41 WEEKS!

41 weeks at the Spa!

NO BABY FACE PICTURES YET!

41 weeks...Yes I feel like I've been pregnant forever at this point.  But, I've enjoyed every bit of it.  I'm 2 days away from being induced and meeting our little one.  It's actually hitting me that I'm going to be a mommy and my goofy husband is going to be daddee!  I'm not nervous, just SO excited and SO ready to experience this life changing journey!  I'm really not excited to be induced...I was hoping to expereince my water breaking naturally and me rushing to the hospital from excitement. But, life is not always like the movies!!!!!!

My belly is bigger than a basketball...we measured. I haven't gotten ahold of a watermellon yet but I'm going to say it's about the size of a LARGE watermelon.

I'm getting email updates and iPhone app alerts on my phone congratulating me to celebrate my 1 week old baby.  I'm also getting updates on how to bathe my baby, and information about jaundice.  Basically, these things are telling me that my baby should be here by now.  It's kind of frustrating considering that full term is still full term until 42 weeks.  And, I'm not "overdue" quite yet.  I'm just "post dates" (after 40 weeks of pregnancy).  Which who knows, estimated due date (10/5) could be wrong.  The only thing that tells me that my EDD is close is that this baby is measuring "big"...at 8lbs 9oz from my first ultrasound this during this week (10/11).  But again, that is also an estimate.  The ultrasound technician said that she could be off a pound either way, which made me think that the baby could be 9lbs 9oz....WHAT!?  There's no way My 125lb, 5ft 3" pre-pregnancy body can carry an almost 10lb baby!!!!!!   I asked if I could be induced that day...but my midwife declined.  She told me that our hospital won't induce until 10 days after your EDD.  I used part of my massage that Daddee got me for my birthday after the ultrasound. It was wonderful. The massage therapist focused on all of the pressure points that could help a woman go into labor. Normally for a pre-natal massage these are the points she avoids! It didn't trigger labor for me unfortunately (obviously).    Our first non-stress test went well on 10/9, baby passed and my blood pressure was good. Tuesday 10/15 was our next appointment and second non-stress test which also went well.  Prior to this appointment I did a lot of reading up on induction (maybe too much reading...). Basically what I was learning was it's not a good idea to induce prior to 42 weeks if mom and baby are healthy, because it could lead to complications such as your body not being ready for labor. And, when you start the induction process, you have to follow through. So, if being induced doesn't work (start labor) then a c-section is the next option.  Induction also puts your body into labor harder and gives the baby more stress than a normal labor, which could also result in a c-section due to stress on baby.  I also read that "big" babies really isn't a medical reason to induce.  At our 10/15 appointment, baby passed the non-stress test  again and my blood pressure was good. My midwife asked if I wanted to be induced, because it was an option at this point for me (10 days after due date)...I ended up declining and asking if we could wait until 42 weeks. This has given me peace of mind that I'm not pre-maturely inducing and giving my body a chance to do this labor thing on it's own. As I write this, I'm 2 days away from being induced, and it could happen, but by the way my body is acting...it's not so promising! I've said this for weeks and weeks and I'll say it again. I feel way to good to be almost 42 weeks pregnant. I've had an amazing pregnancy. My belly is just way too comfy for baby, I guess ;) We had another non-stress test. Baby passed the test, but wasn't preforming as well as the last test so my midwife ordered another ultrasound to check for amniotic fluid levels, measure the baby's breathing, and other details to measure the baby's composure. Everything looked good so she scheduled us for a third non-stress test 10/17. Again, everything looks good!

Appointment 1:
Non-Stress Test number 1 of 3.
 Baby passed all three tests, which made this mama able to relax a bit. :)



Appointment 2:
@ Ultrasound appointment 1 of 2 during week 41

We celebrated our 1 yr wedding anniversary! (10/13/12)

Daddee and I were able to celebrate our first wedding anniversary on 10/13. We had a pretty low key day but I woke up to a touching card and a letter from my husband, with a single rose. We went out to breakfast. In the evening we busted open some slices of our wedding cake and groom's cake! I was so impressed how yummy it was after being in the freezer for a whole year! 

Another point of significance this week: Daddee made a sacrafice, he sold his big bad 2013 Chevy Truck this week, to get rid of the hefty payment and save more for growing family.  He has his "old blue" Chevy that he's had forever. We went on our first date (to Capri Drive-In, Coldwater, MI) in this blue truck <3.  He's gonna drive that for a bit and possibly get a small car that is good on mileage. 



This popped up on my phone this week...
10/1/13 due date is programed into it.
It made made me laugh. 



Walked 6 miles with my friend Emily and her almost 2mo old baby,
Hudson.  Can you believe he slept the whole time? We walked for 2.5 hrs!

