{Guest Post} - - Daily Reflections as Mothers

Today I'm back over at Leslyn's with a second guest post - daily reflections as mothers. If you missed my first post, labor pains deserve a present, you can find it here.

Leslyn and I share a mutual bff and we were able to officially meet last summer at our friends wedding. Before then - I was just a creeper that hung around her little space in this world wide web and acted like I knew her. What a fun weekend I had getting to know such a lovely lady! 

Little did I know that we would have so much in common: 

 A love for the Lord. 

Super attractive husbands. 

Long hair that we chopped off into bobs. 

Infertility problems. 

Crazy enough though, the Lord decided to answer our prayers and we both ended up getting pregnant with little boys - due two weeks apart . . . 

Check it out! 

40 Weeks - DUE DAY!

How far along: 40 Weeks -- WE MADE IT! 

Food Comparison: Small Pumpkin

Weight gain: +25 lbs 

Maternity clothes: Yes. 

Stretch marks: So many. 

Belly button in or out: Out. 

Sleep: Sleep has actually been okay this past week. 

Best moment last week: Only working 3 days last week and having a long week to prepare for his arrival. 

Worst moment last week: Walking, walking and trying a ton of things to make Mr. Kingston come and he doesn't want to. 

Miss anything: Some, but I'm going to enjoy these last few days of having a baby growing inside me -- so no I don't miss anything. 

Movement: He is still moving but I can definitely tell he is running out of room. 

 Cravings: Drinks. 

Queasy or sick: No. I just feel like a baby is falling out of me. 

Looking forward to: Meeting Kingston.   

Labor Progression: Same as last week - softening and about a 1cm. We go in tomorrow night to start the process of his birth! He should be here with us 7/30/14. 

Prayer Request: Please Lord let me have a safe/uncomplicated delivery with the birth of a healthy baby boy. 

39 Weeks

I officially have a torpedo for a belly. 

How far along: 39 Weeks

Food Comparison: Mini Watermelon - and my belly sure looks like one.

Weight gain: +25 lbs 

Maternity clothes: I am so ready to have clothes that fit again. I have worn the crap out of the few things that I've purchased. They have been washed so many times that there are starting to get fuzz balls all over the outside. Time for them to be thrown away! 

Stretch marks: Yeup. Inner thighs. Sides of booty. Under belly button. So sad.

Belly button in or out: Out. I had no clue it could stick out as far as it is. Reference picture above.

Sleep: Brutal. I wake up every 2-3 hours to use the restroom and have a Braxton Hick Contraction. Luckily, I'm able to fall back asleep as soon as the tightness goes away. 

Best moment last week: Spending some last minute quality time with CT. We went and saw the new planet of the apes movie on Saturday and hung out all day doing nothing on Sunday. It was really nice.  

Worst moment last week: Swelling and stretch marks. My body has officially changed so much .. but for the good.

Miss anything: A few things. Check back later this week for what I'm looking forward to.  

Movement: He is still moving but I can definitely tell he is running out of room. 

 Cravings: Drinks - but I need to drink more water. I got scolded from the OB.    

Queasy or sick: No. I just feel like a baby is falling out of me. 

Looking forward to: Tomorrow being my last day of work and having my son here no later then next Wednesday! 

Labor Progression: Nothing new. Still softening and about a 1cm. We also had another non-stress test. Last week because we thought he wasn't moving enough and this week because his heart rate was high. Thankfully everything came out okay and we just have an active baby! Plus a mama who needs to drink more water.  

Prayer Request: Same prayer as last week - 
This week I pray a fast labor and delivery and the ability to breastfeed! I have so many friends pregnant and their babies have started to arrive. I know our time is coming soon and as much as I'm looking forward to our little man being here - I'm not looking forward to the unknown (the delivery). 
Praying for peace.

38 Weeks

How far along: 38 Weeks

Food Comparison: Leak

Weight gain: +24 lbs 

Maternity clothes: I've been going to the closet to find anything that fits. Most  things I find are old shirts that I'm stretching the crap out of. 
Oh well... what do you do?! 

