32 weeks and growing!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.