I’m still pregnant Woohooo. This is my last official month of pregnancy. This makes so so excited for J and K. June 30th will be our induction day if he doesn’t come before then. Some days I feel like I could be pregnant for another 3 months and some days I’m worried I won’t make it another few days. 😂 This boy just moves and kicks so much he takes my breath away when he’s getting all crazy in there. Plus since his brother came at 37 weeks that makes me worry too! I want this boy to cook at least 38 weeks. So last week I had a good amount of Braxton Hicks contractions. Only when I was super busy at work and obviously not drinking enough water. So I let Dr Sammons know what was going on and she obviously told me to take more breaks and drink my water. She also said for me to start coming each week and she may check me this week. I’m hoping to not have as many Braxton Hicks this week and then maybe I can skip being checked unless she thinks I really need it. She will also do my group B test. I did start scheduling myself some actual breaks into my busy days as well so hopefully that also helps. I was joking with my clients that they would be the ones to actually put me into labor. 😂 I will be 35 weeks tomorrow and I have my appointment on Thursday so I’ll update everyone then. Hello home stretch. Don’t forget to pray baby LB flips head down and stays that way!
This was from last week. 🥰Sonic slushes are my favorite right now. 😆
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
Today was the 20 week ultrasound at the MFM office at the hospital because now at 36 I’m an old pregnant lady. 😂 It was a long appointment and they looked at everything. We got mostly great news. He looks so perfect in there. He has sweet little lips and loves to move his arms and legs. I loved watching him wiggle around. He started out head down and we all know that makes me happy! But then he went transverse and then to breach! 😆 Obviously it’s still super early and he has lots of wiggle room to flip and turn and play. We could see all 4 chambers of the heart and his brain and spine they even looked at kidneys and eyes! Every square inch of this sweet boy we saw. The nurse practitioner did come in and let us know that it looks like we only have a two vessel umbilical cord. She said they normally have 3. The good news is because everything else seems perfect she said we shouldn’t really be worried. I will have to now have more appointments to watch and monitor his growth. So I will be going back every 4 weeks for a growth scan. The obvious perk is we will get to see his sweet little face more often!!! It will always amaze me how fast they grow and how perfect he looks. The screen makes him look SO big but in reality he was a whopping 12oz! A whole soda can in there. Seeing him wiggle and grow makes me love him even more and I can’t wait to see his sweet little face in 20ish weeks. Leaf was so sweet on the phone and talked about his baby brother coming. It’s so special to help a family have a baby but, it’s also so exciting to help make Leaf a big brother!!! I’m sure like any older sibling he’s going to be shocked that a new baby is there and all his normal attention has to be shared now but I just know he’s going to do great.
We then had my regular OB appointment and we got to talk about birth plan!!! Basically the plan is to have a healthy baby 😆. We will plan to still deliver in lake St. Louis. Apparently they have done a new remodel since we were there last and it’s very nice. The goal is to make it to 39 weeks and induce if needed but generally I go by 39 weeks anyway. So hopefully since his due date is July 7th maybe I’ll be home having some drinks 🍹 on the 4th of July!!!
Thanks to everyone who loves and supports us all and let’s all keep praying that this umbilical cord issue isn’t an issue at all!
Look he’s smiling!!! Pregnancy perks! 😝 Awe baby feet 🦶 Ricky also sent me flowers today and it was a perfect day for them. 🥰
Woohooo today we are 20 weeks! So that means half way, only 20 weeks or less to go! Generally I go around 39 weeks so that would be great. Last time mister Leaf cheated me out of the end of pregnancy and came at 37 weeks. 😆 I LOVE the last 3/4 weeks because it’s filled with so much anticipation and excitement for everyone. I go tomorrow for the big ultrasound at the hospital because I guess at age 36 I’m considered a super old lady! They called it a geriatric pregnancy. It’s also funny because it’s a like 26 year old embryo. Not my old lady egg! So my ultrasound should be about an hour and then I have a regular drs appointment. So tomorrow will be an all day event. I’m already sleepy 💤
I’m feeling great still. I do get a bit more winded after showering and dressing. Especially if I have to blow dry my hair. The kids say my belly is really firm 😂. Baby LB isn’t as active as leaf was. I’m hoping to get some good kicks and moves here soon. I’m still eating lots of fruit and I have started back on my ice cravings. I still haven’t gained weight!!! (I’m super happy about this) Today kailynn did our photo shoot and she actually did a good job. She definitely didn’t complain as much as Ricky does when I ask him to take a picture! All this crazy snow we have had the last couple days has me super nervous walking outside. I feel like I do the 90 year old woman shuffle.😆 Now let’s get to the fun stuff baby LB is up too!
