Sitting here in the middle of this Blizzard hoping that baby boy just stays put for the next 24 hours! We have lost power and cable once again. I actually think we have had more days in March without power than we have had with power. March is proving to be a real lion, but I am hopeful that this will mean spring is arriving early and April will be beautiful! Baby Dow and I want to get outside this April and walk the beautiful Harbor loop here in Chatham. Okay, here is my 39 weeks pregnant bump update that you all have been waiting for! Not sure whether or not we will get a 40 week update, but I will be sure to keep you guys posted on his delivery and life with our new baby. Size: We had an ultrasound last week, and baby boy is approximately 8 lb.. He is ready to go! (So is Mama J) Weight Gain: Total weight gain since conception has been 16 lb.. I am ready to start having the scale go the other direction! Symptoms: I am still feeling great, I am sleeping well, no heartburn, the pain in my groin has decreased as my body has adjusted to all of these changes and my energy levels are pretty good considering. I absolutely feel like my belly couldn’t possibly get any bigger and its not easy getting up from the couch or getting comfortable for a long period of time in one spot. Favorite Wardrobe piece to wear right now: There is no such thing as a favorite piece of clothing right about now. Getting dressed is just pretty much a nuisance. Nursery Update: The nursery was really complete as of Week 35, so there really isn’t too much to report here. It’s really such a warm, beautiful space that we cannot wait to bring our son home too! One moment I loved about this past week: Marrying my best friend!!! Tim and I made it official and tied the knot. It was such a private, beautiful ceremony and truly everything that the both of us really wanted. We said our vows and made our promises to one another along the shore here in Chatham on a deck at the weather station that overlooked a lot of the coastline. It was a beautiful day. One thing I plan to do for myself this week: This week I am finishing up most of my work with clients and trying to take it a little easier. Remembering to rest when the opportunity arises and enjoy just being with Timmy and relaxing before the big day.
Food cravings: No particular food cravings… I do have the appetite though. Timmy and I went to breakfast Saturday morning, before he could ask me how my breakfast was it was already down the hatch! “I’ll take a short stack of pancakes, side of bacon and a poached egg please.” …. #noshame. Currently working on: We are working on our birth plan and finishing up our music playlist. Together we are working on how to keep me as calm and focused as possible. I am working on easing any anxiety as it comes up for me and reminding myself that this is a beautiful process that brings us closer to meeting our son. Women have been doing this forever! Any mamas out there have anything to share about what helped them during their labor day?? I would love to hear about your experiences. xo
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We flipped the calender this morning and there March was... it really resonated with me for a few moments first thing this morning while the sun was rising that this month, in less than a month, we will be meeting our newest member of our family. Its such an incredible feeling. I am excited, sometimes anxious, nervous at other times, and totally confident and ready to do this during other moments! All of the support we have recieved from family and friends is truly wonderful and we are so thankful for each and every one of you. I feel so fortunate to be part of this miracle of life. I was chosen to knit this little being together in my womb with the utmost care and love. I continue to remind myself of that when I have days or moments when I am feeling tired, emotional or anxious. My body continues to work with me, not against, to build this beautiful being I get to call my son. Thats amazing!!! Size: So I can no longer go by the “What to Expect” app, because my boy is big and he has surpassed what they predict the size of the baby to be this week. At 35 weeks the ultrasound weight was 6 lbs. 7 oz. … So I predict we are about 7 lbs. this week. According to Google… 126 medium strawberries 3500 cotton balls 3080 skittles and $3,178 in U.S. one dollar bills all weigh 7lbs. Weight Gain: Doctors appointments are weekly now, so I went this morning and my weight is the same as Week 35, 15 pounds gained since conception! Symptoms: I pretty much feel amazing! The only symptoms at this point are that he has dropped significantly so his head is creating pressure (lots of pee runs!) and some pain