Stretch marks: Yeup. Inner thighs. Sides of booty. Under belly button. 

Belly button in or out: Outie

Sleep: What's that? 

Best moment last week: Not maternity related - 2 more Etsy sales! Woot! 

Worst moment last week: Well our daycare provider that we thought we found, didn't work out. Back to the drawing board. 
Have I said how much this process SUCKS? 

Miss anything: Sleeping. Margaritas. Feeling 'normal'. 

Movement: So many rolls and feet kicking out of my side. 

 Cravings: Chocolate milk.  

Queasy or sick: No just achy ALL over. Feet are starting to swell and my ring is off. Next time I'll invest in a cheap band to wear so people don't think I'm a baby mama. 

Looking forward to: Kingston being here with us! 

Labor Progression: I thought I was leaking fluid today - so at our appointment we had that checked out and I'm not. Dilated to 1cm and I'm softening - some progress but I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon. We also had a non-stress test today and all is well in the womb.  

Prayer Request: Same prayer as last week - 
This week I pray a fast labor and delivery and the ability to breastfeed! I have so many friends pregnant and their babies have started to arrive. I know our time is soon and as much as I'm looking forward to our little man being here - I'm not looking forward to the unknown (the delivery). 
Praying for peace.

37 Weeks -- We Are Full Term!

How far along: 37 Weeks

Food Comparison: Swiss Chard

Weight gain: +23 lbs 

Maternity clothes: Some. It seems like I wear the same 5 outfits all the time. 

Stretch marks: Yeup. Inner thighs. Sides of booty. Under belly button. 

Belly button in or out: Outie

Sleep: I fall asleep really fast at night if I find the perfect spot - but after my first potty break things get difficult. And get this - our anniversary morning my lovely hubby at 12:02am ripped off the covers and was video taping me as he sang an annoying happy anniversary song - shaking his head back and forth like you can't get me. Needless to say - I chased him around the house wanting to hurt him. I might have shed a few tears and said I hated him. Who knows. All I know is sleep is hard to come by these days and it's so hard to get comfortable. He has not a clue what it's like! 

Best moment last week: Fingers crossed - finding our daycare provider and all the time off I had. I was able to get so much done around the house (EVERYTHING cleaned), family time, all our last minute shopping done for Kingston, and 2 puff play mats completed. 

Ombre one is ready to ship and for sale! 

Worst moment last week:  The whole sleep situation. And a lady at the pool asked when I was due and I said 3 weeks and get the response "Ya- I could tell it was soon...you look miserable." Like really lady? I don't feel miserable so I shouldn't look it. Some things you just don't say to preggos. 

Miss anything: Sleeping. Margaritas. Feeling 'normal'. 

Movement: Yes. He is definitely growing and rolling and jabbing. 

 Cravings: Nothing really. 

Queasy or sick: No. Just a sore achy body. 

Looking forward to: Holding our sweet baby boy. 

Labor Progression: NOTHING! I didn't really think there would be a lot of progression because I've only had the occasional (almost every night) contraction or two.  

Prayer Request: This week I pray a fast labor and delivery and the ability to breastfeed! I have so many friends pregnant and their babies have started to arrive. I know our time is soon and as much as I'm looking forward to our little man being here - I'm not looking forward to the unknown (the delivery). 

PS - Look at this sweet care package I got from one of my best friends. 
Just a little last minute 'me time' before our little man gets here! 

36 Weeks - Bye Bye Breech

Outfit inspiration courtesy of Leslyn!

Going forward these updates will take place on Tuesday's so hopefully I have some labor progression to share! 

How far along: 36 Weeks

Food Comparison: Crenshaw Melon

Weight gain: +22 lbs 

Maternity clothes: Same ole same ole. Stay tuned for some of my favorite pieces and what I'll do different/keep the same for the next go around!  

Stretch marks: Yeup. 

Belly button in or out: Outie

Sleep: Depends on the night. Last night I only got up once to use the restroom and was able to fall right back asleep. The night before ... not so much. I woke up like different 4 times and then was up for good at 430am. I'll take what I can get! 