How’s Baby LB?
This week marks a milestone – Baby LB has straightened out enough that we can now measure him from head to toe, as opposed to the old “crown to rump” measurement that we previously took, so don’t worry if it sounds like he has grown more than seems possible when you hear his measurements – we’re just measuring more of him now. Because of this, Baby LB is now about 10 inches tall (25.4 cm), the size of an endive, and he weighs about 10 ½ ounces (298 g). If Baby LB is a girl, she now has seven million primitive eggs in her ovaries, and if Baby LB is a boy, his testicles are descending from his abdomen into the scrotum.
Inside your uterus, Baby LB’s skin is still in the process of being covered in a creamy white substance called vernix caseosa that will cover and protect his skin through until birth. Scientists speculate that this coating might play a part in helping Baby LB adjust to living ‘on land’ instead of in the watery environment inside your uterus.
Your healthcare provider will be able to see the presence or lack of male genitals at your second trimester ultrasound, and if you wish, can tell you Baby LB’s sex by now. He is going to keep gulping down that amniotic fluid – he now consumes multiple ounces a day. Baby LB is also sprouting teeth buds underneath his gums, as well as lips, eyelashes, and eyebrows – the face you’re going to know and love is on its way! Just 20 short weeks until your bun will be fully cooked.
I’m not really sure what this is but it’s kind of cute 😝 I also don’t know what this is…
As of today we are officially 10 weeks and counting. You may all remember me looking forward to this day so I could stop the meds! Well turns out we are just going to start tapering me off the meds starting today. At least it’s a start! I go next week to get my blood levels taken so they can make sure I can decrease more I guess. I’m so ready to just be a normal pregnant person without all the shots and drugs.
Nothing huge has been going on in my world. Just trying to continue being safe due to covid and staying home as much as possible. Working is the riskiest thing I do 😂. I know we all will be so happy when we can get together and all live again. I can’t wait for more traveling and just being with friends and family.
No major symptoms or anything still. I actually feel like I’m getting my energy back so I’m taking less naps and doing more house work! I’m sure that makes Ricky happy 😆. I will just be so happy when I can finally feel baby move! Since I don’t get major symptoms I just feel feel so much better and safe when I can feel the little reminders that baby is safe. I did bust out of a bra at work last week! The hook on the back just said nope I’m not taking this anymore… The good news is the other hook was a fighter and held on for dear life all day. I guess it was time for some new bras anyway.
Oh and baby boy has a new perfect nickname! His mom and dad are calling him baby LB it stands for Leafs Brother! How adorable is that.
How’s Baby LB?
Baby LB is the size of a kumquat, at about 1 ¼ inches long, and is beginning to develop tiny human features, like teeny tiny bit of hair, the buds of baby teeth, and elbows and other joints that bend. If it’s a boy, his testes are just beginning to produce that ever-so-masculine hormone, testosterone. Because Baby B’s heartbeat – which is super rapid at 145-165 bpm, as much as two to three times as fast as yours – can now be detected, statistics say the chances of a miscarriage are greatly reduced. Baby B’s heart isn’t the only thing moving, either – he is starting to move around enough that it might even be visible in an ultrasound scan, which your healthcare provider may perform at your next appointment.
His digestive system is also functional by this point, transporting food matter to bowels in preparation for that first poop! Excited yet?
How’s mom?
Hopefully by now, most of the emotional turbulence is over, and you’re settling into the heart of your pregnancy. From here on out, you are probably going to start gaining weight at a more rapid rate, and you should keep track of your weight gain to make sure it is in the healthy range.
As far as pregnancy symptoms go, you might notice an increase in vaginal discharge, as well as more visible veins, due to the extra blood being carried to Baby B. In fact, total blood volume in the body may increase between 30 and 50% during pregnancy, and is something to watch carefully if you have a history of cardiac problems, as the increase in the blood being pumped through the heart can put it under strain. The vaginal discharge is nothing to worry about, as long as it’s whitish, thin (or clear, later in your pregnancy), and odorless. Discharge that’s tinged with yellow, green, or has a thick or uneven texture could be a sign of infection.