in my hips. The waddle is real. Favorite Wardrobe piece to wear right now: Favorite or just plain necessary… JOGGERS. I am living in my joggers at this point. Thankfully my clients understand and you can dress them up or down with a cute pair of sneakers and/or a cardigan. I have found the joggers from aerie to be the most comfortable, so soft and great price. A bonus is that I will be able to wear these post pregnancy as well. Nursery Update: As promised here are some pictures of the finished space… there is still some putting away of things to do so I didn’t take a totally complete picture, but you will get the idea. One moment I loved about this past week: Making time to catch up with my girlfriends. One afternoon last week I met two of my girlfriends at a local café and it was so nice to just relax and reconnect. Over the weekend I met up with another girlfriend of mine for breakfast, which was also so fun… and delicious!! (Little man can EAT in the morning) One thing I plan to do for myself this week: Well, this weekend I am for sure taking advantage of some down time and relaxing on the couch with a couple of books I am reading right now. I am still working full work weeks and its exhausting, so I am looking forward to some serious down time. Next week I am working, but I am trying to finish up my schedule by mid-afternoon so I can have some time at home and Timmy will be home which will be a great opportunity for us to finish up little projects around the house. Food cravings: No real food cravings right now… although the thought of a Philly cheesesteak and French fries continues to come up in my thoughts. I have NO idea what that is all about people. Currently working on: Staying calm. There are so many emotions right now as we approach DD. Anxious, excited, nervous… I continue to tell myself daily that labor is nothing to be afraid of and that it is a beautiful process, each contraction bringing us closer to meeting our son. I also keep telling myself that I am totally going to ROCK labor. ;-) There you have it! 20 days to go... I'll be sure to get in another Bump Update between now and then. This week stay tuned to hear about what is going in my hospital bag and some of my favorite new beauty finds (both skincare and makeup!). xoxo "You are rooted deep within my soul. A part of me forever. In the deepest parts of my heart, there you are." I can't believe we have 5 shorts weeks til we meet our son. This journey has been so incredible and I feel so fortunate for all of the love and support we have received. Here is our Bump Update at 35 weeks and I have a lot to share with you guys! Size: We went for an ultrasound this week and they gave us an estimated current weight of 6 lbs. 7oz. His little feet measured at 3.5 inches! He has big paddles like his mama HAHA! Weight Gain: As little man is putting on the pounds, mama is steadily gaining weight too. Up 15 pounds since conception! Hoping he is less than 10 pounds! Symptoms: Besides hobbling around and having a difficult time getting comfortable, I have been feeling pretty great! I have moments where the reflux is pretty bad but I can deal with it, nothing a few Tums can’t handle. I can’t wait to see the head of hair on this little man! Favorite Wardrobe piece to wear right now: I am living in joggers right now! They are the perfect pants because I can wear them comfortably now and also post partum when I am running around after my two little guys. You can find my favorite joggers here. They are so soft and on sale for 50% off! I am also IN LOVE with Barefoot Dreams and found this awesome poncho on sale a few weeks ago on the QVC. It is awesome because I will be able to wear it now and post partum and it will be great for nursing! There stuff is so versatile and soft. Nursery Update: We are almost there! Waiting on a few more items to arrive and I need to keep putting some things away, but we are practically ready. Will share some updates soon, I promise! Pregnancy/Baby Related item I have loved this week: With our baby boy arriving just in time to celebrate Easter with us, I couldn't help but to buy him his first Easter outfit. This mint green jumper with white bunnies all over it is just adorable. Oldnavy is currently offering 20% off your order and this jumper is only $12! The sweatshirt was just an add on item that was also on sale for $12 here. One moment I loved about this past week: Valentines Day with my love. I drove up to Boston and stayed the night with Tim because he is up there this week working the New England Boat Show. We went out to Strega Waterfront, which was near our hotel, and it was amazing! The atmosphere was lively and romantic, the food was excellent and our server, John, was so