Baby Project!  DIY Fall inspired leg warmers!
No sewing machine involved...hand stitch all the way
We'll see how they hold up and how cute they will be
on baby B's little legs!

Baby nursery project... initials wrapped with teal yarn!
In progress (still need to wrap the B)
 Which initials combo will it be???

Daddee got the urge to decorate for Halloween this week!
I'd say he did a good job...and made me laugh while I watched him decorate.
Baby is gonna have lots of orange lights to look at!

40 weeks!

Officially past my due date and in my 40th week of pregnancy.  I can say now that I'm in my 10th month!  UGH!  It's true what they say about being over it when you get into your last couple of weeks...  Just knowing that 37 weeks is considered "full  term" is horrible to know if you're going to end up delivering somewhere after 40 weeks. 

Sleeping is really tough...I've tried sleeping in every position except standing up.  If there was a way to sleep standing up, I would, just like a horse.  My back really hurts with this extra non evenly distributed weight :(  And, my hands go numb for hours (until I wake up and shake them out) which make it extremely difficult to wash my hair in the shower, blow-dry it, and brush my teeth in the morning!  My hands don't start feeling better until mid-day.

My maternity leave started today, 10/9.  I really thought it would be an unplanned leave (work until the day I go into labor), but I figured since I haven't been sleeping well I thought I'd start it.  I actually thought I'd be off with a newborn by now, so, it all works out.  It's late enough in October now that I'll be able to return to work after the New Year (after the Holidays) which is what I was hoping for rather than during the week of Christmas.  12 wks from 10/9 is 1/1/14 (New Year's Day, which is a holiday), so I'll go back on 1/2/14.  This will also give me some time to "relax" like everyone has been bugging me about!  I'll do my best, but it's hard when you like to be busy!  I woke up today at 7:30, not a minute past.  And, started my day...Minus cleaning the house (again), I guess I've been relaxing, working on some projects for the baby (I might actually get to finish now that I'm off work...TBA). 

We had an appointment for a non-stress test yesterday, 10/8.  The baby did well, and I'm happy to know baby is not stressing in mama's belly! ;)  My blood pressure was great.  I am up a couple more lbs (total of 32 lbs now!)  I am only 1.5cm dilated...BARELY dilated, but dilated nonetheless... it's something I guess. So now the plan is to have an ultrasound done this Friday 10/11 and then another non-stress test next week Tuesday 10/15.  If the baby hasn't greeted us by our Tuesday appointment next week, we will discuss an induction date for next week.  My midwife says it's quite common for first time mom's to need a little extra help getting labor started.  And, since a due date is just an estimate, I'm finding comfort in knowing that baby is healthy and so am I.  I just really thought the baby would be here by now, I actually thought the baby would be here end of September.  So, thinking that it will be mid to late October before baby greets us is crazy.  Baby is already testing mommy and daddy with our patience ;)

I took last Friday 10/4 off for my birthday and woke up to a yummy cinnamon roll with candles in it in bed, walked down stairs and saw a beautiful fall bouquet on the counter with a card and some non-alcoholic wine!  And, later received a gift card for a massage from Will!   I planned on relaxing on my day off for my birthday, but I got into a cleaning funk (nesting??) and cleaned the house top to bottom all day.  At least the house is clean... lol   But, I did take a mid day break to get a hair cut :).   My sister stopped by before her work shift on Friday afternoon and brought over a thoughtful gift, a "Mommy's Sippy Cup" wine glass and two charms for my Pandora bracelet..including my first baby charm!  It's great to have her close by now!  Then two of our good friends, Joe & Melissa, came over for the evening...they brought food to grill some shish- cabobs, a salad and asparagus!! YUMM!   They also brought me two fall inspired mugs and a beautiful hydrangea plant!  Will made me a dirt cake with gummy worms in it (it was a special request by this chocolate craving mama to be!). He did a great job of course..not one drop was left after the weekend was over!  Glad we had some friends over to help us eat it though, or I'd be feeling extra plump today!  Auntie Tes spoiled me on Sunday for my birthday with some spicy food from Don Pablos and a pedi!  It was Amazing!  So, I tried some more old wives tales about inducing labor and still NOTHING! 



Happy Birthday to me!

