Pregnancy #3, Baby #5: 30-31 WEEKS!

Today, April 11, 2013, I went to the OB. I am 31 weeks.

Weight: 150lbs...EKK! I remember hitting that number with the girls and thinking I will never ever be 150lbs unless I am pregnant (little did I know I was going to be just a few lbs shy of 200lbs on the day I delivered them.....SCARY!!!!!!!)! So, that's only 18-20lbs gained so far. Not too bad!

Heartbeat was clear. I never get tired of hearing that sweet sound.

Had another pap smear to check for cancer. This is the second to the last one I will have before this pregnancy is over. Hoping it stayed the same as last time, although if anything has changed and I have to deliver, it will be less scarier now delivering at around 33/34 weeks than it was before at 26 weeks! I will know the results in two weeks...wait, wait, wait! Hoping and praying it's all still non-cancerous!

AND....looks like I will be scheduling a VBAC (hopefully) induction for June 5th/6th. Super, super happy about that! I will be 39w1-2d at that point so everything should be perfect, unless I go into labor on my own before then. We have a VERY busy middle and end of June with trips/family visiting and such, so an early June delivery is what I am hoping for. So in the middle of May we can fully schedule it with the hospital, but that's what my OB said would be best. He is eager to deliver her as soon as she can because the sooner we do, the sooner I can have the hysterectomy. Think, 2 more months of pregnancy and then 2-2.5 months of healing before surgery, so it's really almost 4-6 months to go with hoping it doesn't one day decide to change to cancer! We got to get Anna here healthy and safe and just go from there on step two.

Anyway....

Belly button is definitely out now. It's lovely. I feel like by the end of the day my belly is going to just pop, even though I really don't feel that big yet.

AK moves all the time. She is very, very active. I feel most of the kicks, rolls, movement in the top region of my belly (belly button and above to the right and left).

Feeling very tired and weak. I walk up the stairs and I feel like I am going to just collapse. No lie, my heart beats like it's going to explode. I have no stamina at all, which is weird considering how much running around I do. {Note: that is NOT actual running..that I don't do.} My body aches by the end of the day and honestly feels like jello by the time I get into bed! I guess when I was pregnant with Emily, the girls weren't really walking and therefore couldn't run from me so quickly, so it was a lot easier (I didn't think so then though). They also couldn't talk back, have opinions and sure weighed less. Now, it's running after them from beating each other, telling me "no" and picking up one of them hurts my back and hips. It's definitely way more tiring this time around having "older" kids....but don't get me wrong the second most challenging time in my life (1st was NICU) was when I was puking a hundred times a day while trying to care for three 6.5 month olds! So, I'll take tiredness over that any day!

Still craving pretty much anything. Especially if I don't have it. I've been craving onion rings for weeks and haven't had any yet. Still eating a lot of sweets.

Heartburn is still there but I have managed it better with taking the anti-acid twice a day, not just once.

Here are re-cap photos, because I haven't done this once this pregnancy.

31 Weeks with the triplets, 29 Weeks with Emily and now 31 Weeks with Anna-Kate:

  

I go back in two weeks for another check/pap results and then again in two weeks from there, providing nothing comes back as cancer.

Pregnancy #3, Baby #5, Weeks: 24-29

Week 24:

Lots of heartburn. As soon as I lay down in the evening, no matter what I've eaten, it gets to me immediately.

Peeing ALL THE TIME!!! I must pee ten times between 8pm and 8am. Buuutt, I do drink a lot of water all day, so it's expected, I guess.

Anna-Kate moves so much now! Oh my goodness, she is a little acrobat. My whole belly moves now and it's not just like some random kick, it's turning and dancing, swimming...every time I lay down. Super active in the afternoon and evening, until I fall asleep. I can feel her very low, which doesn't help my bladder. I feel like her head is right  on my bladder and it drives me crazy!! She'll kick me so hard and it honestly makes me jump.

Still eating a lot of sweets. Ice cream, especially. Almost every night. Eating a lot of Banana Nut Crunch cereal too, every morning. 

Still only have gained 9lbs. At 144lbs, as of 25 weeks, February 28, 2013.

I feel like I am growing an inch a day, belly wise.

Very dry skin.

Sleeping better and still having nightmares. Why do I always have nightmares when I am pregnant? (must be all the Dateline/CSI/48 Hours I watch each week...that may have something to do with it...)

Today is March 8, 2013, I am 26w1d.

SO SO SO tired. I swear every day I think I am more tired then the last. This little bean is taking all of my energy at every moment. I walk up the stairs and I feel like I am going to pass out....but that's every pregnancy I have had, so I guess I should expect it.