Best moment last week: Finding out Kingston is no longer breech. PTL!! I am so thankful to our chiropractor - Dr. Thompson. Who knows, maybe he would have flipped on his own, but I'm glad we tried and I'm glad things were successful! It beats having to be manually turned and for sure a c-section. 

Worst moment last week: Feeling like the pregnancy bus has fully run me over. I feel like my pubic bone is broken - and I have yet to push anything out which scares me. I get up from sitting for a while and my joints are super stiff. 

Only a few more weeks!  

Miss anything: Sleeping on my belly and being able to see down yonder. 

Movement: He is so much more active now that he is in his correct position. I'm so thankful I'm being able to experience rib kicks finally!

 Cravings: DRINKS!  Chocolate Milk. Water. White grape juice. Ice.  

Queasy or sick: No. Just a sore body. 

Looking forward to: Having a 6 day weekend! I plan to get lots done - hospital bag packed, car seats installed, clean the house, wash our carpets, make our final trip to Babies R' Us to make all of our last minute purchases, and finish my first commissioned puff quilt! 

Labor Progression: Nothing yet. 

Prayer Request: This week I pray for a stress free last couple of weeks. I woke up with a massive cold sore yesterday morning and I know it's because I'm a worry wart. I pray that the Lord takes away all my anxiety and that I can be at peace with what ever happens in these next few weeks: labor, day care provider, work, ect. 

Week 35

Pool time this weekend - feeling large and in charge. 

How far along: 35 Weeks

Food Comparison: Coconut

Weight gain: +21 lbs 

Maternity clothes: Same ole same ole.  

Stretch marks: Yeup. 

Belly button in or out: Outie

Sleep: My poor husband - I now sleep with 4 different pillows. A down pillow underneath my head, a body pillow under the belly and between the knees, and then two accent pillows behind my back to keep me propped up. 

Best moment last week: CT getting his car back with a fixed AC and selling my first thing on Esty! Stay tuned for a grey and yellow puff quilt! 

Worst moment last week: This darn heartburn. 

Miss anything: This hot weather has me missing a frozen margarita like no other. 

Movement: So many. He makes my belly shake all day. 

Cravings: Chocolate Milk. Watermelon. Guac. 

Queasy or sick: No. Just heartburn. 

Looking forward to: Our fourth and final shower this week at my work. Then we can make a list of everything else we need to purchase. I'm ready to have his nursery 100% complete. Nesting has finally arrived. 

Prayer Request: The week I pray that Kingston's stubborn little butt continues to rotate and he choose to finally go to his correct spot. I feel like the chiropractic visits are helping - but he's just super stubborn. Come on son! 

Week 34

How far along: 34 Weeks -- What!

Food Comparison: Average Cantaloupe 

Weight gain: +20 lbs 

Maternity clothes: A few pieces here and there. 

Stretch marks: Yeup. 

Belly button in or out: Out

Sleep: Good one night, bad the next. Under eye circles have become a permanent on me. 

Best moment last week: Our 3rd baby shower with some of the greatest friends and getting our maternity photos done at sunset! I'm excited to see how they turn out.  

Worst moment last week: The increasing uncomfortableness. A little acid reflux. Back pain. Pelvic pain. The works! So thankful though that I've been able to make it this far. 

Today CT said 'Why do you walk around like you are broken?' Seriously dude? I am carrying around 20 extra pounds of weight, my organs are no longer in the places there are suppose to be, and I'm getting karate chopped on those organs. 

Miss anything: I've been really wanting to go to this new indoor trampoline park right across the street from our apartment - so I guess you would say I miss being able to be active. 

Movement: Yes. 

Cravings: Watermelon.

Queasy or sick: No. 

Looking forward to: His arrival. I know we have a few more weeks but I'm getting anxious. I just want to see his beautiful face and make sure that he is 100% healthy.  

Prayer Request: This week I pray for a healthy safe birth (whichever way it may happen) and a healthy baby boy. I also pray that the Lord helps to calm my anxious mind. I know He has a plan for every situation and before long He will bless us with our perfect little man. 