Daddy has been trying to hunt here and there...no deer yet!  He asked me to accompany him when he went to hunt on his grandpa's farm this weekend.  He was worried I'd go into labor and thought having me with him would be better.  It was cute, and that's why I love him!  Anyway, so of course I agreed to go.  I sat in the truck and brought some stuff to keep me busy.  I was on my phone most of the time.  My phone had a low battery so I plugged it into the truck to charge it.  Well, a good hour goes by and I thought maybe I should make sure the battery isn't run down.  Well, sure enough it was.  Of course!!  My poor husband had to run about a mile back to the house in the dark/light sprinkling to get a vehicle so he could jump his truck. He came back with one of his grandpa's tractors... but after a good 45 min of trying to jump his truck, no luck.  So, he said, come on I'll let you drive the tractor back!  So, I got a bumpy ride in...thought that would trigger some labor for sure...NOPE!  We took the tractor back and grabbed one of his grandpa's work trucks this time and another set of jumper cables his grandpa had in the garage.  That was a success!  I felt like a child, but Will didn't get mad at me, but, he usually doesn't when I do goofy things like that!  His patience is a little better than mine.


warm cozy fires are more frequent in the Burns' household!
Pretty rainbow, ...you don't see them very often!
Baby Burns' very own tree, a shower gift from the Irish's!
Daddeeeee on his way to hunt on his Grandpa's farm before I drained the truck battery!

Received a package in the mail from a good friend of Will's family, Carla. She made a baby blanket for baby B, made with tons of love :)

Will baby get to sport a flower hair bow or a bow tie?
We shall see, very soon!
These were made by a friend who owns Darling Delilah.
https://www.etsy.com/.../honeybelle-rosette-headband-mustard



Until next time! 

It's very possible that my next post could have a cute little Burns baby face introduction!!!

week 39!

How far along? almost 40 weeks!  My first due date was 10/1 (estimated by me really...but we weren't really exactly sure) and then I had an ultrasound and my due date moved to 10/5 based on the ultrasound tech's estimate. SO, I'll be 40 weeks this weekend according to the DR office.  

Total weight gain/loss: up 29 total lbs per my last DR visit on 9/30.  It was weird to see the scale say the same number as the week prior, usually it jumps everytime! 

Maternity clothes? same old.  If i have to wear the same thing everyday I'm fine by that... there are only weeks to go until I'll be able to wear almost any of my pre-pregnancy clothes again! WOO HOO!

Stretch marks?  Actually, yes, I found some stretch marks!  That actually were in front of my face for probally weeks or months and I just never really noticed.  I have stretch marks just above my belly button and a little just below.  I'm not complaining really at all.  I'm just interested to see if they will stay or go away after the baby is born.

Highlights:
Daddy finished the trim in the baby's room!  And it really looks GREAT!  It really pulls the finishing touches together in the room. 

It's finally October!  MY FAV month!  My favorite season, my birthday, our wedding anniversary, AND baby's birthday!!! YAY, baby, you're gonna be an October baby just like mommy! <3  Will is excited to deer hunt!  He didn't get to go out 10/1 - opening day for bow season due to work obligations but I'm hoping he can get out there a couple times before baby is born!

Baby Hunches!  I put together a link to a baby poll website and threw it on Facebook for people to cast their hunches on Baby Burns' stats.

Here are the latest hunch stats:
Gender: BOY (70%)
Hair color: BROWN (35%)
Eye color:  BLUE (82%)

I'm past my due date (my first due date... and approaching my second due date this Saturday...3 days)  next week I have a regualr appointment, if we make it that far, and a stress test for the baby. If everything i looking good on my end and on baby's end, my choice would be to wait a little longer to see if I can go into labor naturally, rather than being induced.  But we will see when next week arrives if I feel the same!

FALSE ALARM!

Saturday 9.28.13 was any normal Saturday.  Will and I went to breakfast at the local resturant in our small town of Hickory Corners.  Will left for a bit to try and hang some tree stands.  I stayed home did some chores and crocheted for a bit.  I noticed my braxton hicks pretty strong, but nothing to take my breath away or "hurt" or anything like that.  I also noticed that I was leaking clear fluid (looked just like water)...but not much. It just happend enough times where I thought it might be best to call Labor & Delivery, just to be safe.  The nurse told me that sometimes you get a pinhole leak and they wanted me to come in to get it checked out.  She told me to take my time, but also to come prepared incase I do go into active labor.  So, I called Will and told him what the plan was.  He was on his way home at that point anyway.  I took a shower and we packed for an overnight-baby delivering- hospital visit!  I was pretty excited at this point...just to know that this really could be the day that I might be able to meet this little one!  But also knowing that this really could be my first false alarm.