Getting more and more contractions each day. Some days I have more than I think I should. But I am not one to call or run to the doctor over something that I know is nothing. I also know it's totally normal to have some contractions as your uterus grows, and normally I just have a few more than that...so hopefully Little Miss will stay put for awhile!

All I can say is HEARTBURN, HEARTBURN, HEARTBURN!!!!!!! Oh my goodness!

Today is Thursday, March 14, 2013, I am 27 weeks. 

Today is Thursday, March 21 and I am 28 weeks. 7 MONTHS! Anna-Kate is moving all of the time. Doing flips, swimming, dancing, I don't know, but she is very active. I am getting more and more excited to have a "new" baby again soon! I just can't wait to see another miracle snuggled in my arms. What a blessing!

Today is Thursday, March 28 and I am 29 weeks! I cannot believe next week I will be counting down in the single digits until I meet this little one! I also promise to post a belly photo next week at week 30. To be totally honest, I haven't been taking many photos because  life is just so busy, it's the last thing on my mind, and normally if I do snap a quick phone photo, it's in a tank and jammie pants...not so appealing for the blog world.

The heart burn hasn't been as bad now that I am taking the anti-acid everyday. I just feel tired, weak, and burned out. I know it hasn't been that long since I was pregnant, but I do feel like it's definitely taken a different toll on my body this time around.

AK is a big mover. She is constantly kicking and turning. As of right this moment, in fact. Claire especially loves to put her hand on my belly and say "baby kicking". Melts my heart. Their words are just exploding these days...but Claire the most. She repeats EVERYTHING we say and is so verbal now, it's amazing. She also loves to say "baby titer" for baby sister and I swear it's so darn cute. Natalee also has become obsessed with babies, and she is fully aware of where Emily is at every moment. And if she doesn't see her, she is constantly asking "where my baby" or "where my bayboo". She LOVES Emily for sure, but sometimes has a strange way of showing it, like trying to rip her clothes off a million times a day! (I need to do an update on them all very soon, promise I will!)

So let's see what else can I document here....hmm....I am still craving sweets and still eating a lot. My belly button is completely stretched out but my stretch marks from the girls don't look like they are getting any worse, just there. My boobs are extremely heavy and full. I swear I could pump a gallon of milk out of them now. It's getting harder and harder to sleep, and my back is killing me. The nerve in my back that radiates down my left leg is beyond painful. I am constantly using the heating pad to help it and Tim is wonderful about massaging my back at least every other night, which is the best. But, honestly, I swear I have more contractions when and after he massages...just like when I had physical therapy with the girls. Contractions have actually slowed down, yes, I get them every single day and night, but nothing to worry about. I drink LOTS of water and always try to lay down when I can (haha) so it's bearable. Peeing a lot, like 8 times per night, but I contribute that to all the water I drink. I do drink A LOT of water.

The other day, I said, "can you believe it could be another 6-8 weeks and Anna could be here!?" Tim almost fell over. I can't believe it either, but I am so excited to meet her when the time does come!

I have an OB appointment with another pap smear next week and the following week I go back to the perinatalogist.

37 Weeks (&2d)/FULL-TERM!

How Far Along: 37 Weeks! FULL-TERM!!!!! Holy cow, I have carried a baby to FULL-TERM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


How Big is Little Miss E: Almost 7lbs! My goodness! I swear I won't know what to do with a full-term, regular sized baby! I don't even know how to prepare for it!! We are so freaking out that she will weigh more than Natalee in just a few months! That blows my mind!!


Symptoms: Contractions, but nothing too bad or regular...blah! Tired and weak for sure. I can barely carry the girls up the stairs without dying! Still pain in my right leg and having some back pain, along with still recovering from my bad cold and gaining my vice back. I swore my water was going to break from coughing so hard...but it didn't.

Weight Gain: Around 155-157lbs. Not bad to say the least!


Emotions: Doing good. Soaking in every feeling and thought of being pregnant, because according to my husband this is the LAST time I will be pregnant! ;)


Movement: All of the time! She NEVER settles down and it's starting to hurt! She moves so much, especially in the evening and at night. Squirming and squirming, like she's trying so hard to get out, but haven't figured just how to do it yet!


Best Moment of the Week: Making it to FULL-TERM! Phew!


Maternity Clothes: Of course!


Stretchmarks: Just the same ones from the girls I'm guessing, and hoping!


Sleep: Going okay!


Food Cravings: Anything and everything! Loading up on the pineapple and Eggplant Parm (if I can find a good place to get it!)....anything to go into labor soon.