Week 33

How far along: 33 Weeks -- Where is the time going?! 

Food Comparison: Pineapple

Weight gain: +20 lbs 

Maternity clothes: A few pieces here and there. 

Stretch marks: Yeup. 

Belly button in or out: Out

Sleep: Depends on the night. I'm just thankful that I'm able to fall back asleep as soon as I get done using the restroom. 

Best moment last week: Getting to see our little man, meeting with a chiropractor that can hopefully work some magic and loosen me up enough to help Kingston flip, and meeting with potentially our new childcare provider! 

Worst moment last week: The weather canceling our maternity photos on Saturday and getting really emotional about not knowing the best way to go with this whole breech baby thing. At this point - I'm going to do everything in my power to avoid having a C-Section. Right now that means seeing a chiropractor 2-3 times a week, daily stretches and meeting with a maternal-fetal Dr. in a few weeks to discuss the ECV procedure. 

Miss anything: Being able to bend over and get out of bed with no problems. 

Movement: Yes! Mostly when I'm laying down or after I eat. 

Cravings: Desert and drinks. 

Queasy or sick: No. 

Looking forward to: Kingston's baby shower this weekend with some of my best friends! 

Prayer Request: This week I pray for peace of mind. 

Peace with knowing what is meant to be will be. Peace with knowing that if I end of having to have a c-section things will be okay. 

A reminder for myself:

Philippians  4:6-7 
6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Week 32

How far along: 32 Weeks 

Food Comparison: Large Jicama - I don't know what that is but according to our sonogram today - it's probably a fruit that's close to a 4lb 5oz baby

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +20 lbs 

Maternity clothes: A few pieces here and there. 

Stretch marks: I've counted 4 but none on the belly. =(

Belly button in or out: Out

Sleep: Awful. I can't fall asleep and then I wake up at least 3 times to use the restroom. 

Best moment last week: Our 4 day weekend: baby moon/birthday weekend to Dallas! 

Shopping. Food. More shopping. Sleeping in. More food. Losing money at the casino. 

Worst moment last week: Earlier today we found out Kingston is still breech. What a little booger. Looks like I'm placing a call to a chiropractor tomorrow and if that doesn't work we will have to schedule the ECV around week 35.

 (where they manually try to turn him from the outside) 

Youtube it. I dare ya.

Miss anything: Sleep. Being able to see my lady parts and having unswollen lady parts. TMI? 

Movement: He's super active all the time these days. I love it and so does CT. 

Cravings: Ice cream. 

Queasy or sick: No. 

Looking forward to: Meeting with some daycare providers this week.

Prayer Request: This week I pray for Kingston to not be stubborn and to flip on his own and to find the perfect child care provider for our little man. 

So cute but so stubborn! And a thumb sucker?? Oh lawd! 

PS - Check out CraftingAFairyTale on Etsy! I've made tons of goodies for Kingston that I would love to recreate for you. 

Week 31

How far along: 31 Weeks 

Food Comparison: 4 Naval Oranges

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +19 lbs 

Maternity clothes: A few pieces here and there. 

Stretch marks: I've counted 4 but none on the belly. =(

Belly button in or out: Out

Sleep: My night goes kinda of like this - sleep from 11a-245p, rest room break, toss turn toss turn toss turn until I wake up at 530 to go to the bathroom, then toss and turn until my alarm goes off 15-45 mins later. 

Best moment last week: The three day weekend! I wish we had those every weekend. 

Also - making Kingston an awesome mobile! 

Minky, felt, batting, and bakers twine!

 I love all my mama-made decorations. 

Like it too? Let me make you one! 

Worst moment last week: Backaches galore and he is definitely playing in my ribs these days. 

Miss anything: A few things but I wouldn't trade my little man for anything.   

Movement: This little man is active! Luckily I haven't really had any painful kicks or jabs but he is moving up a storm in there.

Cravings: Not really. I'm having to make myself eat these days. I'm not really hungry.   