I checked into Labor & Delivery, they had me suit up and put my belly on the monitor.   The montor was telling the nurses and midwife on call that my contractions were regular, but by my composition it wasn't convincing enough that I was in labor.  I wasn't in labor, there's no way, it was way too easy.  lol.  They tested the fluid that I was "leaking" and determined that it wasn't amniotic fluid, so, my water didn't break and I shouldn't be concerned with any infection or anything like that. Cool.  The midwife determined that I was dialated to 1cm and about 50-60% effaced.  Which could mean anything really...could mean that mabye in 2 weeks I'd kick into labor, or, mabye tonight!  The midwife told me to walk to see if my contractions would become more active.  So, Will and I walked around a total of a 800 yard circle like a HUNDRED times... for an hour.  I was walking way too fast to be in labor.  I even did some squats on a handful of laps.  I was lapping another lady in the hallway doing laps.  My contractions were becoming noticably stronger, but really nothing to make me slow down or take my breath away.  They put me on the monitor again and while I relaxed the contractions became less.  So that told the midwife that this wasn't labor quite yet.  She said it could be pre-term labor, but we won't know until tonight if it is labor.  She told us to go home and be comfortable until labor happens, tonight, or weeks from now.  We told the midwife that we had plans to go to the Capri Drive in Theatre in Coldwater (about an hour from where we live) for the 1st date & proposal anniversary.   She was oohing and ahhing about how cute it was but instructed us not to travel that far just incase. So, we didn't get to uphold our tradition this year, but concidering that a kid's movie was playing, we weren't too disappointed ;)  Plus our first false alarm expereince was a little exciting and exhausting. We were there for about 3 hours.



39 Weeks: False Alarm! 9.28.13...good practice ;)

Notice how regular my contractions are!
3 min apart, just not active enough for labor!

New Baby items? This week we recieved a pretty unique item from a friend!  We were sent an email with information on how a Wildlife Fund Adoption (www.worldwildlife.org) has been made in Baby Burns' name!  Here is the personalized adoption certificate!  Pretty Neat!

On behalf of Baby Burns a Polar Bear has been adopted through World Wildlife Fund www.worldwildlife.org

Movement? still a ton!  I'm feeling more movement in my pelvic area  and my lower belly actually this week too.

Miss anything? sleep!  I wake up so much to use the bathroom or try and get comfortable.  Good practice for baby, right??

Food cravings?  chocolate and....water!   yes, been very much increasingly thirsty this week.

Gender: per the gender poll hunches, baby is a boy!  

Belly button in or out? Still slightly popped out

Wedding rings on or off? off :(

Mood/How are you feeling?  Great! A little sleepy but I really can't complain, this has been an amazing experience.  And, I know it will soon only be a memory.

Looking forward to: the first sign that tells me, yep, it's baby time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  My birthday is this weekend! :)  This is the first time I could care less what I do for my birthday, I'm so excited for BABY!  My mom stopped by this week and brought me some early birthdy presents.  I've been wanting a Heather Shrub and she brought me one!!  :)   She also brought me a bunch of photo albums that I can fill will all these pictures I've been printing lately  (wedding & baby shower/bump pics)! ...and soon there will be more pictures to print of the little one! 

Fitness Report: still being active but relaxing a bit more than I usually do.  I'm not convinced that walking will help put me into labor, just keep me sane.  I think the baby will come when I'm most relaxed...  just my gut opinion.

What I’ve learned: what to expect in Labor & Delivery!  Now, I'm not nervous about what to bring, and I'm familar with the the rooms now and the belly monitor, and how the staff interacts.  It was a good practice run ;)

Week 37 and 38

37 WEEKS!
Photo By Jacee Beck Photography
www.jaceebeckphotography.com
Maternity Sash By Darling Delilah:
www.etsy.com/shop/darlingdelilah777

38 WEEKS!  Down on Grandpa Jim's Farm!

How far along? far enough, baby, come out and meet your mama and dada!! Just kidding, we will wait until you are ready!  If you are anything like your mama, you'll be late ;)  I'm 38 weeks and my belly is the size of a pumpkin!

Total weight gain/loss: up 29 total lbs!!!!!  Woah.  Yep, my arches, back, legs are all feeling it.  My midwife said alot of it is water weight, explained by the swelling in my feet and legs.  Swelling has gotten worse end of week 37 and stayed for a couple of days into week 38.  But, my ankles and legs are back to normal now (mid-38weeks).

Maternity clothes?   I have a pair of black maternity pants that a friend lent me, a pair of black sweatpants, and another pair of black stretchy pants that work for work attire. I have some maternity shirts that a friend let me borrow, some of my own, and other longer shirts that I rotate over and over again!  I wear Will's clothes at home, or a sundress but it's getting chilly out!  Fall is here, my favorite season! :)

Stretch marks?  Not yet!

Highlights:

Who gets TWO maternity photo sessions???  THIS GIRL!  I'm very very very lucky to have some talented family to capture my growing belly and my soon to be new addition to our family. Photos are priceless, lovely memories that you can show to the world!  LINK to view more photos at the bottom of the blog!  