Aversions: Cream based food!


Gender: A Little Miss!


What I Miss: Wine!!!


What I am Looking Forward to: Meeting this little girl! Everyday that passes gets closer and closer and that is exciting, no matter how she is born! This TUESDAY makes 3 WEEKS until my scheduled c-section, but honestly I will be VERY surprised if I make it 40w2d!


And here I am at 37w1d:

36 Weeks (&5d)!

How Far Along: 36 weeks, according to me, but 36 weeks and 5 days according to my OB.


How Big is E: About 6 - 6.5 lbs! We'll get a better estimate at the docs today! Could be my LAST sonogram!


Symptoms: Contractions- I had awhile on Sunday where my contractions were between 3-8 minutes apart for about 4 hours. It made me a little bit nervous, but all and all, I was fine. Having many contractions a day but nothing different than I am used to!


Pain down my right leg, I can tell she must be hitting a nerve or something because it happens when she moves a certain way, just for a second.


Sleepy, weak and tired! It's hard caring for a family, being pregnant and trying to get everything prepared and done all day, every day.


Weight Gain: Well I'll be getting it checked today at the OB! At least somewhere around 157 lbs...ekk!


Emotions: Ok, getting so anxious and nervous, but so super excited that every day that passes is one more day closer to meeting E! Then that's when the roller coaster of emotions begin! Still having such a hard time dealing with leaving my girls while I am in the hospital, hating that so much. It's beyond painful for me but I know they will be in great hands and fine, it's just me with the emotions of it all.


Movement: All day, every day! She moves constantly. She jabs me all of the time and is sticking out her limbs from each side of my body constantly. I love feeling her move and cherishing every moment of it. She still gets the hiccups all of the time.


Best Moment of the Week: Knowing my body is preparing for labor, or at least trying to. SO exciting. I feel like in some ways there are so many firsts with this baby, which I have written about before!  And I am so excited and giddy over.


Maternity Clothes: Of course. Pj's are the only thing I wear most days unless I am leaving the house.


Stretchmarks: Just the same ones from the girls.


Sleep: Sleep is actually not going to well. Surprisingly now that I CAN sleep through the night, I can't fall asleep until after midnight. Still get the best sleep in the morning, until I wake the girls up at 9AM.


Food Cravings: Anything. Pork and sour kraut! Loving on that right now! My sister brought me a dozen chocolate glazed Krispie Kreme doughnuts yesterday 


Aversions: Cream based foods.


Gender: A Little Miss!


What I Miss: WINE! 


What I am Looking Forward to: My birthday and a LOOOONG overdue date night with my hubby! Also, my OB appointment on Thursday to see if I am more dilated and another sonogram of E! And of course hoping to go into labor soon!!!


And here I am at 36 weeks and 4 days:

35 Weeks and Some Surprising Changes!

I wrote this post yesterday, Tuesday 12.27, and didn't get to take my photos and then figured I would wait until after my OB appointment and I am glad I did. SO much changed!


First of all, they changed my due date again, and the OB insisted that I am 35w4d today, which of course makes me happy! So, Saturday I will be 36 weeks! Phew!


E is still VERY low, head down and "moving so much" as the Dr. stated. She also said "her head is right there!" when she checked me!


I am 50% effaced and AT LEAST 2CM!!!!!!!!! Like WOW! I couldn't believe it! I could be more, she wasn't sure because my cervix is still back, but she said that will change of course in the next few weeks or so.


Also, instead of January 24th as the c-section date, which I already have hospital orders for, now I get another week added on to give ample time to go into labor on my own! SO happy about that! So, instead it will be January 30th now instead and I will be 40w3d!


I asked her to predict when E could come and she didn't want to say. It could be tomorrow, it could be 40w2d! We'll see if I am anymore progressed at my next OB appointment, next Thursday 01.05.12, which will be 36w5d! So exciting!




How Far Along: 35 weeks (&4d)! AH!


Big is Little Miss E: Average size is a honeydew..YUM! About 4.2 to 5.8 lbs...but I think E is measuring on the big side, imagine that after having such little peanuts the first time! Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs…time to start practicing your lullabies (or the wheels on the bus...since I sing that about fourteen billion times a day!)! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month (thebump.com).


Symptoms: Stopped the procardia and surprisingly I'm not having that many contractions without it. I hope my body slowly starts to do what it is suppose to do! (yes it is!)


Drinking a lot, peeing a lot, pains in my right leg still hurts, and definitely getting very swollen by the end of the day. It's getting worse every few days, but I think that is to be expected at this point and it is always gone by the morning. Hopefully it stays like that.


