right alongside difficulty sleeping. These issues are common, and the important thing is that you’re three-quarters of the way done with all of these frustrations, and three-quarters of the way to meeting Baby Mac.

And as you approach delivery day, it’s increasingly important to start planning for some of the important, practical things in Baby Mac’s life, like their nursery or sleep space. The transition from the womb to the world is a pretty drastic one, and you want Baby Mac to be in a comfortable and nurturing environment so that they can be as happy and healthy as possible. So it’s also a good time to start thinking about things like where you’re going to get baby supplies, like diapers (you’ll need diapers!), and set up a crib or bassinet if you haven’t already. 

If you have a partner, it’s great to include them in all of this prep. It can make for a nice bonding experience for you both and help them prepare for the big change happening in both of your lives — and get used to the idea that they’re going to be changing a LOT of those diapers! This is also a great time for them to spend some quality time with your growing bump, which can be a sweet way for them to nurture their bond with Baby Mac even before your little one is born. Let them talk to Baby Mac, touch your bump, and try to feel some of your growing baby’s movements so they can appreciate just how huge, and how wonderful, this change in your lives is going to be.

28 weeks and 3 days.

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This weekend was quite a busy one! I felt like I squeezed a whole 10 days into 3. I went to Chicago for Karen’s baby shower. I got in Thursday afternoon and just got back this morning at 11:30. I stayed with Molly, Jon and the girls. It was so much fun. I was able to meet more of Karen’s family and friends and get to know the ones I have met even better! It was such a wonderful time. Of course everyone was excited to see how big my belly has gotten. I stayed up too late each night and I don’t even regret it. 😂 As usual I didn’t take enough pictures. We ate at yummy restaurants and walked around cute stores and Michigan Avenue. Karen bought some super cute baby clothes! It’s exciting to see how excited everyone is getting for baby to come.

The baby shower was the most beautiful shower I have ever been too. The girls all worked so hard to make it so special for Karen. They had it catered and I tried almost everything! My favorites were the mini mahi-mahi fish tacos, chili lime chicken bites and the crab cakes!!! I think I ate 14 mini crab cakes. 😂 Plus there was so much more. All of Karen’s friends and family were there. It was so nice to see so many people come to celebrate her and her new baby girl. She has way more friends then me that’s for sure. I had brought the cute dress Kailynn helped me pick out and my new dress shoes I hunted down for like 5 days. Then my feet and legs have decided it’s time to start swelling! Of course that’s my luck. Thank God I brought an extra couple of dresses just in case we did other nice things. I basically had one pair of boots and tennis shoes that would fit and didn’t look terrible on me. Everyone looked so gorgeous at the party it was fancy and right up my alley. I love getting the opportunity to dress up and spend time with girls.

A couple speech’s were made and I couldn’t help but cry. It was really beautiful to witness all the love that surrounds Karen and this baby. She was gifted a gorgeous necklace from everyone and I also gave her my gift. I guess I can finally share what it was now. I had a local artist hand paint the picture I took of the embryo the day they put her in me. So it’s her first ever photograph I suppose. I’ll post the few pictures we did get so you all can see. I was happy to get home and nap. I’ll be sleeping with my feet up I guess from now on to combat this swelling. Less then 12 weeks until little miss is here. I’m so excited to see when she will pick for her big birthday. Hopefully not too soon though we need her to be nice and cozy for a bit longer. I have had a few braxton hicks that have started. Nothing hurts I can just feel my belly getting tighter.

Also funny story Molly shared with me. Sweet Grace had learned where babies come out of and she told her mom that she just wants me to have her babies too so that she won’t have to do it. ❤️ Seriously how precious is she. Kailynn has also asked me to just have her babies. These kids don’t understand how old I’m going to be! 😂 I love that we have been able to make this so normal for them that they think everyone can have babies for everyone else. We need more of this for the world we are living in. ❤️❤️❤️

Let’s see what baby Mac is up to.

How’s Baby Mac?

Baby Mac is about 14.8-16 inches tall, the size of a coconut, and weighs about 2.5 lbs, getting closer and closer to the size they’ll be at birth!