nice. I have always loved Valentines Day, single, dating or married, its just such an awesome excuse to spread some love to others! A second moment I loved this week was taking advantage of the hotel pool and going for a dip! OMG this was amazing. Seriously, it felt amazing to just swim and float in the pool and feel so light. It completely relieved my lower back strain from my growing belly and shifting pelvis. One thing I plan to do for myself this week: Take sometime this weekend to just relax, quietly and curl up on the couch with a book I am reading right now. I have been feeling lately like each day is just packed with so many tasks for work that by the time I am done I have about an hour to veg out before bed. I want to intentionally relax this weekend! Food cravings: A blueberry muffin! Something about blueberries this pregnancy… I met a dear friend of mine for breakfast at a local hot spot and ordered a grilled blueberry muffin; it was amazing and totally hit the spot! Currently working on: Finishing up the nursery, packing my hospital bag and getting some things for business in order before maternity leave. Stay tuned to hear what has made it into my hospital bag and updates on our nursery! xo Check out my previous Bump Updates below: Categories All I love being pregnant. My body is a vessel for the Divine. I will never be more connected to life itself. While I may be uncomfortable at times in my pregnant body, (from heartburn to the lower back pain), I love myself all the same. My body is strong. My body is a miracle. I have learned to love and respect it now. That is a beautiful thing. Size: According to What to Expect, baby is the size of a head of lettuce, 19 inches long and 4 lbs. this week. If you have been following my journey, you know that during our doctor’s appointment at 30 weeks baby was already measuring at 3.89 lbs. so it is difficult to say how big Baby Dow really is at this point. 90th percentile baby on board!!! Weight Gain: 13 pounds gained still! It’s amazing, every day I feel like my belly is absolutely a little bit bigger, but I am truly carrying all of this pregnancy in my belly. Symptoms: Still complaining of hip and groin pain ladies! My back pain really comes and goes… it’s not a consistent pain anymore, which is great. I am still sleeping really well at night, which is also a big plus! I have noticed that I am getting tired a little bit earlier each day. During my 4 pm clients, it is absolutely getting harder for me to stay on my feet. I just bought a pair of Fresh Foam New Balance… hoping those will help provide a little extra cushion under my feet. Favorite wardrobe piece to wear right now: This one isn’t so easy this week… with my growing bump it is getting more challenging to get dressed and be comfortable. Lacing up my sneakers or pulling on my boots is a challenge, and finding pants the fit comfortably under my bump, but don’t fall down my butt is an even bigger challenge. I am sending an SOS to any moms or moms-to-be that can provide some advice on this challenge that will only become more difficult over the next 6 six weeks. Nursery Update: The nursery is really coming together. My baby shower took place two weekends ago and we were showered with so many wonderful and thoughtful gifts. Now I just need to take some time each day to find the perfect home for everything. I plan to get a lot done this weekend, so I will be sure to post some updated pictures in the next couple of weeks. Pregnancy related item I have loved this week: My yoga blocks. Taking time in the morning when I first get up to stretch and breathe has really helped to ease my hip and groin pains, not to mention my mind. One moment I love about this past week: This past week was so wonderful. Between having my baby shower and being surrounded by so much love to having my best friend visiting from California for the week. We spent some awesome quality time together that I found to be so special knowing that the next time we see each other the baby will be here and it will make having as much time as we did this visit a bit more challenging. Also, over last weekend Timmy was working at the New York Boat show and I took the opportunity to get away for the weekend and go visit him in Manhattan. Although he was busy working and it didn’t allow for much time together, we did get out to dinner for two awesome date nights and to have some fun in the city, just the two of us! One thing I plan to do for myself this week: This week I plan to start getting together my bag for the hospital. Personally, I would rather just have that all set and ready to go by week 35 so I am prepared for whatever little man decides to throw our way. I will be sure to post what is inside!