I can really tell my belly is getting bigger and bigger. It's always in the way these days!


Blood pressure is doing great! AMEN!


Weight Gain: Weighed today....157 lbs. Ouch!


Emotions: Doing great! I am slowly coming to the conclusion that this pregnancy is coming to an end. I cannot wait to meet Little E and hold a little peanut again that was created by God but if this is my last baby, it makes me a little sad that it could be the last time I ever experience being pregnant. I felt that way with the girls and little did I know how wrong I was, but please be assured that will not happen again after E is born! Being so blessed with our four beautiful daughters, we will be a family of six for a long time, if not forever. But of course there is a part of me that is already experience those emotions of this being "it". I haven't thought much of it because I don't want to. I just want to enjoy every moment of the next few weeks until E gets here.


Best Moment of the Week: Getting through Christmas without going to the hospital!!! Seeing my babies turn ONE, Christmas with family and friends, all the wonderful things Christmas brings!


Movement: All day, every day! She never stops and is constantly kicking, moving and having the hiccups!


Maternity Clothes: Of course! Although I did get a cute dress for Christmas and it was NOT maternity, so I totally didn't feel bad for spending 30 dollars on it when I can definitely wear it again!


Stretchmarks: Just the same ones from the girls! They are getting very sore though, I guess because they are stretching more...boo!


Sleep: WONDERFUL! Just peeing a lot due to the swelling and drinking a lot, but not getting up at all with the girls! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!


Food Cravings: Anything and everything! I don't turn down most food!


Aversions: Cream-based foods/drinks. Coffee.


Gender: A Little Miss!


What I Miss: WINE!


What I am Looking Forward to: Making it to 37 weeks and hopefully going into labor on my own before my scheduled c-section!!!!!


And here I am today at 35w4d, please excuse my jammies:

34 Weeks!!

How Far Along: 34 Weeks! This was my goal when I was pregnant with the girls, but obviously we didn't make it that long!


I am so excited that I am not in the hospital this Christmas....as long as things still stay quiet the rest of this week with ALL I have to do!


How Big is Little Miss E: Average size is a honeydew..YUM! About 4.2 to 5.8 lbs...but I think E is measuring on the big side, imagine that after having such little peanuts the first time! Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs…time to start practicing your lullabies (or the wheels on the bus...since I sing that about fourteen billion times a day!)! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month (thebump.com). 


Yesterday at MY LAST APPOINTMENT with the perinatalogist, he predicted she is about 4 lbs 12 ounces! Wow, even in her 3D/4D photos, she looks so chubby with big, chubby lips! I still cannot believe we will hopefully have a normal size baby at birth! She should start to gain about 8 ounces each week now until her birth!


My cervix is still holding strong with no change from two weeks ago, at about 2.8. There is no sign that I will develop pre-eclampsia this time, AMEN! My blood pressure is doing great and though it is expected to go up a little bit, it shouldn't become a problem!


She is VERY low and still head down! I have been experiencing a lot of pressure, if ya know what I mean, and it was confirmed by how low she is.


Symptoms: Pains down my right leg are getting worse. Perinatalogist said it's normal and probably just my nerve or muscle causing the sharp pains. Contractions are manageable and the peri also said that I cans top the procardia whenever I want because studies have shown that it makes no difference this far along in the pregnancy, but I am going to continue it until 35 weeks, as my OB suggested. I swear if I were to stop it now, she would come and I don't want that, so for my own peace of mine, I'll just keep taking it!


And of course the usual, tired, weak, and drinking a lot of water!


Boobies are getting ready too...I can tell and it is so NOT fun! Blah, but it's nice knowing my body is just preparing itself in all the right ways!


Weight Gain: 151 lbs.


Emotions: Going great! What a wonderful week it is!


Best Moment of the Week: Making it to 34 weeks! Each week pasts is AWESOME!


Movement: All of the time! She is a very active girl! She still gets the hiccups MANY times a day and night!!


Maternity Clothes: Of course! My XS maternity pants no longer fit. 


Stretchmarks: Just the same ones from the girls!


Sleep: Doing great! I have had more sleep in the last few nights then BEFORE the girls were born! They are sleeping through the night, with NO BOTTLES...it is purely amazing! I will post about it soon!


Food Cravings: Everything and anything!


Aversions: Just cream!


Gender: A Little Miss!


What I Miss: Wine!

