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:

Wordless Wednesday: Just some diapers to get us through a few weeks!

There is just something about diaper packages that these girls go CRAZY over...well that and the super fun boxes!

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!

Who Needs Actual Baby Gear?

I guess I didn't realize that under the exersaucer is waaaaaay more fun then actually being in it!

Oh Miss Madelynn...you never cease to amaze me!

And who needs baby toys when we have the computer mouse to play with...

Or remember that mulch? That was SO fun and tasty!

Oh and Mommy or Daddy's phone keeps us entertained and is great for chewing on!

And the remote.....it always quiets a screaming child in our home!

Or paper..cannot forget about paper! All that crinkling!

And measuring cups or tupperware...God's best invention for fussy babies!

And our sister's feet sometimes feels good on our growing teeth!

Or we can't forget about the straps on the stroller...those always taste so yummy!

Wait....let me taste your strap!

I wonder why we have so many baby toys when all these things are so entertaining, fun and yummy!?

Our First Bath All Together!

Finally we decided to put all the girls in their big-girl bath seats together in the tub. They all had such a blast!

Madelynn was a little unsure of the situation at first, she likes to lay back and relax in the tub and having to share with her sisters was a new experience for her, but she quickly became ok with it.

Madelynn - she always has her legs crossed! Such a proper little lady...well, until she starts growling at me! See the purple duck - it sleeps with her too! Can we say ATTACHED?

Natalee was cracking up the whole time and I don't think I have ever seen her smile so big. She has always LOVED the bath but she was seriously hammin' it up in there with her sisters!

And Claire, she was just as happy as ever!

Refusing to put down her whale!

So, I think this is how we will be doing baths now! It KILLS my back, but good thing Daddy is the main tub-washing-man! So thankful for such a helpful and involved hubby!

Oh how these sweet little girls make my world!

Wordless Wednesday: Natalee loves Grandpa's Redskin Hat!!

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!

These Girls are CRAZY!

It's getting harder and harder to convince Madelynn, Claire and Natalee that Mommy wants them to sit still to take some photos of their cute little selves! They are crazy and just want nothing to do with sitting still!!! They are such hams but I wouldn't want it any other way! I love them sooo much!

My Little Ladies!

Crazy Claire!!

Natalee is like, "I am so done with this, Mommy! I'm going to eat my dress!"

This is Madelynn's normal pose, along with a BIG rrrrrrrrr! "I'm coming to get you, Mommy!!!!!"

Just another crazy day in our house!!!