Baby was blessed with two more showers in one weekend!  Baby, there are a lot of friends and family who can't wait to meet you and love you very much already!  Let's just say it: Baby, you are spoiled!  Mommy and Daddy are also spoiled with things to make our lives easier being first time parents.  <3  I wish I had time to show the world on this blog all of the special things we've recieved as shower gifts. 

WEEK 38: Baby is the size of a PUMPKIN! 
So fitting with first day of fall being this week!

Daddee has been working on finishing the last touches on the nursery!  It's been complete minus some awesome wood stained trim!  Daddee is meticulous when he does projects, they have to be done just the way he wants it which sometimes makes a project take just a little bit longer.  I admire that, but my impatient personality kind of gets in the way at times.

Still snoring!

Had my first weekly doctor appointment this week! I gained 3lbs in 1 week.  My blood pressure was pretty high during the begining of the visit...they took it again at the end of the visit and it was 20 points lower.  So, I guess walking to my appointment makes my blood pressure rise lol.   Everything else looked good. My cervix hasn't been checked at all since my first initial exam at 8 weeks.  My midwife mentioned she will check my cervix next week at my next appoinment 9/30.  That will be interesting, mabye I'll be dialated!?  It was interesting that my fundal height didn't change much, still at 37cm.

 
New baby items:  Tons of baby shower gifts!  I put some of our giftcards together and purchased a baby monitor and a bouncer/rocker (travel size too...perfect I think for we need it for, time will only tell). 

HOLY CLOTH DIAPERS!   Woo hoo!  Looks like we are ready to roll with a cute little bum!

Got these used and for a great deal from a friend and sorrority sister whom I haven't seen in ALONGTIME (since college). Best part is that she lives so close with her 3 beautiful girls and really didn't realize it this whole time.  We were going to try a cloth diaper service before investing, but, I guess now we have what we need!!! :)

 

Movement? lots of movement still, I love it.  I'm suprised actually how much movement there still is.  I guess i was expecting baby to move a little less because baby is bigger and more cramped in the woomb?   My belly just looks rediculous sometimes now, lumpy and bumpy!  lol  You can really make out where baby's butt, back, and feet and arms are.  Head is down and ready (fingers crossed).

Miss anything? sleep. mobility. fitting into clothes.

Food cravings?   chocolate. yogurt. berries, grapes, raw carrots, hot apple cider!

Gender: we'll find out sooooon!  a couple of people these past weeks said boy and a couple have said girl.  Any nurse I've ever seen tells me girl.  Most friends and family say boy.  

Belly button in or out?  Still slightly popped out

Wedding rings on or off?  off :(

Mood/How are you feeling?  Great concidering I'm 38 weeks pregnant!

CANKLES...lots of swelling during end of Week 37

Looking forward to: Possibly being able to go to the Capri Drive In this weekend and re-live our first date and the the proposal 9/28/11)  Either that or being in labor!

Fitness Report: stretching. walking with doggies (can't wait to walk and push baby in the stroller, hoping the weather stays nice enough to do that by the time baby is here and mama is ready to walk), squats (I've been told this helps open your cervix),  Tried to Jog last week.......NOPE ouch, not even an option right now!!  I should have known better, this is the exact reason I stopped jogging months ago, and my belly was half the size!

What I’ve learned: Learned a little about Immunizations and oponions on them...lots to think about.  Of course I'm going to research this.  I'm a new mom and want whats best for my child!  I see points both ways, I'm a little confused, but, I'm sure when that time comes for baby's first shot I'll be a little more confident in my decisions.  Any tips, oponions out there, please share! 

Daddy & Mommy as new babies!  Can't wait to see what physical traits baby B will inherit from mommy and daddy!

We can't wait to meet you baby!!! <3 mommeee and daddeee
37 Week Maternity Shoot by
Jacee Beck Photography  --->>> Click for more Photos!

Happy Fall from our precious little cousin, Adelie wearing a hat I made her! 
Happy 3 Months little girl, baby B can't wait to play!

Made With Love by Heather: www.facebook.com/madewithlovebyheather10

Photo by her mama, owner of Jacee Beck Photography
www.jaceebeckphotography.com
www.facebook.com/jaceebeckphotography
 

36 weeks!

How far along? tomorrow I am considered “full term” at 37 weeks! 
Total weight gain/loss:   up 23 total lbs. since my last dr. visit, but I have another one on Monday 9/16 and I'm sure the gain will be up.   I've experienced some crazy swelling all over my body...on the hottest part of the week, and finally got some cankles.

Maternity clothes?   Finally wearing sweat pants to work!  Never thought the day would come! My supervisors are cool with it though...they are both men and are pretty sensitive to my pregnancy ;)  Which has been really nice.  Sundresses on the weekend are my go to.
Stretch marks?  Nope! But, someone this week told me that stretch marks don't happen until after the baby is born...  had no idea but I guess that can make sense!