What I am Looking Forward to: There's so much this week...I can barley contain myself. Finishing my shopping, wrapping and cookie making. Delivering cookies. The girl's FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Christmas Eve, Christmas Day...spending time with family and enjoying NOT being in the hospital!


And here I am yesterday at 34 Weeks! After cookie making ALL day...so please excuse the no makeup and lovely hair!

33 Weeks!

I have NEVER been 33 weeks pregnant before....or 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, OR 39 weeks, and I hope to make each of those milestones (I won't make it to 40 weeks because my c-section is already schedule for January 24th, 39 weeks exactly)!

However, I would still LOVE to go into labor by myself between 36-39 weeks!

How Far Along: 33 Weeks/8 Months

How Big is Little Miss E: Average size is a honeydew..YUM! About 4.2 to 5.8 lbs...but I think E is measuring on the big side, imagine that after having such little peanuts the first time! Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs…time to start practicing your lullabies (or the wheels on the bus...since I sing that about fourteen billion times a day!)! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month (thebump.com).  

Symptoms: Pains down my right leg for a few seconds. Contractions, thirsty, peeing a lot, tired, weak, headaches (but my blood pressure has been SUPER during this pregnancy!) 

Also, experiencing a little more "pressure" and lower back pain.

My OB said that I can stop taking my procardia at 35 weeks (Dec. 28th) to hopefully start letting my body do what it wants and prepare the natural way. He said I have a very good chance of going into labor myself and having a vaginal delivery without being induced, which they will NOT do! This makes me very happy! He said I have a good chance because I have never even tried laboring before, unlike someone who has tried labor for hours and then had to have a c-section because of issues, where as, I never have never tried it, so they don't know how I will respond, and I could respond very well. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Weight Gain: I don't know and again I don't feel like weighing myself (why take a useless trip upstairs if I don't have too!) Plus, I will get weighed tomorrow at the OB. Since I didn't post this on-time, I was weighed at the OB and I am 151 lbs. WOW! I remember when I went over 150 lbs with the girls, never in my life did I ever think I would weigh 150 lbs, even though I knew I would with carrying triplets. It's a little bittersweet this time, I hope my weight comes off just as easily this time around!

Emotions: Doing good. I have moments where I literally feel like I will just die trying to take care of everyone after E is born, because these crazy sweet girls take up so much of my time and energy right now, and add in a newborn --- AHHHH!!!!! I have to just not think about it and when it comes to it, I will just do it because just like I took care of preemie triplets--one who was recovering from surgery and almost dying a few times, I will take care of all four by myself too. I have no choice I am their Momma, but if ya could say a pray for me, please do! :)

Best Moment of the Week: The girl's Winter ONEderland Party, of course! And making it PAST 32w2d!!!!!!!!!!!!

Movement: All day and night! She kicks me so hard, I swear I can feel her toes through my skin on the outside of my belly! She still gets the hiccups all of the time of day and night! Oh my goodness, she has them so many times a day, it's almost comical!

Maternity Clothes: Yes!

Stretchmarks: Just the same lovely ones from my pregnancy with the girls.

Sleep: Doing good, in between trips to the bathroom and feeding the girls.

Food Cravings: Pretty much whatever I feel like eating at any moment; lots of pasta these days and hot chocolate!

Aversions: Anything with milk, cream, sour cream, butter...basically dairy...not agreeing with me at all at this point in my pregnancy.

Gender: A sweet little miss!

What I Miss: Not being so tired--(wait that is just motherhood!) And of course wine!

What I am Looking Forward To: Every week that I make it more and more closer to being "full-term" and then possibly going into labor by myself, I get soooo excited! I am so ready (in a few weeks) to meet this new blessing of ours! I cannot believe we are going to have a newborn in our house again! I cannot wait! Little scrunchy toes and the smells of sweet newborn skin...oh I can.not.wait!

Photos next week...too busy last week to even take a photo! Sorry! :)

31 Weeks!

Yesterday, 11.29.11, I was 31 weeks! I have 9 days left in this pregnancy before I gave birth to the girls! I cannot believe it! I feel nothing like I did at 31 weeks with the girls, for obvious reasons.

At the OB today, we had a long conversation about what the next few weeks will hold. I will either be seeing the perinatalogist or the OB each week. So basically the goal of this pregnancy is to (of course) stay pregnant until at least 36 weeks (Jan 3rd) and then go into labor by myself, before 39 weeks. I will not be induced due to all the complications I had last time for fear of more complications this time. So, if I do not go into labor by January 24th, 2012, I will have my c-section that day and Little Miss E will make her arrival!! (13 months and 1 day apart from the girls!)

How Far Along: 31 Weeks!!!