Baby Mac’s wrinkles are starting to disappear as they build more fat, which will help them regulate their body temperature after birth. Temperature regulation, like the surfactant your little one is producing to prevent lungs from collapsing, is a big step for Baby Mac toward being able to thrive outside the womb. In the meantime, Baby Mac is continuing to rehearse for life by dreaming (moving in and out of REM sleep in cycles, just like you!), coughing, and practicing breathing. What a talented baby you’ve got there!

This is a great time to think about if you want to plan on breastfeeding (if you haven’t already). Many folks find that a little education goes a long way in helping them feel as prepared as possible for such a new undertaking, so you may want to seek out and sign up for a breastfeeding class to learn about all of the ins and outs of nursing. You should also speak with your healthcare provider about your choice, ask them any questions you have, and see if they can recommend any breastfeeding classes in your area. In addition, your provider can check to see if you have flat or inverted nipples and discuss any other physical conditions which could make it harder for Baby Mac to breastfeed. And to round out all of your breastfeeding preparedness, this is also a good time to figure out what kind of breast pump, if any, you’re going to use.

What’s new with you?

Now that you’ve moved into the third trimester of your pregnancy, you might find that the reality of Baby Mac’s arrival is really setting in and your appointments with your provider may increase to every other week.

Have you picked out your baby’s name yet? If you’re not sticking with Baby Mac, now might be a good time to start, or to start narrowing down your list of names if you’ve got a few strong candidates. Many new parents like to keep the name they choose private until their babies are born, just so that they don’t have to deal with any well-meaning attempts to change their minds, but if you do want a little outside input, now can be a nice time to share with family and friends. Whether you choose to go the unique or traditional route, picking out a name for Baby Mac is a great way to bond with your little one while they’re still in the womb.

If your recent GCT test raised any red flags, your healthcare provider will have you take a glucose tolerance test (GTT) around now, which will confirm or rule out the possibility of gestational diabetes. Your healthcare provider may also give you a Rhogam shot if your blood came back Rh-negative. And your Braxton-Hicks contractions will continue, as might shortness of breath and difficulty sleeping. If your shortness of breath is acute, reach out to a healthcare provider right away. Of course, pregnancy sensations differ from person to person, so you may still be feeling sluggish when some women’s libidos are cranking. It’s all perfectly normal. Every pregnancy, every baby, and every parent are different from one another. As always, ask your provider if you’re wondering what sort of sensations are normal, if you need tips for or help with relieving any discomfort you’re dealing with, or if you have any questions at all.

This is the embryo portrait
The Girls made this cute sign in the playroom
Sweet little embryo picked from above ❤️
Karen me and Molly!
How cute is Karen!
This arrangement was so beautiful 😍
So many gorgeous flowers
Can she come home with me???
Now this is a hostess with the mostest! 😂
What a gorgeous cake

My glucose test results are back.

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This was faster then I thought. I guess I just assumed I wouldn’t see anything until Monday. We’ll surprise surprise it came back today. I was a bit scared to open it at work. I prayed and just hurried and hit open. Thankfully quest color codes it all and basically tells you what it should be. Otherwise I would have no idea what I was looking at. I know green means good and red is bad. I prayed to see all green. Thank God when it popped up it was ALL green!!!! My heart was so very happy. I was a bit stressed worrying that I may have to be super careful and thinking of all the issues it could mean for me and baby. I want her to have the best/safest home inside of me! I’m so happy I can still eat my bread and sugar 😂. Thank you all for the support and prayers! Now let’s finish this pregnancy with a smooth easy delivery and recovery. I’m getting so excited to meet this little lady she’s going to be the best I know it. 😍

Ps in case anyone wanted to see what taking a bath is like for me these days. 😂 Its a lot of cold belly.

Happy 27 weeks.

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Well I failed my 1 hour test by 4 points! 4 stinking points. 😞 So here I am today doing my 3 hour test. This actually happened to me one other time with baby Grace. I’m so glad I have blogged and have records of all this! I went back and looked and I was 7 points over on hers. My 3 hour test was then fine with hers so I’m really hoping and praying I get the same outcome this time. I was at 139 this time and I guess the cut off is 135. I know this is my last pregnancy and I just really really don’t want any extra issues. Either way I know I will be fine and I will do whatever I need to keep her as safe as I can but if you know me in real life you know how much I love bread and sweets! Plus knowing I would be more susceptible to getting it later in life is not what I want to hear or happen.