Visible veins are also a natural physical reaction to the hugely increased blood volume, including both varicose veins, which usually show up as bulky blue veins on the legs, and spider veins, which are smaller clusters of visible blood vessels expanding out from a central point on your face, arms, or chest. Varicose veins can be painful, though spider veins generally aren’t. Both spider and varicose veins have a hereditary component.
Well almost I’ll be 8 weeks tomorrow! So today I went in for another ultrasound and I’m always a little nervous before ultrasounds because well it’s early and so many things sadly could go wrong. Plus since I don’t really get many pregnancy symptoms I don’t actually feel much different. I’m always so excited once I can see the baby looks bigger and see the fluttering heartbeat! That will never not amaze me. It’s so incredible and beautiful all at the same time. Just weeks ago they put this tiny ball of cells baby into me and now he has tiny arm and leg buds starting to form! It’s just so hard to believe it can all happen so fast. The love I feel for these little babies is also so amazing to me. You just can’t help it. I have prayed for this little guy before he was ever even in me. I prayed he would thaw out perfectly and that he would be comfortable in my fluffy uterine lining. He’s just a baby miracle and I feel so blessed and lucky to help.
While the ultrasound technician was checking everything I was joking and asked if he was head down yet. 😂 Turns out he is!!! Woohoo 🙌 obviously this boy has plenty of time to wiggle and move about but it was so funny to me since his big brother came out breach! I have literally delivered babies every way possible at this point. I kinda think it’s cool. Oh also his heart rate went up to 163 so that’s great also.
As far as me my headaches are still off and on and Tylenol is working so that’s good. My dreams have went back to normal from what I can tell. My boobs are definitely more tender right now. That really seems to be all that’s going on with me. Oh I do feel like my belly is sticking out more in my lower uterus area! I’m sure it’s because I’ve had 5 previous pregnancies so my uterus is just like here we go again 😆. I also started this time a little heavier then I wanted to with this pregnancy so, I’m sure that helps add to the fluff that’s already there. 🙄
I’m waiting to see what the Dr says about the next steps. I’m assuming he will say I can stop meds at 10 weeks and just be a regular pregnant person!!!!!! You seriously have now idea how happy this will make me. My butt is so ready to not be stabbed anymore. Also I think Ricky will be happy to not have to do it every night. Oh gosh I almost forgot to tell you guys a great story!!! Ricky had his first injury with giving me my shot. He was trying to put the cap back on the needle and stabbed HIMSELF. He’s obviously fine but of course I had to give him crap and tell him that the next day he would feel pregnant from all the hormones that must have been left on the tip of the needle 😆. I’m actually surprised it took this long for him to stab himself with all these years of shots he’s done. I’ll post some pictures to enjoy as well.
This is what baby B has been up to 🥰
Baby B is moving around like a little dancer, even though you can’t feel it. Your baby bulge might start protruding at this time, as your appetite increases to match Baby B’s. The placenta is also picking up its hormone production, giving yours a break. You’ll start to see fewer mood swings soon.
How’s Baby B?
Baby B is in his last few days of embryo-hood, which mostly means that the brand new, teeny tiny internal organs developing under his see-through skin are almost ready to start functioning on their own.
That pesky tail is finally celebrating its last hurrah, and pretty soon it will disappear completely. Baby B’s webbed fingers and toes are poking out from little limbs that are growing longer every day, and facial features are becoming more prominent, as his lips, nose, and eyelids are looking increasingly human-like around now. Your strawberry-sized bundle of joy is also moving around like crazy, although you almost certainly cannot feel it. Baby B’s head, still tiny compared to yours, now makes up half of his total body weight. But don’t worry, all the famous babies have big heads!
So big! Fat or baby that is the question lol. The terrible wound 😝
I’ll start with sadly J and K didn’t make it for the first ultrasound but I told them we could FaceTime hopefully. I actually slept great last night and Ricky took the day off to get some things done so he let me sleep in and took the kids to school. 🥰 After he got his errands done we went for breakfast. First watch my fav!