How Big is Little Miss E: (same as last week) She is between 15 and 17 inches long and about 3 lbs. each (about the size of a squash). Her energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) She is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

Symptoms: Contractions!, and they are getting stronger and stronger. Started the Procardia and it seems to be working, but nothing stops my contractions all of the time! My body is immune to any of the drugs, I swear! Peeing a lot, drinking lots of water, some minor swelling, trying to rest but it's hard, but overall, taking care of three very busy little girls and being in my third trimester, I don't think I can complain much.

Weight Gain: Today at the OB's, 11.30.11, I was 147 lbs. Started somewhere between 125-130 lbs., so not too bad! :)

Emotions: Doing ok. I think as closer as E's birth approaches, the more I think about the girl's birth or maybe it's just that their first birthday is coming. Not sure. I just am so hoping and praying for a NORMAL delivery, ect.

Best Moment of the Week: Spending time with family! And of course shopping and preparing for the girl's birthday party!

Movement: ALL OF THE TIME! I love it so much! I thought the girls moved a lot, they moved nothing like this baby girl moves!

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Stretchmarks: Just my left over ones!

Sleep: Going ok, when I get sleep! And peeing every few minutes!

Food Cravings: Everything and anything! Chocolate!

Aversions: Nothing!

Gender: A Little Miss!

What I Miss: Wine!!

What I am Looking Forward to: The girl's Winter ONEderland next week! Whahoo! I cannot believe my baby girls are going to be ONE! (Then Miss E can make her arrival!)

And here are my bump photos comparison:

30 Weeks!

I cannot believe I am 30 weeks...the LAST TEN WEEKS...! AH!!

What else I cannot believe is that at this time with the girls, I had 2 weeks and 2 days left in my pregnancy. I seriously feel a little anxious when I think about that and how hard those last two weeks were for me last time. I have no idea what pregnancy is like after 32w2d, especially with just one baby! I hope I can make it all the way to January 3rd, which will be 36 weeks! It's also strange that my pregnancy with the girls, I would have been 34 weeks on January 4th, my birthday, which was my ultimate goal with them!
How Far Along: 30 Weeks!!

How Big is Little Miss: Average fetus is 2.5 - 3.8 lbs. and about 15.2 - 16.7 inches long...about the size of a squash! Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments (thebump.com).

Symptoms: Contractions - Last week at the perinatalogist, my cervix went from 3.6 to 2.5, so even though I don't mind the contractions and well, to be honest, I feel like I have had contractions for two years now....wait...oh yeah...I HAVE! Anyway, because of our crazy lifestyle and the fact that I cannot lay around as much as I should, the doctor felt it was best to put me back on Procardia to protect my cervix as much as possible. My pharmacy ordered it and it should be here by Wednesday, which is good and bad--good, because of course I am glad they could get it (last pregnancy they couldn't) but bad, because I'll have migraine headaches for the next week, meaning over Thanksgiving and the wonderful shop-til-you-drop weekend! But it's better than Terbutaline (the pump in my leg in the below photo), which is my only worry that my body will get to used to the Procardia and then when I really need something for contractions, or to protect my cervix, they will put me back on that horrible drug! I mean, yes, it did save my babies and I from an earlier delivery, amen for that, but let me tell you, it's pure hell being on that drug for long periods of time (well, or even one day!)!

I know I do TOO much, but how can I not? I have to lift the girls in and out of their cribs, high chairs and the "chick-pen", constantly bend and get up changing their diapers and go up and down the stairs with them (although they are getting so good at crawling up the stairs--at least Madelynn and Claire). And if I lay down, or try to nap when they are, I get backed up on other things like dishes, laundry and dinner prep....but I KNOW I have to give myself a break each day, it's just really hard finding the time!

Also, tired, weak, peeing a lot and very thirsty!

Weight Gain: About 15 lbs. Just under 150 lbs. at this point!

Emotions: Going great and feeling great, emotionally! Just SO tried!!!!!

Best Moment of the Week: Getting the house ready for Christmas! One more thing we're going through before Little Miss makes her arrival!

Movement: Every moment of the day and night! Some nights she is so active I can't sleep!

Maternity Clothes: Of course!

Stretchmarks: Unfortunately, left over from the girls!
Sleep: Could be better! Peeing every hour!

Food Cravings: Anything!

Aversions: Nothing!

Gender: A Little Miss!

What I Miss: Wine!!!! And having more energy!