Food cravings: So I feel like I have been totally boring in this category throughout my pregnancy, but I am really not having any cravings! Citrus fruits still taste amazing and I consume them daily, but everything else is pretty much the same as before I got pregnant. The other day someone did ask me what meal am I looking most forward too post baby, and without taking a breath I was able to say sushi from Blue Fin in Chatham, with my favorite martini! (Milagro, straight up, splash of grapefruit with a lime) YUM! Currently working on: Staying calm. It is very easy to let my mind get worked up and to feel very anxious as the weeks add up and we get closer and closer to my DD. Staying calm, remembering to breathe and taking moments for meditation daily are truly keeping me anchored in the present and assuring me that everything will be just fine. Have you been following my journey? I would love to hear from you. Also... if you have any ideas on dressing the bump third trimester please leave them below. Thanks ahead of time! 7 weeks to go! xoxo Size: We went for a check in with our doctor during week 29 and had a stress test and ultrasound done to check the growth of our son… turns out he is in the 90th percentile and weighing 3.89 lbs., which is the weight and length you would expect of a baby at 32 – 33 weeks. So it looks like we are a little ahead of the game. We will have another ultrasound in a couple weeks to monitor his growth. Weight Gain: 13 pounds! The scale finally budged a pound during the last couple of days and I am at 13 lbs. gained since conception. Symptoms: Same ole’ same ole! Back and hip/groin pain. Boy is growing like a weed and my back is paying for it, but other than that I feel great! The heartburn has totally subsided and I am sleeping well still. I had a few nights of sleeplessness last week, but luckily that didn't stick around. Favorite wardrobe piece to wear right now: My Mammut long down jacket that I received from Timmy for Christmas. Its perfect with the sub zero temperatures we have been experiencing and has plenty of room for me and baby. Nursery Update: Well, we added a bookshelf with bins from Big Lots for better organization of books and supplies. My goal over the next two weeks is to get the changing table stocked and organized, the closet organized and some of our gifts we have received put away in the appropriate places. Over the next couple of weeks things will really come together here in our nursery and I will be sure to take pictures and share with you all! Pregnancy related item I have loved this week: I have revisited a piece of my teenage years the last couple of weeks, and not in a good way. Pimples, breakouts and oily skin, oh my! My face regime, but more specifically, my Face Oil #1 has been an all time life saver. This citrus-scented facial oil quickly absorbs and penetrates skin to awaken and replenish. The proprietary blend of seven natural oils moisturizes and improves radiance. Omega-rich marula oil provides intense hydration while antioxidant vitamin C brightens and evens skin tone. We all know that I am a huge fan of Beautycounter, and I don't like to bring it up too often in my posts because I fear that I am coming off to "salesy"... and we all know that can make us feel like we are being pressured to try or buy something that we may not need. That being said, I am incredibly passionate about safer solutions for my skincare. I find that so many people disregard the toxic load they are absorbing through their skin with the skin and body care products they use and just focus on eating healthier and exercising. While eating healthy and exercising are huge components to leading a healthy lifestyle, my goal is through education, make people more aware of their toxic load and simple ways in which they can decrease it. Just in myself alone, I use about 15 different products a day from shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, makeup etc. Imagine all of the toxic build up I was putting on my skin everyday before I started this journey?! Its scary... but thankfully we have so many wonderful options out there to help us decrease our toxic load and make safer choices for ourselves and our families. If you are interested in learning more about safer skincare please feel free to shoot me a comment below and we can chat more! Beautycounter is one of the brands that I know, love and trust, in addition to many others, and if you have ever wanted to try any of our products I am more than happy to send free samples! One moment I loved about this past week: Date night at Bluefin with my babe. Our date nights out are so special to us. We both live crazy busy lives (like most of you) and its so nice to just unplug from the world and enjoy a couple of hours with each other uninterrupted. One thing I plan to do for myself this week: This past Saturday, Timmy and I went to have pedicures at my favorite nail spa. He had never had one before and now he finally understands what all the hype is about, they are absolutely amazing! Hot stones, hot towels, massage… what’s not to love?! This week I plan to carve out some time in my morning routine and do a short yoga sequence to help center my mind, ease back pain from a night of sleeping and start my day on the right track. I figure if I can get into the practice now of carving out short periods of time for myself, it will be easier to do so once I am in mommy mode and a 15 minute hot shower or yoga session will be crucial for my well being. Food cravings: No real food cravings, but I am absolutely loving grapefruit. They are so delicious this time of year and I have been enjoying one every morning. My mornings usually start with ½ a grapefruit and either a bowl of oatmeal with walnuts and banana or 2 eggs scrambled with a Ezekiel bread English muffin and nut butter. Currently working on: Thanks to so many awesome mamas that belong to the Modern Mamas tribe on Facebook I just started a new book, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. There are SO many books out there and I have created a collection of my favorites based on recommendations and my personal thoughts on each read. Maybe it would be helpful to create a blog review on my favorite books that have been apart of this journey. Do you have a favorite book you have read about pregnancy, breastfeeding, baby, or raising children? I would love to hear. So thats a wrap for weeks 29 & 30! We are approaching the debut day faster than I could have ever imagined. Stay tuned for more updates! Categories |
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