Other then this everything has been going good I think. I’m starting to feel a few Braxton hicks contractions. Nothing bad just if I move to fast or something. My hips are still hurting that sucks but it’s fine. Also stretching ligaments are still a thing sometimes. I’m sure that’s why my hips hurt my growing belly. Baby Mac is really enjoying kicking and playing these days and I’m also really enjoying it. I haven’t been sleeping well but she keeps me company and kicks and plays a lot at night. She’s so cute in there kicking and playing. I can’t help but wonder what her little brain is thinking about in there. Probably I wish this crazy lady would let me sleep and stop talking and poking me! Lol I just can’t help but to soak in all these little joyful moments I get.

I’m excited next week is Karen’s baby shower!!! I hope she gets to feel so loved and special for her day. In less then 12 weeks she’s going to finally get to hold and take this baby home. The end of pregnancy is just so exciting and so much fun. I’m so excited for us to experience all of it. At 32 weeks they said they will do a 3D ultrasound so I think Karen is going to try to come to that one too. Hopefully baby will give us some good angles to see her sweet little face. I also hopefully she gets head down and stays that way! I need her to know where the exit is. 😂

Let’s see what baby girl is up to this week.

How’s Baby Mac?

Baby Mac is measuring in at about 14.2-15 inches, about the size of a bunch of bananas, and weighs just over two pounds. And your little one is now opening and closing their eyes with ease! Baby Mac’s brain continues to develop at a rapid pace, preparing to control their body and movements once they’re born. Their brain can even control their lungs and regulate her body temperature! And because Baby Mac can hear you now, if you haven’t done so already, try talking or singing to your baby! It never hurts to familiarize them with your voice — they’re already your biggest fan.

What’s new with you?

We know that most pregnant folks can engage in exercise and movement right up until they give birth, but staying active when carrying around all that extra weight — and some of the side effects that can come with it, like aches, pain, and increasing immobility — can become increasingly difficult. There are enough safe options though that you should be able to find something that feels good for you. Swimming, or other aquatic exercise, can be a good way to stay active while also momentarily taking some of the pressure off of your body. Yoga can help with things including back and hip pain. And aerobic exercises and light weight lifting can help boost both your mood and your strength for the major workout of labor and delivery. Pregnancy-specific exercise classes can also be a great way to connect with other soon-to-be-parents! To keep things simple, try to stay as active as you can with activities you enjoy without overextending yourself.

It’s also time to get started on some of the more practical details of getting your home and life ready for Baby Mac, like getting a crib, car seat, and other baby-related necessities. Getting Baby Mac’s nursery or sleep space set up or figuring out how to install a car seat can be a great way to get your loved ones more directly involved in preparing for Baby Mac’s arrival. And keep in mind that sometimes this preparation can be hard or frustrating (think confusing crib instructions or a car seat not fitting the way that it should), so leave yourself plenty of time and to be patient with yourselves and anyone you’re doing this prep with (whether a partner, parent, or best friend), especially if you’ve never done this before. Nobody is born knowing how to be a parent, or how to build a crib — there’s always a learning curve!  In terms of other practical prep work, this may also be the time you may want to look into adjusting any insurance policies as you see fit in order to best protect your family.

Your skin, hair, and nails could be getting brittle at this point. Stronger, thicker hair and nails are the pregnancy symptoms that get the most press, mostly because they’re more fun, but between all the hormones in your body and the extra demand for nutrients that your growing baby needs, plenty of folks experience the opposite. This is totally normal, and it doesn’t last forever. If you experience any major changes to your hair and nails, they should return to just about where they started a few months after you give birth. In the meantime, you can combat some of these less than stellar changes to your nails by keeping your hands well-moisturized and wearing gloves when you’re doing dishes.

There’s also a chance you might develop symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), or pelvic girdle pain, a disorder caused by the pregnancy hormone relaxin that makes your pelvic joint particularly unstable. SPD won’t hurt Baby Mac, but it could definitely make your life more uncomfortable. There are treatments available, so if you start to experience pain around your pubic bone, lower back, or perineum, check in with your healthcare provider so they can determine if it’s SPD and discuss possible treatments.