What I am Looking Forward to: Thanksgiving and spending good family time...which we do a lot anyway! And of course, SHOPPING! The MD Christmas Craft Show, which I missed last year, because of being on bed rest! My MIL and I will be hopefully, if all goes as planned, making the girl's Christmas shirts too!

And here is my weekly photo comparison:

OK, I want to post this today, but Tim has been working days and nights, and in between he has to take a nap, so I just took a "my view" photo for today!

29 Weeks!

How Far Along: 29 Weeks! To think there's only +/-10 weeks left...is CRAZY!

How Big is Little Miss: Average fetus is 2.5 - 3.8 lbs. and about 15.2 - 16.7 inches long...about the size of a squash! Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments (thebump.com).

Symptoms: Contractions, thirsty, heartburn, peeing all of the time, insomnia (of course I can't sleep when the girls start sleeping better!), weak, tired - OH.SO.TIRED!

Weight Gain: Probably the same as last week. I'm too lazy to get up and go weigh myself, so between 13-15 lbs. I think.

Emotions: Getting more and more excited for her arrival!

Best Moment of the Week: Not completely baby related...but going shopping with my MIL to make some cute Christmas shirts for the girls! Putting away Fall things and getting out CHRISTMAS!!!! Also something exciting...realizing that our Diapers For Diva's fund is making through the girl's whole first year! SO thankful for so many wonderful people who have donated!!

Movement: Every moment of the day and night - I don't think she EVER sleeps! I love it!

Maternity Clothes: Everything! I really feel pregnant these days!

Stretchmarks: They are looking more and more noticeable than last time - wait - I couldn't SEE them last time, so this time I just actually can see them on the bottom of my belly! HAHA!

Sleep: Naps are great, but then I can't sleep at night, I have such a hard time falling asleep, even when taking a benadryl. No nap, doesn't help at all either! I don't know. No caffeine, no sugar...just pregnancy I'm guessing!

Food Cravings: Anything and everything...especially if I don't have to make it!

Aversions: Things that make heartburn worse!

Gender: A Little Miss!

What I Miss: Wine, sleeping comfortably and not peeing every second!

What I am Looking Forward to: Decorating for Christmas! AH!

And here are my weekly bump photos with comparisons to the girls!

Ahhh, I scared myself looking at that!

28 Weeks!

How Far Along: 28 weeks/7 Months!

How Big is Little Miss E: The average fetus is the size of an eggplant (about 1.5-2.2 lbs.) However, last week, she was 2 lbs. 4 oz.!! Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes (thebump.com).
Weight Gain: Well I was 145 lbs...and two weeks ago I was 140 lbs...so I guess about 13-15 pounds!

Symptoms: Thirsty, tired, weak, peeing a lot, contractions

Emotions: Getting more and more excited for the holidays and it getting closer to meeting Little Miss! Since I have been doing so much stuff to prepare for the girls 1st Birthday, I have been going through all the photos of them when they were born and so tiny, and I can't believe I will have another little lady in the house soon! So exciting and I feel so blessed to be given another chance to carry a baby (hopefully to term), deliver a baby and raise another beautiful daughter!

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing her last week for awhile at the peri, and of course making sure everything is doing great with her.

Movement: All of the time! She is so active! I LOVE watching my belly move all around, especially in the evening, I just never get tired of feeling her move!

Maternity Clothes: Of course! :)

Stretchmarks: No new ones I don't think. My stretchmarks are getting a little itchy and my c-section scar is really starting to hurt/ache.
Sleep: Going great and especially on the nights when the girls sleep better!

Food Cravings: Pumpkin Cake!!!! And still anything apple!

Aversions: Nothing!

Gender: A Little Miss! However, now we are having issues about how to actually spell her name. I was going to spell it the common way, but now I kinda like another way too, so I don't know. She might be Little Miss A, instead of Little Miss E! We'll see!

What I Miss: Wine!

What I am Looking Forward to: Little Miss growing more and more and getting to see her more frequently.

And here are my comparison bump photos...

27 Weeks!

Here's my post at 27 Weeks with the girls and another when I went to the hospital to be monitored.

As for this pregnancy with Little Miss E...

How Far Along: 27 weeks!

How Big is Miss E: The girls are the size of eggplants (about 13.6 to 14.8 inches and 1.5 to 2.2 lbs.). (This will also stay the same until Week 29!) Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving the babies a healthy pink glow. The babies are also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and each baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes (thebump.com).

She was 2 lbs. 4 oz yesterday (11.02.11) at the perinatalogist office! I cannot believe at only 27 weeks, she is only 9 oz away from what Natalee weighed at 32w2d! That's so crazy to me! I can't believe (God-willing) we will have a normal, average-sized baby! She'll be huge compared to our girls when they were born!