Highlights:
 My little sister maternity pictures in South Haven this week! It was a beautiful evening to watch the sunset!  She's pretty excited to become an Auntie, she even has a count down on her smartphone! You can check them out HERE, but will need to log into Facebook.

Excited to finally be FULL TERM tomorrow.  Next week I'm going to start jogging...I think... lol  Anything to help the gravity on my cervix!

We have TWO more showers to look forward to! One on 9/14 and one on 9/15!  Should be a very busy weekend but I am very excited to see friends and family and of course eat some great food and share some great memories! :)

The hospital bag is packed!  I may have more than I need...but that's always the case.   Actually, I may be missing a lot of things...I'm not exactly sure what I'll need for the baby.  Do I need a snowsuit?  Is it going to be cold or hot?  You never know with Michigan! 

We have had a pretty mild summer, which I'm thankful for, with a couple of humid days that caused us to kick on our AC.  We reached a record high of 93 one day this week and hit a low in the 60s!  Talk about weather change, mother nature just realized it should be a little nicer to me at 36 weeks pregnant I guess... It was super nice to wake up to a chilly morning...really got me excited for the fall, my favorite season!!!  And, this year we get to spend it with baby! 

I've been snoring, says Daddee.  I normally don't snore, but I guess this third trimester has me sleeping harder than usual.  Will says he's been waking up 2-3 times a night trying to get me to roll over or something.  My frequent bathroom visits at night (up to at least 3 each night) also wake him up.  So, he's just as sleep deprived and tired as I am right now.  We just know for a fact that this little baby will be an awesome night sleeper though!! ;)  I also woke up this week one night with a serious major leg cramp. I woke up screaming " ahhh,...help me!" to Will.  There was really nothing he could do.  My calf has been sore for days!

Started training my coverage during my maternity leave at work.  It's been a busy week!

 New baby items:   A couple of things have come in the mail this week!  And there will be more this weekend!  I'm excited to see after this weekend what we need to go shopping for.  Will and I really haven't shopped for any baby items yet, except for the recliner and other nursery décor and furniture.

Movement?  lots of movement still, I love it. I constantly stare at my belly and play with the baby by pushing back at the baby when there is a huge stretch. I think I felt fingers on baby's hand at one point.  Just can't wait to kiss all baby's fingers and toes and every inch of baby!!!!!!!!!!!!

Miss anything? sleep. mobility.

Food cravings?   chocolate.  fig newtons this week...weird, I never eat fig newtons. 

Gender: we'll find out sooooon!  

Belly button in or out?  a slight pop, nothing distinct.  you can notice my belly button outside of my clothes more clearly. 

Wedding rings on or off?  off...but put it on during my maternity session with my sister ;)   I bet now that it's getting cooler outside I can try to wear it more.  We'll see how this cool weather holds out.  I miss wearing my ring.

Mood/How are you feeling?  A bit tired but good!  I’m so anxious and excited for the end to come, simply to meet this little one. 

Looking forward to:  a couple more showers!  And, of course meeting baby Burns very very SOON!

Fitness Report:   stretching. have been lacking on walking, but going to really walk fast or even run next week  to put some weight on my cervix!

What I’ve learned: I have pregnant brain...I can't think of anything I learned this week! haha

 

Auntie Bea has a count down on her phone...so cute!

Daddee, Mommee and baby in the belly! <3

GREAT FIND! Best natural deodorant ever!
It actually works!!



But most of all, baby, we hope you are healthy!
Found this in my iPhone this week...obviously created it  a while ago, and didn't really finish it but shared it with Will :)

we picked tons of apples from a friend's apple tree! 
If you are wondering, no, I didn't get on the ladder just Daddee ;)


Week 31, 32, 33, 34 AND 35!!!!!

I can't help but notice my shadow on a sunny day! 
Daddee helped me capture it!

My view at week 32!



Yep, I wear the same dresses over and over and over and over...

We finally picked up our rocker/recliner for the nursery!  Purchased with help from
 donations from Will's Dad and My Mom :)



Week 32: Takin a break from boogying at Natalie & Devon's wedding!



35 weeks: making a mold of my belly at our Centering Program!

YAY!  my own walk in closet!!  How's a girl get so lucky!!!???  The closet walks in from my bathroom, inside of our bedroom upstairs.  It's definately a better use of space! WORK IN PROGRESS!



How far along? 35 weeks!  2 weeks till “full term”!!!!  But, could have wait to meet baby burns until 42 weeks…7 weeks from now.  Right now, that seems like a LONG time!