The girls at work are all praying for this baby to split so I have been a little anxious about it. I told J what they were up to and she said what if she secretly had been also…. AHHHH you guys are killing me. So my appointment was at 12:30 so we got there way too early because I was excited 😝. We finally got called back and the ultrasound technician was so excited for us that this time it worked. She has done all of my ultrasounds for both of these cycles.
So I get naked waist down and get in the table. They have to do a internal ultrasound because baby is still so tiny. Ricky FaceTimed J and I kept watching the screen trying to see a baby in there. I knew we should also be able to see the heartbeat already also so I wanted to make sure I could see that. I told her at least three times to really look and make sure if it was one or two.
At first I was worried I could see the blob of the baby but I couldn’t see the flickering of the heartbeat. She assured me it was there and she could see it. She zoomed in and then I could too!! 😍 I immediately felt so so much better and calm. Then I was on the hunt making sure I only saw the one little guy. Good news for me it looks like it’s one strong little guy growing in there. I’m so relieved and happy for all of us.
The ultrasound technician said baby looks perfect and is measuring at 6 weeks and 4 days so a little bigger then we’re we are. I should be 6 weeks one day since we know the exact moment he went in 😂. His heart rate is a solid 114 so that’s great too. So much joy and happiness today.
I wish I could better explain to people what this kind of experience is like but honestly unless you have been through it on one side or the other (surrogate or parents) it’s so hard to describe. If I’m honest I feel like I’m even more excited now since we sadly had the failed transfer. I hope the rest of the pregnancy goes smoothly. I am still feeling normal and just enjoying extra naps. I’m thinking my headaches have been more weather related then pregnancy. Now my dreams on the other hand are CRAZY!
I can’t even talk about all these dreams, but they are vivid and weird and way way out there 😂. I swear all night every night I wake up thinking WTF is that about. I know it’s normal for many but this is actually a first for me so it’s kinda cool. I should have another ultrasound in two more weeks and then I believe they should officially release us to my OB! This is exciting for me because I’m sick of all the meds and my butt hurts. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend as always thanks for all the prayers and support we appreciate all of it.
So my last post was 4dp 4dt and I was holding strong with not testing. My symptoms were definitely there. Me smelling odd things super strongly. Peeing what felt like too often. Mild cramps from time to time. But that was it nothing else was really happening. I kept checking my boobs to see if they hurt or if my face is breaking out.
Basically an hour or two at most after I made my last blog post I caved and went to check how many tests were actually still in the bag from last time and then I figured well I already got them out what if I just go ahead and take one… ugggg why do I do this to myself. I had like 4 or 5 cheap Walmart ones and only one FRER. (First response early response) So then I’m like well what one do I take? I hate to waste the expensive 8.00 test if it’s too early anyway, But what if the cheap one won’t pick it up but the frer would?
So I ended up deciding if I’m going to do it I’ll just do the cheap one and if I thought maybe something was there I could always still take the frer. So at 2:00 it would be exactly 4dp 5dt. So I figured I would wait until exactly 2:00. So I peed in my cup and used the dropper to take the test. As soon as I was done I instantly felt dread. I left the room and set the timer for 10 mins before I went back to check it. Then I was a little mad at myself for caving. I couldn’t help but worry what if it didn’t work this time too. I mean I basically felt the same except for the smelling stuff and peeing. I just prayed a lot and kept checking on my white chicken chili to pass the time. 😆
When time was up I went to the bathroom to check and I kept telling myself it’s ok if nothing is there because it’s obviously still very early and I’ll be ok either way. When I picked up the test I was literally shocked 😳 like crazy shocked! There was definitely a line. Not like a shadow or check it by tilting it twice under direct sunlight to see haha. This is funny because it’s so true we do this stuff looking for a line or a start of a line. So then I was shaking and couldn’t believe it was actually there and bright. It just kept getting darker the more I looked at it. So obviously for science 🧪 I had to take the other test now just to make sure it would show up too!
I could hear Ricky in the kitchen making himself lunch so I went in and showed him the test too. (Just to make sure) He said great give it here. He could see it too. He was so excited and said he didn’t even have to squint to see this one. I was happy to know I wasn’t crazy. So then I went back to see the frer because that one only takes 3 minutes. You guys I could see it on there too!!! My heart was so so happy. I was so scared my body just wasn’t going to do what the baby needed or something was wrong with me. I know that’s not how it works but I still secretly blamed myself a little.