I also was measuring perfectly for how far along I was! And blood pressure was great too, amen!

Glucose test, next week!

Weight Gain: Last week at the OB, I had gained a total of 11 lbs. Not bad!

Symptoms: Peeing all of the time, sooo tried, weak ( I really need to be eating more, but it's hard to find the time some days!), contractions (about 10 a day), hungry...tired, tired, tired!

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing Little Miss at the perinatalogist since they do so much more than the OB's office. I'll be going there every two weeks from now on, to make sure I don't go into early labor again!

Movement: ALL OF THE TIME!!! I love it!!!!! I'm cherishing every single moment!

Maternity Clothes: Of course.

Stretchmarks: No new ones, but my other ones from the girls are really getting itchy, so I know they are stretching, and my c-section scar is hurting some days too.

Cravings: French fries!

Aversions: Nothing.

Gender: Another princess!

What I Miss: Wine!

Sleep: Not getting a whole lot these days with three teething babies, you can only imagine my nights!!!!! Naps everyday though when I can and they are wonderful!

What I am Looking Forward to: Seeing Little Miss every two weeks from now on and of course DECORATING for CHRISTMAS, next weekend! Oh, winter wonderland, just the thought makes me smile!!!! Plus, organizing and working on the girls first birthday party!

24-26 Weeks

Goodness gosh, I'm over six months already?!? Phew! I'm loving being pregnant this time around and feel that I can go around and be that "cute little pregnant lady" that I couldn't be when I was pregnant with the girls because I was on bed rest and feeling like a whale, not too mention I didn't want to risk going into labor even earlier than I did!

How Far Along: 24-26 Weeks/6 Months! Here's my post of 6 Months with the girls!
How Big is Little Miss: Still around the size of a papaya! She is settling into sleep cycles, baby snoozes 12 to 14 hours a day. Skin is becoming more opaque and it's taking on a pink glow!

Weight Gain: Maybe +3-5, or as much as 7...not too much! But I have definitely started eating waaaay more and drinking my whole milk with chocolate at least once a day! I was weighed at the OB on Wednesday and weighed 140 lbs...not too bad!
Symptoms: Some back pain, tiredness, easily weak and tired after not doing much, some minor contractions (around 3-5 a day) but I can tell they are getting stronger.

Emotions: Fine! Every time I see a newborn, I squirm with happiness!

Best Moment of the Week: Just feeling Little Miss all of the time. I love every moment of it and cherish it so much! She moves sooo much, just like the girls did! And of course seeing her cute little self on the sonogram!

Looking at us!

Movement: All day, everyday, but most active in the evening and at night! I thought the girls moved a lot, but really, I don't remember them moving as much as Little Miss is!

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes!

Sleep: Going great when I do sleep! Of course loving naps! And the dreams...oh the dreams!

Food Cravings: Hmm...everything! Chocolate, but it gives me the worst heartburn! Apples!
Aversions: Nothing I can think of!

Gender: A Little Miss! And who FINALLY has a name! Well, it's what I have been calling her since day 1, but it was convincing Tim, but finally he said, "we can name her whatever you want!" Duh! So happy though, it's the most perfect name to me!

What I Miss: Wine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What I am Looking Forward to: Hmm...the snow that is falling outside right now! Planning the girl's first birthday party! and of course growing bigger and bigger with Little Miss!

Side Notes: One person on the last weekly update commented that I was measuring (or looking like) almost full-term and just as big as I was when I was pregnant with the girls! I couldn't believe it...seriously, LOOK AT THESE PHOTOS! Haha, I am so not as big right now as I was with the girls! At 24 weeks pregnant with the girls, I was measuring FULL-TERM! This pregnancy with Little Miss is completely measuring normal and right on track. She is growing great and I am forever thankful. I may look bigger than I am, but let me ASSURE everyone, that I no way am as big as I was with the girls. Sometimes I look at my belly and really, I could just look a little fat in my belly, and not even pregnant! My belly is no way as heavy or full-feeling like I was with the girls, nor am I having near as many contractions and pain as I did with the girls. With the girls pregnancy I went downhill from Week 24 on, this pregnancy I hope and pray that will not be the case!

Anyway, here are my bump photos for the past few weeks:

Week 25 pregnancy photos with the girls, click on the link above!

Please excuse all my stretch marks...I don't know if I can post the straight on photo of my belly ever again. I mean I know I had triplets, but ugh, I just don't like the way it looks now, and really I guess it's not too bad, but I don't know!