Total weight gain/loss:   According to my last check up, I’m up 23 total lbs.  My arches are hurting… my feet have finally started to swell.  My hands are swelling too.  My body swells the worst when the weather is hot and humid outside.  When it’s a nice cool day, I have an easy time!   Fundal height is measuring on track with my week, my last appointment on 9/3 I measured 36cm! 

Maternity clothes?   My friend Emily had her baby to an adorable baby boy, Hudson!  And she donated some of her maternity clothes.  Boy are they helpful in this last month!!!  My mom bought me some nursing clothes which are also super comfy!

Stretch marks?  Nope!

Highlights:
Everything is going well!  A lot of time has passed since my last post.  I’ve included some pictures that may highlight the highlights ;)  Turned a birth plan into my midwife...although I'm flexiable...whatever it takes to get the baby out healthy!  And, we chose a lady to help us with daycare when I go back to work. She lives not even a mile from us and is licensed by the State of MI.  She is also very affordable, is open to managing cloth diapers and any other unusual requests we might have ;)

Brittany and Tesia threw me a big family shower, in which Baby Burns became more spoiled!  Here is the link to all of the pictures on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/brriittaany?fref=ts&ref=br_tf#!/brriittaany/media_set?set=a.10201260331365295.1073741834.1082163982&type=3

We have TWO more showers to look forward to! One on 9/14 and one on 9/15! 

New baby items:   lots and lots!  Too many to list…  All of this will be documented in the NEW baby book we received from someone special! J

Movement?  Tons still!  I’m wondering if this means that baby still has room to grow, and won’t greet us until mid-October?

Miss anything? Mobility mainly.  Wanted to walk the Mackinaw Bridge over Labor Day but we decided not to due to lots of Braxton Hicks contractions, and a feeling that I just should stay home this year.   I also feared dehydration, which would be the only thing that might cause pre-term labor…  just didn’t want to take any chances.   I heard it wasn’t the best weather to walk the bridge this year, so maybe we lucked out not going.

Food cravings?   Chocolate is my only main true craving.  Ice cream (with some sort of chocolate in it of course) is also a preferred sweet!  Healthy foods have been what I’ll choose otherwise.  So, I guess it balances out a bit ;)

Gender:  I’m still pretty confused.  However, if I had to pick, I’d say that this baby is a boy.  I’m not exactly sure why… just a hunch.  I just know that I can’t really rule out that baby Burns is a girl.

Belly button in or out?  This week, 35 I’ve actually noticed my belly button pop out a bit! 

Wedding rings on or off?  I took my ring off at 35 weeks … in fear that I may need a C-Section and I can’t get my ring off because my hands are swollen.  I’ve had a couple of times where my ring was stuck on my finger due to swelling.  It normally goes away in the morning so I can easily slip my ring off.  But, didn’t want to take any chances here.  My ring will be in one piece this way!  I do miss wearing it.

Mood/How are you feeling?  A bit tired but good!  I’m so anxious and excited for the end to come, simply to meet this little one. 

Looking forward to:  a couple more showers!  And, of course meeting baby Burns very very SOON!

Fitness Report:   walking, stretching, squats

What I’ve learned:  I learn new things every day!  The funniest of which being if you “Shhhhhhhhhhh” really loud in a newborn baby’s ear they actually find that comforting!    I’ve been reading Baby 411 and the Business of Baby.  Lots of great and surprising info in the books!    I've learned that pregnant brain is REAL!  A couple instances in the same week happened where I ordered a beverage from Starbucks, drove up to the pay window and reached out for my beverage.  It didn't cross my mind that I had to actually PAY for the beverage first!  I also start something and forget what I was doing...A LOT.  I get some good laughs at myself lately! 


***You'll have to forgive this mama-to-be for the delayed post, and how sloppy, un detailed, and unorganized this post is!  It will probally get worse after the baby is born!***

Week 28, 29, and 30



Yep, I do wear my husband's underwear.... darn comfy under amor briefs!

How far along? Almost in my 8^th month!  I’ve hit the 30 week mark!  That’s a huge milestone J  

Total weight gain/loss:   According to my last check up, I’m up 16 total lbs.  I don’t physically feel much heavier though, except for the fact that my clothes don’t fit.   Baby Burns is about 4lbs right now in mama’s tummy! Fundal height is right on track with my week!  Even though I’ve gotten so many surprised faces when I answer their question “How far along are you?”  Most people thing that I look farther along that I say.  I’m starting to think that I might have this baby in September…  But, then again, I do have a pretty short torso and my belly is so straight out, that it’s just the way I’m carrying.  People ask…any chance of twins?  I think I’d know by now if I was having twins…but then again, weirder things have happened!