So then I felt good like so so good. I felt bad for not telling J right away but I was also terrified what if I took another and it wasn’t there like last time. I didn’t want to feel like I let her down again. Ricky insisted I not tell her until I got another test to make sure things were looking good.
Ok so fast forward to Saturday morning this was 5dp a 5dt well at 2:00 it would be. We decided to go walk around down town St Charles Main Street. I wanted to test before we left but didn’t want the test to not look as bright since I didn’t wait very long. So I waited as long as I could and just did it. You guys BAM it was freaking bright. I told Ricky I bet this would show up on a digital test. He said well take one then. So I did. I wasn’t sure if it would work or not. I told him if it showed on a digital then I was definitely calling J because I couldn’t keep this from her any longer. The digital took forever but it finally popped up and to my surprise it said pregnant. 🥰
I FaceTimed J and baby Leaf was there too. I asked him if he wanted to be a big brother and put the test up to the camera. I was so excited and nervous I couldn’t keep my hand still 😂 I was shaking so bad. Obviously we are all so excited but still trying to be cautious. This is exciting but it’s still so early. We decided to ask the clinic today if we could go a day earlier for our blood work and they said yes! So tomorrow I go for our first beta blood draw. Once we get a baseline number I will go back on Friday to get another and see how the numbers double. Thanks everyone for all the support and prayers we for sure appreciate them. I’m so glad I get to share happy news this time.
My first test 4dp 5dt It got soooo bright so fast! 😍For science 🧪 obviously 🙄 😆 Then the tests I took on Saturday 🤩This is my Walmart line up One last test because well I had one left 😂
Well not quite. At 2:00 ish it will be 2 days since that’s actually about the time they put the baby in me 😂. I had some mild cramping after and that’s about it. It’s so hard for me because obviously you try to feel every little thing going on in your body hoping it’s a sign of things working and baby growing. I never really get any symptoms of pregnancy anyway. I guess that’s why I enjoy being pregnant so much lol. Once I’m for sure pregnant I do usually break out a bit more then normal and I get tired the first trimester but that’s about it.
Our plane ride home last night was crappy to say the least. They made me check a bag even though I knew it would fit. Plus I had specifically asked the people at the desk where you check bags and the man assured me it would be fine. Then as I’m getting on the plane the woman tells me I have to check it!!! Ugggg I was so frustrated. So by the time we got on there was no more open rows so Ricky and I had to sit with strangers. Plus the lady next to me decided the open middle seat was her’s. Not to mention her bag clearly didn’t fit under her seat.
I know it was dumb to get so frustrated over such dumb things but my hormones are crazy and so therefore I’m crazy too! 😂 I’m glad to be home though in my own bed. I slept so great last night. Our dog and cat missed us a lot. 💓 They slept with us last night.
I’m still terrified to test this time and feel the way I did last time. But I’m also terrified of waiting and pretending it’s all going to be perfect and then getting blindsided by the dr calling. I do still have some tests left over from last time in case I decide I want to test. I think I’m going to just enjoy the unknown for awhile longer this time though.
Thanks as always for all the prayers and encouragement. Hopefully this time everything works out perfectly and I get to share much happier news with everyone.
This lady and all her stuff… 🙄 Then she shoved it even closer to me.
I’m happy to report that the transfer is completed. Everything seemed to go smoothly. So I’m considering myself pregnant at this point 😂. At least until the blood test tells me otherwise.
On my way there I prayed a lot. I always get anxious before transfers. It’s so many emotions you feel and all the estrogen I’m on doesn’t help. We were listening to the radio and a song came on and it seemed pretty fitting. I love that when I’m worried or stressed God can still tell me things are going to be ok.
I got to see the picture of the embryo before they put him in but I couldn’t take a picture or anything. It looked very similar to the last embryo. I could tell it was already hatching. That’s a good thing!
In 10 days I will have my blood beta draw! After the transfer Ricky and I decided to go eat at an Italian restaurant the pasta was SO good! I will still be on all my meds so butt shots, suppository’s and estrogen keep on going.
This was the song we heard right before we went in. 🥰
So much water before transfer! We also saw this funny truck on the way there. 😂 My last drinks were mojito’s they were so good!
My Bump, Their Bun 