Lol 😂 I couldn’t help but to post this one!
🤢
This girl was really getting crazy.
Blood draw 1
Blood draw 2
Blood draw 3
Blood draw 4!!! 🍾
My friend at bed time. 😂
Thank God they had this couch I got as comfortable as I could! 🤣

26 weeks

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Happy 26 weeks today! Today was our OB appointment and growth scan. I got to do the sugar test today also. I’ve never really hated taking the test. I personally don’t think the drink is really that bad at all. I always get the orange and kind of like it. 😆 It’s like a really sugary super flat orange soda. The hiccup today was once I got there they learned they were not going to have a person to take my blood! So I either needed to reschedule or drink it there and have my appointment then rush to the wentzville location so they could take my blood. Usually not a big deal but I also had to rush back for our growth scan too! I decided I was just going to make it work because I didn’t want to reschedule since I had already been fasting. Good news all went well and I made great time. Now I just wait on the results. They said under 130 is a good number so I’m hoping I come in under.

The growth scan went well and didn’t take too long. It’s always good to see this little girl. Today she was breach I wasn’t super surprised because she has been moving alot! I love it too. Even when she keeps me up at night I know this is it and I better enjoy all her kicks and wiggles. I’ll go back in four weeks and then I think we will start every two weeks!!! That’s when I know we are getting close.

I got another dress today for the baby shower that I think I’ll like better. Kailynn says it’s super stylish and chic. I’m currently in the bath with my bubbles and epsom salts. I do think it helps my hips feel better. Our house is almost done! The popcorn ceilings are gone and they are finishing up the touch ups and painting. I really do like it. I was wondering if I would really feel like it made a difference but it really did. It all feels so bright and fresh. They said they really hope to be done by tomorrow and now I’m praying they are done then too. I’m ready to have my house back and to get all this dusty mess out of here.

Now let’s see what baby is up to this week.

How’s Baby Mac?

Baby Mac is almost fourteen inches tall (31.5 cm), and weighs about 2 pounds (913 g), the size of an adorable butternut squash!

Most of Baby Mac’s bodily systems and functions are now intact, and most of the rest of their development revolves around putting on height and weight. And while this may sound like a broken record, Baby Mac is still spending lots of time building fat that will help them regulate their body temperature.

Baby Mac’s eyes, which have been sealed for months, are finally starting to open, so they’ll be more responsive to light now. Baby Mac’s vision is yet another reason to make sure you’re gaining weight at a steady rate, as low birth weight has been linked with infant vision problems.

Your little one is also preparing their immune system for birth by borrowing some of your antibodies. One theory about the development of Baby Mac’s immune system is that because of this ‘share and share alike’ attitude, their immune system after birth will be well-suited to the environment that you’ve adapted to. This means that Baby Mac could be well adapted to live happily in your home!

What’s new with you?

As you move ever closer to your due date, you’ll gain more weight in the coming weeks before you give birth. You may also notice your breasts start to leak. And many folks experience restless leg syndrome (RLS) during the third trimester. If this affects you, you can try cutting down on caffeine, using compression stockings, or taking iron supplements (though be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about adding any supplements to your diet). You may also start to experience more difficulty sleeping as a result of hormones and the large physical newness that your growing womb now presents.

Braxton Hicks contractions are also going to continue as you move closer to your delivery day. They can be frustrating, but it’s important practice as your body gears up for delivery. As your delivery day grows closer, Braxton Hicks contractions may begin to mimic true labor more. However, this ‘false labor’ doesn’t progress and change your cervix the way true labor does. Braxton Hicks often includes irregular contractions, and can change or end if you shift your position or drink water. If you aren’t sure whether the contractions you’re feeling are the real thing, it’s better to be safe than sorry — give your healthcare provider a call and ask about it. Getting taken in by false labor is nothing to be embarrassed about, it just means you’re taking good care of yourself and Baby Mac!

Isn’t this little thing adorable
I sure am going to miss these little perks!
26 weeks 14 and likely less to go!

25 weeks and 4 days!