Queasy or sick: No. 

Looking forward to: My birthday (on Friday)/ babymoon - we are taking a road trip to Dallas. Casino, IKEA, Dillard's clearance, Nordstrom rack, pool, food trucks, and diner drive-ins and dives. Then seeing Kingston next Monday. We have another ultrasound to see if he's officially turned into the right position.

Prayer Request: This week I pray for comfort. I'm so thankful I was able to make it to 31 weeks without being super uncomfortable - but the time has come where I'm really starting to feel pregnant. I pray that Kingston calms down on the tickling of the bladder and the kicking of the ribs. 

Week 30

How far along: 30 Weeks 

Food Comparison: Cucumber

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +18 lbs 

Maternity clothes: A few pieces here and there. 

Stretch marks: A stretch mark was found on my inner thigh. Are you serious? Who knew. 

Belly button in or out: Out

Sleep: I'm tired all the time but once I get in bed I can't fall asleep. Luckily though, I have an easy time going back to sleep after every mid-night trip to the restroom. 

Best moment last week: Seeing family and friends that I haven't seen in a while at my MOH and sister's graduation. 

Also taking my mom out for a belated mothers day lunch and then to the zoo! 

Worst moment last week: Driving 10 hours in a car this weekend. 

Wichita to Omaha to Manhattan to Salina to Wichita. 

I literally changed positions every 10 minutes. It was brutal. Thankfully when we go to Dallas next weekend we will be taking CT's comfy car and he will be driving. 

Miss anything: Sleeping on my back and being able to go pee only 3 times throughout the day. 

Movement: This little man is active! Luckily I haven't really had any painful kicks or jabs but he is moving up a storm in there.

Cravings: Bomb pops.  

Queasy or sick: No. 

Looking forward to: Memorial Day weekend and spending some much needed time out in the sun. 

Prayer Request: This week I pray that CT gets the perfect opportunity at a D1 as a football graduate assistant. This means 2 years of additional schooling to obtain his masters but he would also get so much experience coaching. I pray that this happens sooner rather than later because that means I get to be a stay at home mom sooner rather than later. I hope this is in your plans Lord! 

Week 29

Shower #2

How far along: 29 Weeks 

Food Comparison: Butternut squash

Gender: Boy!! 

Weight gain: +17 lbs 

Maternity clothes: A few pieces here and there. Trying not to purchase any but I'm thinking I will need to get a pair of shorts for the summer.

Stretch marks: My belly is still in the clear but I may have found one on the sides of my booty. Needless to say - I've started slathering the cocoa butter there too. 

Belly button in or out: Half in half out. 

Sleep: Depends on the night. As long as CT doesn't elbow me in the eye or punch me in the head (both of which happened this past week) and I have the fan blowing on me - I'm good. 

Plus I'm back to using the rest room 2+ times a night. 

Best moment last week: Baby shower #2 with CT's family plus receiving goodies in the mail. 

Worst moment last week: I've had my first experience with acid reflux and it is NOT fun. I've been pretty fortunate with that being my only 'pregnancy' symptom so I shouldn't complain. 

Miss anything: This summer heat makes me miss being able to have a frozen margarita.

Movement: Yes. More and more each week! Last night he was using my bladder as a trampoline. 

Cravings: Bomb pops.  

Queasy or sick: Some movements make my tummy turn and besides the acid reflux - life is good. 

Looking forward to: Seeing some family and friends this upcoming weekend at Creighton and K-State's graduation. 

Prayer Request: Last week I prayed that we would get a good shot of Kingston's face at the sonogram. They say 28 weeks is the best time to get a 3d/4d ultrasound because they finally have enough fat on their face to make them look like 'them' and still plenty of room before it gets too cramped. 

I'd say my prayer worked! 

Isn't he so sweet? He looks like his daddy for sure throughout his eyes and nose, has my forehead, and a mixture of both of our big lips. 

I love this little boy already. 

This week I pray that Kingston stops being lazy and starts making his journey to the underside. He needs to get his butt in place to make his arrival. We only have 11 weeks left!