30 weeks

30 weeks means only 10 weeks left! Actually we only have 9 or less since Dr Sammons said she would induce us on June 30th if I don’t go before then. On one hand I’m so incredibly excited for J and K and on the other I’m sad that my time is coming to an end with my belly buddy. 🥰 The end of pregnancy is my absolute favorite. I love all the big movements and all the excitement that comes with contractions and labor.

Yesterday at work I was super busy and when I got home I noticed I definitely had some mild swelling in my ankles! This hasn’t happened since I was pregnant with Ellie. I am glad I have only had one pregnancy that swelling was an issue because I can honestly say it sucks. I hate fat sore feet. Thankfully by this morning my feet were just fine.

We had a Dr appointment today and it was an easy quick appointment. We checked on baby and he looks good. He was actually head down today too! Now who knows how long it will last but I really hope this little guy will be extra nice to us all and just stay head down so we have less to worry about. He is definitely quite the mover in there though and I love it. I got some good kicks on video the other day to send to his mom and dad.

I’ve definitely started getting more sleepy again and my major craving is still ice 🧊. I love long naps and lots of trips to the bathroom all day and night. The kids are getting super excited for baby to come too. Kailynn is excited to see him and I’m pretty sure Everett is just excited because he knows we are going back to Disney after baby comes. 😂 I’m pretty excited to go back to Disney too.

It’s so crazy how fast all this goes. I feel like I was just suffering with all the shots and extra hormones. Now looking at how big this guy is getting and knowing soon he will make his grand introduction into this world. I’m excited to see exactly what he looks like. All those little features we see on ultrasound in real life. I just know Mr Leaf is going to be a great big brother. Like most siblings I’m sure he has no idea what’s really in store for him though. 😂 I remember Kailynn was so confused that this new baby was just going to be staying with us every day! That all changes quickly though and then they have a built in best friend.

I’ll post what baby LB is up too now and some new pictures.

Baby LB 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 LB doesn’t appear to be moving from the breech position, you can ask them about exercises to encourage Baby LB 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 LB’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 LB 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 LB.

And as you approach delivery day, it’s increasingly important to start planning for some of the important, practical things in Baby LB’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 LB 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 LB even before your little one is born. Let them talk to Baby LB, 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.

Swollen ankles ewww
Kailynn took these photos and she wanted me to be a model she said. 🤪
Awe baby kicks

Holy third trimester!

Wow 😳 I can’t believe we are already here. 28 weeks prego. The third trimester is by far my favorite! Not only do I obviously look pregnant now but baby boy is moving ALOT! Then there is all the excitement of knowing labor is on its way. We now have appointments every two weeks plus the growth scans! This week has been so busy and fun. Work has been crazy because I have to get everybody summer ready before I step out for a bit. Then J and K came into town for our growth scan this week. It was sadly a very fast visit but any time we get together is honestly always fun. I also has my sugar glucose test on Thursday. 😬 We got the results back today and all is good! Woohoo 🎉

Both ultrasounds were great. Baby LB is growing just fine still. My fluid levels are also great. This two vessel cord doesn’t seem to bother this boy one bit. We got some great pictures of him in the ultrasounds. The tech was so kind and even did some 3Ds since mom and dad were here to see. I can only imagine how good these things are going to be in 10 year from now! It was like he was already out and we were looking at him. He’s just perfect in there. I believe they said he was like 2 1/2 or almost 3 pounds! Grow baby grow.

I believe the kids were most excited J and K were coming. They love seeing them. It’s because J and K play with them and well I don’t. 😆 We ate so much food and even got to do some shopping. 🛍 I always like taking people to St Charles Main Street. It’s such a fun area. I’m definitely tired now and am excited to go to bed early tonight. So I know the third trimester is hitting. I still haven’t gained any weight but I’m trying to stay active between walks since it’s nice out and being busy at work I’m doing good. Definitely still craving ice! Fruit is still good but not like it was before. 😆

It’s crazy to think next time I see them I will be getting ready to have their baby. 11 weeks to go or less just seems crazy. It’s going to go so fast and I know it. Oh I should mention at our first appointment baby LB was breech. One hour later at the next ultrasound he was transverse! So he really is a mover in there. We also got to see him practice breathing. I’m so glad they were both able to feel him kicking around in there a little bit. I know how real it makes everything for me so I’m glad they got to feel as well.

I know I say all the time how blessed I am to help but I don’t think I can say it enough. I hear people tell me all the time how great I am and how lucky these couples are to have found me etc. etc. please know I truly am the lucky one! These families have forever changed me and my families lives for the better! I’m not an emotional girl but I could cry knowing that because I took a leap and wanted to help others that I have met such wonderful caring people! I truly can not imagine not knowing all these families. Surrogacy can be such a wonderful life changing experience for everyone involved. I’m so happy God has allowed me this opportunity to help others.

Now let’s get to the fun stuff baby is up to and LOTS of pictures from our visit. ♥️♥️♥️

Baby LB’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 LB toward being able to thrive outside the womb. In the meantime, Baby LB 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!

So perfect
Had to get our picture by the expectant mothers sign. 😍
Baby kicks!