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We are still moving right along with not much big news. I like it that way! I can definitely tell I’m hitting the 3rd trimester my back and hips are hurting a bit more and I feel like my belly is getting pretty big now. 😆 Everyone says I’m tiny but I feel large and in charge! Taking a bath definitely helps with the uncomfortableness in my back and hips. I just wish they made bathtubs for regular size people. If I’m in there either my boobs and belly stick out or I’m trying to roll side to side to stay warm. I need a deep bath I can actually lay in. Plus I know I’m short and my legs barely fit I can’t imagine all the regular or tall people out there trying to get in. 😂

Home life has been good but busy. Bo got his staples out from his emergency surgery so that’s a huge relief. In the mean time our ceilings have been needed to be repaired. The popcorn ceiling was not repaired correctly and we just decided it would be better to have them ALL removed. Oh my is my house a mess. Dust and yuck everywhere. Not to mention these guys come to work on it at 7am! We all know I need my beauty rest. I’m hoping they will be all done by the end of this week. I’m sure it will be worth it once it’s done.

So much white dust!

In the meantime I’m soaking up all the baby wiggles and kicks I can get from this precious little girl. She’s so much fun and I’m loving every second of our time together! I know realistically we don’t have much more time and that makes me a little sad but so very happy for her mommy and daddy. I know they can’t wait to get their hands on her. She’s been so wanted and so loved for so long. She sure is going to be a lucky little girl with all the love and attention she’s about to be getting. I picked out a dress for the baby shower I think I like but I will keep my eyes open for anything else just in case. I’m excited to get away and go spend time with Molly and the family and of course Karen too in a few weeks. I have been feeling a little stir crazy lately with this winter weather. I miss sunshine and warmth. I want to go for walks outside and do fun things with family and friends. Winter is just not for me. I feel lonely and cold! I’ve not been exercising as much as I wish I was because it’s cold out. I need to at least get on the treadmill down stairs or something. Someone needs to get onto me so I will be more active!

This week on Thursday is my sugar test and regular ob appointment and another growth scan! Needless to say it will be a busy day. I have never had any issues with the glucose test except once I failed by a couple points and had to do the 3 hour one but I passed that. I think that was with Grace maybe. I’m crossing all my fingers and toes that this last pregnancy stays the same and everything will go just as smoothly. I feel so lucky that with 6 pregnancy’s everything has always been so smooth and basically easy for me. I just want to continue the last one that way! So everyone pray, send good vibes whatever you like to do. ❤️ All in all things are really going well here.

How’s Baby Mac?

Your little one is now 13-14 inches long, the size of a cabbage, and weighs about 1.7 pounds (785 grams). Baby Mac’s hair is thickening, just like yours. And even if you can’t see it, they probably have a hair color by now, though this can sometimes change after your baby is born. Baby Mac’s nostrils are starting to open and the air sacs in lungs continue to develop, priming them to breathe air in just a couple of short months.

What’s new with you?

As you approach the third trimester, this may be when some more unsavory symptoms of pregnancy begin to manifest, including gas, constipation, and hemorrhoids. 25-35% of pregnant women experience hemorrhoids because of their uterus pressing down on veins in the rectum. Kegels and avoiding constipation through exercise, hydration, and adequate fiber intake may help to prevent them. Gas is common, and may be harder to control than it normally would be, because pregnancy tends to slow down your gastrointestinal tract because of all the extra progesterone in your system and because your larger uterus has now grown to put more pressure on your abdominal cavity. Gas is inevitable for a lot of pregnant folks, but paying attention to your diet could help a bit — you may want to avoid fried foods, carbonated drinks, or any foods that you notice to be a particular trigger for you. You should also take care to hydrate, eat slowly, and chew thoroughly.

Your hormones may be acting up again, which could leave your whole body aching. These aches can be hard to avoid entirely, but there are some ways to limit them. Like a lot of things about pregnancy, when it comes to feeling good, sticking with the basics can really help: like eating a range of nutritious foods that help you feel your best, including fruits and vegetables, exercising or engaging in movement that you enjoy, and getting the rest that you need. It’s also time to start bending with your knees and engaging your core muscles instead of leaning over at your waist when you lean down to pick things up, because even simple motions like this can put a lot of extra strain on your back. And try to relax as much as you can. Maybe take a warm bath, listen to a meditation or favorite album, or ask a partner or loved one to give you a gentle massage — anything you can do to help yourself have a calm and relaxed pregnancy.