Maternity clothes?  Nothing new, really. I asked my sister to donate some of her yoga pants though.  J  If I can get away with wearing them for a couple more months, in place of work pants that will really make things awesome.  Still trying to purchase any maternity clothes.  Just because they are expensive, and you can’t wear them much after the baby is born… 

Stretch marks?  Nope! J

Highlights:
My mom and brother visited for a weekend and we participated in a local craft show.  There wasn’t much traffic or sales for any of the vendors, but it was fun nonetheless.   And, I met a ton of great people!  I even met a lady who does in-home daycare, which is what ideally I’d prefer over a center.  We will interview her and visit her home still, but she’s sold me so far!

I’m staying busy and excited with my Made with Love by Heather gig J  I’ve learned a lot from other vendors and friends who have their own gigs and finally reached 100+ fans to my facebook page.   I was able to offer my first giveaway!  I’ve teamed up with a photographer too for a prop/picture exchange.    I’m also participating in a couple mulit-vendor giveaways soon, which is exciting for exposure and gaining more fan!  Plus, the more custom inquiries I receive, the more fun it makes it!  I’ve had quite a few custom orders waiting to be completed that were on my own personal create list, so that is exciting J   Check it out and become a fan if you aren’t already!  àWww.facebook.com/madewithlovebyheather10  

I haven’t been back to the PT.  I decided that this sciatic nerve problem comes and goes too frequently and it’s mostly per my pregnancy.  I can suffer through a couple more months, and then hopefully it will go away. There is really nothing that relieves it.  And, honestly standing makes it feel the best.  When I lay on my side is when it’s the most uncomfortable.

Lowlight: Will was gone for week 29 and 30 in Grayling for his annual training. He’s a huge help around the house and with the dogs, that the weeks he was gone were pretty exhausting.  I give all those single mommies out there a lot of respect and a huge high five.  Not sure how I’d do with dogs and a baby…   I guess I’d have to let go of keeping up on some chores a bit, or just forget showering altogether.  Lol   
New baby items:   Yayyy!! Baby Burns is becoming SO spoiled!!  Tons of great suprises BEFORE my first shower, which is this weekend!  Very excited to see family and some friends.  Brittany and Tesia have been putting lots of heart into planning it J

My mom made a bedskirt, a sheet, a blanket, and a diaper holder for baby!
I added some soft guards to the sides of the crib to prevent more bite marks/and
cover up the old ones from previous owners ;) shhh...

Hand knit sweater for baby burns, from my mom!



Will's Dad brought over the rocker his mom used to use for Will & his sisters!



Gift from our UP North friends Teresa, Julie & Susan! Note that the baby hat says
Baby Burns on it! Included was reciepts for the onsies so we can dress baby in
the most appropriate outfit! :)



Surprise gift in the mail from Grandma Mann & Aunt Kristine!
Cannot wait to use that stroller!!!!!!!!

Movement?  Baby is constantly moving now.  I wonder if anyone besides me notices.  Can others see my belly move if I don't point it out? Sometimes baby will stretch, roll, and I finally think I felt the baby hiccup (for 10 min).  Baby still likes to curl up on the right side of my belly.  And more movement is happening on the left side too, so I can tell the baby is growing.  I love it still, even when baby hits my bladder and its full.

Miss anything? Being able to stand at the sink without slouching or bending over because I can’t reach the faucet.  Bending over in general.  Clothes fitting.

Food cravings?   Rice Krispie treats oddly enough.  Chocolate.  Milk.  PB&J sandwiches.  (this is all kid food...lol)

Gender:  I’ve had about 5 people tell me in the last couple of weeks that they think the baby is a girl.  There are still people who think the baby is a boy.  It’s just interesting. And, I don’t think you can really rely on any old wives tales.

Belly button in or out?  Flat!  You can notice my belly button through thin shirts and dresses, so maybe out just a tad. 

Wedding rings on or off?  On!  Yay! 

Mood/How are you feeling?  Good! Limited in movement but still moving!  I’m more sleepy tired now.  I think it’s because I keep trying to do everything I used to do, but things are harder with a growing belly!  Haven’t noticed much Braxton Hicks like I did during weeks 26 and 27.   I’m anxious…this baby could come any time now, but hoping not till somewhere between 37 and 40 weeks.

Looking forward to:  my FIRST baby shower this weekend!  So excited!

Fitness Report:   walking, stretching, squats

What I’ve learned:  I’ve known this … but, it’s crazy how generous people are sometimes.  I’m surrounded by so many great people.  I’ve received generous and thoughtful gifts for baby Burns, I’ve received recommendations for all sorts of things relating to babies and parenting, and have had so many people check up on me and ask how things are going.  Everyone is genuine and truly excited for Baby Burns and for Will and I to become parents.  That makes me one happy mama to realize how much support I have surrounding me. J





Mom and my brother Adam came to visit for a weekend!