So cute!
How is this even possible! Only 14 weeks left 😍

24 weeks

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Happy viability week! Obviously we don’t anticipate baby coming any time soon but it’s at least a good milestone to know that she has made it this far. ❤️ I’ve been feeling great still. Large and in charge! She’s moving more and more and getting much stronger. So strong that now I can see her move from the outside. I got a couple cute videos too. She even woke me up in the middle of the night the other night from kicking me! This last pregnancy is just flying by at this point. She still seems to be head down and I know because I can definitely feel her in my vagina. 😆 She also likes to kick my bladder that’s always a surprise.

I’ve been trying harder at drinking more water. Some days are better then others but I have been doing it. I have added mint and lemon and even cucumbers and that helps me. I will say I’ve been having some crazy acid reflux. It feels terrible and weird. It’s like I’m going to throw up any second but nothing happens. So weird. Also I know I’m lucky I don’t experience this any other time. I know lots of people suffer with this all the time. So I’m really not complaining if this is as bad as things get for me. I know how lucky I am in pregnancy. I’m still eating my ice all the time also. I know I’m annoying to everyone around me and I feel bad about it but I can’t help it. 😆

We had a hard week this week with our dog needing emergency surgery because he ate a freaking sock! 😳 I was so mad at him but also felt bad because they had to cut his whole belly open. He looked so so sad for a couple days. Now he’s doing much better but he’s trying to be too active and he’s not supposed to be. Not easy to keep a puppy calm.

Let’s see what’s going on with baby Mac this week.

How’s Baby Mac?

By the end of this week, Baby Mac is probably about 12.5-13 inches long, the size of an eggplant, and weighs 1.5 lbs!

Baby Mac is starting to develop taste buds, which means that before too long, your little one will be able to taste some of the stronger flavors of the things you eat through the amniotic fluid they still swallow regularly. And according to a 2011 study, this could impact their food preferences later in life, so make sure to eat a range of nutritious, tasty, flavorful foods — it might mean you’ll have an easier time introducing your toddler to new dishes in just a few years.

Baby Mac’s lungs are developing significantly after all of the breathing they’ve been getting, and they’re now making cells that will produce surfactant, a material that will help them breathe and get the oxygen they need once they’re born. Surfactant is a liquid that helps keep the tiny air sacs in the lungs, the alveoli, from sticking together as a baby breathes.

Your growing baby has also gained about a quarter of a pound last week (110 g) in bones, muscle, and fat, so they’re finally beginning to really fill out. And even though Baby Mac’s eyebrows, lashes, and hair are coming in, they still lack pigment and appear white. Your little one’s skin is beginning to glow a bit pinker now, due to the appearance of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. And their ears and fingernails are also fully formed now.

What’s new with you?

Between the linea nigra, stretch marks, and an itchy belly, your skin might be driving you nuts this week. Topical creams meant for stretch marks or dry skin may help reduce the itchiness, check with your provider about the best and safest options for you. Using unscented, mild lotions and soaps can help too, as can avoiding baths and showers that are too hot, which can dry out your skin. Constipation or dry eyes may also prove to be issues for you right now. And sometime in the next couple of weeks, you’ll likely take a glucose challenge test (GCT) to screen for gestational diabetes.

Your ankles and fingers might be swollen as well, due in part to fluid retention, and the pressure of your growing uterus on your veins. For relief, try elevating your feet or icing the swollen areas to help alleviate some of the pain. Headaches and vision changes are also not uncommon at this time. Sometimes these symptoms — swelling, headaches, and vision changes — are not a problem, but they can also be signs of preeclampsia, which can be serious for both you and your baby. So if you experience any of these issues, be sure to tell your healthcare provider right away so they can determine if you’re dealing with normal symptoms or something more serious.

Cute overalls! 😍
I will forever miss my pregnant belly.
😍😍😍
Sweet little baby kicks!!! Don’t mind my stretch marks.

22 weeks is she still a girl???

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Yesterday we had had our big ultrasound! Karen and Rodger came in Wednesday for the festivities. We had a wonderful dinner at Charlie Gittos my favorite St. Louis restaurant. My family dressed nice even the kids! We didn’t even get a picture. Surprise surprise. Sometimes I think not having pictures means we had even more fun because we are so wrapped up in conversation and fun that we don’t think of anything else. So it’s memory pictures we will have to remember. ❤️ Ricky was stopped and asked if he was a famous star from Top chef! 😂 Our waiter was incredible and just swore it was him. We looked the guy up and there was a resemblance! The kids thought that was just great. I really wanted baby Mac to move so Karen could try to feel because the other night Ricky said he could feel it! Apparently baby Mac enjoyed dinner so much that it was straight to bed! I was so excited to get home to sleep I was beyond full and sleepy.

So Thursday morning our appointment was at 9:30 am. I don’t really like early appointments. I feel more rushed but it was fine. Baby Mac was moving and kicking like CRAZY during my ultrasound even the tech could feel it. They went ahead to re check and make sure she was still a girl and she definitely was! That would have been quite a surprise and shock if we had seen something different lol. She was moving so much she put on a great show. She was so precious and perfect. We even saw her sucking her fingers! They said her size was perfect and right on track. She was estimated at one pound and 3 ounces. ❤️❤️❤️

You guys are not going to believe this but it looks like I have a two vessel cord AGAIN this time! How weird is that. Thankfully I know because of last time that it’s nothing to worry about it just means I get more ultrasounds and appointments to go to. I won’t complain about getting to see her cute face more often. I’m honestly wondering if this is more common in ivf or it really can just be a fluke and happed to me two times in a row?

They also said at 36 weeks they want me to do non stress tests. Basically I will go in once a week and be hooked up to monitors and they will just watch her I guess and make sure we are all good to go. It was funny though because she said it was because of ivf pregnancy but as we know my last 5 pregnancy’s were ivf and I have never had these before. 😆 Weird but I’ll be there. After the appointment we left and went to the hospital for a hospital tour. They showed us the birthing room and told us they will do their best to get us rooms close together. I made sure to get a cup of that great ice before I left! All in all we had a great time. It’s so exciting to be getting so close. Today I have a regular appointment with Dr Sammons. Oh I almost forgot to mention baby is also already head down. Well at least so far! She obviously has lots of wiggle room and can be switching it up any time but I hope for my sake she stays like this.

Let’s see what baby Mac is doing this week.

How’s Baby Mac?

Baby Mac is now just under a foot long — about the size of an ear of corn — and weighs just over a pound (478 grams). 

When Baby Mac isn’t sleeping the day away (which at this point is 12-14 hours a day), they’re trying to touch anything they can. Whether it’s their face, body, or umbilical cord, your baby is working on their physical abilities and motor skills by practicing movement and getting a feel for things. Your little one’s inner ear is also developing their sense of balance. While Baby Mac may not be using that sense of balance on any gymnastics equipment yet, the more their ears develop, the better the chance that your baby is hearing you when you talk, and learning your voice, so that when they arrive, they’ll recognize you!

Their eyes are still developing, and right now your little one still lacks pigment in their iris, so doesn’t have an eye color just yet. And his pancreas is already busy creating its own hormones, which helps alleviate all of the hormonal heavy-lifting you’ve been doing. 

What’s new with you?

Your feet and hands may be some of the next places to feel pregnancy’s side effects, as some swelling is not uncommon during these months. You might notice that any rings you wear on your fingers might start to feel tighter, and your feet could grow a whole size bigger. Wearing maternity compression stockings may help improve your circulation and reduce swelling in your feet and legs, in addition to helping with varicose veins if those have been an issue for you. 

And your expanding womb may have turned your “innie” into an “outie” by now. Don’t worry, it’ll go back to normal after you give birth. Your newly out-facing belly button might be a little sensitive, especially as it rubs against your clothes, but that’s generally nothing to worry about. If, on the other hand, it’s causing you pain, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure that you’re not dealing with an umbilical hernia. 

Really, as any strange symptoms or discomforts pop up for you, be sure to ask your provider about it. Even if there’s nothing wrong, it never hurts to know exactly what’s going on in your body, and it can help you feel better knowing that whatever’s going on is normal.

We celebrated Bo’s first birthday yesterday!
We needed a picture by the expectant mothers sign!
Mr. Shawn Brock from top chef. Who they thought Ricky was. 😆